Purpose
This task is designed to assess your skills in analysing how language can be used to persuade people of a particular point of view.
Steps
Begin by firstly reading the task and the information that is given on the first page. Underline the key features (e.g. the text type, author etc).
Secondly, read the text in full. Note down the main contention of the author and the overall tone.
Thirdly, continue by re-reading the text looking for the supporting arguments. They will use persuasive language/techniques.
Why have they written what they have? What intended effect did they want to have on the reader? How is the reader positioned?
Fourthly, look at the visual (if present). Where is it placed in the piece?
Note: Look at the image/cartoon section of the 'Persuasive Techniques' page for more help with analysing visuals.
Lastly, write the analysis!
Secondly, read the text in full. Note down the main contention of the author and the overall tone.
Thirdly, continue by re-reading the text looking for the supporting arguments. They will use persuasive language/techniques.
Why have they written what they have? What intended effect did they want to have on the reader? How is the reader positioned?
Fourthly, look at the visual (if present). Where is it placed in the piece?
Note: Look at the image/cartoon section of the 'Persuasive Techniques' page for more help with analysing visuals.
Lastly, write the analysis!
Areas to focus on
ISSUE
TONE
LANGUAGE
- What is the actual issue in discussion?
- What is the point of view of the author? What is their position and how will this influence their writing? It may involve information about them (age, gender, race, job, political orientation).
- Why did they write the piece? What was their motivation/intention?
- How does the writer wish to effect the reader/audience? How do they position the reader?
- Who is the audience? Is someone the target? Whose opinion is the author trying to challenge?
TONE
- What is the overall tone?
- Does the tone change?
LANGUAGE
- What order does the author present the arguments in? Is there any relevance to this?
- Where in the text does the author situate the most important arguments/ideas/information? Is it at the beginning? Do they build it towards the end?
- Does the author use emotive words? Why? What are these words normally associated with?
- What techniques are used and what is the intended effect?
