Is using persuasive techniques deceptive? Persuasive Text Is using persuasive techniques deceptive?

Persuasive Text A persuasive text is a nonfiction work in which the author’s purpose is to support or oppose an argument and convince a specific audience to agree with that proposition (claim) or opinion. Persuasive texts often include a call to action, an argument to convince people to take a particular action. Authors of persuasive texts often use rhetorical structures and devices – patterns of words and ideas that create emphasis and stir emotion.

Common Rhetorical Devices Ethos Logos Pathos Parallelism Repetition Analogy Restatement

Logos = logical argument Appeals to reason based on verifiable evidence, such as facts, statistics, research or expert testimony. Quoted authorities Cause and Effect information Analogies or comparisons Common sense information Shared values Precedents

Ethos = credibility/character Appeals to the conscience, ethics, morals, standards, values, and principles. Author or speaker tries to convince you he is of good character. Qualified to make his claims. Cites relevant authorities. Quotes others accurately and fairly.

Pathos = emotions Statements are intended to affect listeners’ feelings about a subject. These statements often include charged language – words with strong positive or negative associations. Appeals to the heart Sympathy Passions Sentimentality Uses imagery, figurative language

Parallelism Repeating a grammatical structure or an arrangement of words to create rhythm and momentum Example: “I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi….I have a dream that my four little children will one day….I have a dream that one day down in Alabama…I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted…” Dr. King uses the parallel clauses “I have a dream,” to link his visions of justice, equality and unity in the United States

Repetition Using the same words frequently to reinforce concepts and unify the speech Example: “Now is the time to make real promises…Now is the time to rise from the dark…Now is the time to lift our nation…Now is the time to make justice a reality….” Dr. King uses repetition of the word “Now” to emphasize the urgency of righting the wrongs in American society.

Analogy Drawing a comparison that shows a similarity between two unlike things Example: “In a sense we’ve come to our nation’s Capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Dr. King used an analogy between a financial transaction and the idea of justice to show the purpose of government is to protect the “unalienable rights” of its citizens.

Restatement Expressing the same idea in different words to clarify and stress key points Example “We cannot walk alone…we can never be satisfied…Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.” Dr. King uses restatement to drive home his point.