Scientist Language

Techniques

EvidenceThe use of facts, figures and statistics to suggest a rational or scientific basis for a point of view.

What persuasive effect does using evidence have on the reader?

Evidence, particularly numbers and scientific figures appear factual. This makes the writer’s point of view seem objective as opposed to subjective or based on opinion.

What is the danger in accepting all evidence as factual?

Is scientific evidence always infallible?

Remember that even numbers and scientific results canbe excluded or included very selectively depending onwhat the writer wants to portray.

Look at the example on page 186. What has the writer chosen to exclude and include?

Reason and LogicReason and logic is used throughout an article to link ideas together and develop an argument in support of the contention.

What persuasive effect does using reason and logichave on the reader?

Reason and logic gives the impression that the writer is well-informed and that their point of view is true, not just opinion. It also means that opposing argumentswill seem less convincing.

What is the relationship between reason and logic and tone?

Look through the newspapers provided and choose one article. Analyse how the writer uses reason and logic to back up their main contention. Compare this to their tone. Write a paragraph about 4 or 5 sentences discussing how the tone and reason and logic is used specifically to persuade.

ConnotationsA connotation is the subjective cultural and emotional meaning and feeling behind a word or a phrase. These can be positive or negative.

What persuasive effect does using connotationshave on the reader?

While a word can have a similar literal meaning to a different word, the connotation behind it can cause an emotional effect on the reader. Connotations are closelylinked to emotive language and scientific language.

What is the connotation of the following words:strong-willed, pig-headed, creative, eccentric, hard working, workaholic, fanatic, passionate, whimsy, airheaded, weird, individual.In your book, look at the emotive language headlines youwrote. Under each word, list the connotation of each word and how that connotation affects the reader.

Line Debate!The techniques which you have looked at today all have their pros and cons when being used in speeches, articles and other persuasive pieces but certain ones are better in certain forms…

“Using emotional techniques such as attacks, generalisations and hyperbole is the most effective way of persuading people”