Persuasive Language in Media Texts

Identifying and Commenting on AFOREST

A Quick Reminder…

Alliteration

Facts/Flattery

Opinions

Repetition/Rhetorical Questions

Emotive Language

Statistics

Three (rule of)

In the Exam

You will be expected to identify and comment on the features of AFOREST in a text.

PRESENTATIONAL DEVICES: font, colour, layout, pictures, captions etc.

LANGUAGE: AFOREST

The Effects of AFOREST on the reader

1. Alliteration

Alliteration draws attention to certain words or phrases. You must mention WHY the writer wanted to highlight these particular words/phrases.

e.g. “Calling all funky females! Try our nifty new pocket straighteners…”

2. Facts

Facts may encourage or dissuade the reader. They give the reader a deeper understanding of the issue.

e.g. “Thousands of people have used our great product!”

“Global warming has become a controversial issue in recent years.”

3. Flattery

This is an attempt to get the reader on-side; the reader will be more sympathetic to the argument if they feel flattered.

e.g. “A stylish guy like you wouldn’t be without marvellous MAXO hair

gel!”

4. Opinions presented as facts

These have a similar effect to real facts. They might be read as though they are real facts; in this way they fool the reader (to an extent).

e.g. “Joanna in Sheffield says these are the best straighteners she’s ever bought.”

“The idea of God’s non-existence is completely ludicrous.”

5. Repetition

Like alliteration, this draws attention to a particular word or phrase (the one being repeated). Again, you must explain WHY the writer chose to do this.

e.g. “Education, education, education!”

“I believe, I truly believe, that we must work harder to end global warming.”

6. Rhetorical Questions

These invite the reader to think about the answer. They are usually closed questions (yes or no answers) and help guide the reader towards a certain conclusion.

e.g. “Do you really believe that the Conservative party are cut out for government?”

“Can you imagine life without modern technology?”

7. Emotive Language

This is language designed to elicit an emotional response in the reader. It makes them feel a certain way and, again, by doing this guides them towards a certain conclusion.

e.g. “How can we even consider such things when there are children dying in Africa?”

“We will be truly disappointed if we don’t get to visit the theme park.”

8. Statistics

These are a type of fact and therefore have a similar effect. However, statistics can be manipulated to appear positive or negative and you should watch out for this.

e.g. “7/10 men prefer MAXO hair gel.”

9. Three (rule of)

This is another form of repetition. As such, it serves to highlight/emphasise certain words and phrases and you should explain WHY these particular words/phrases have been chosen.

Writers might also, for example, use three items in a list or write three rhetorical questions side by side. This helps to hammer home their point, and emphasises it.

e.g. “Education, education, education!”“Can we, as a society, allow this to happen? Can we stand by and watch? Can you?”“There are any reasons: the money, the job satisfaction and the great people are just a few examples.”