Read the following article by Professor John Fitzgerald entitled ‘Don’t panic: the ice ‘pandemic’ is a myth’ and answer the 14 questions that follow:
Answer the following questions in full sentences, including evidence (i.e. quotes) from the article to support your claims. When discussing persuasive techniques remember to both identify the technique clearly, including direct reference to it’s use the text, and explain the effect it has on the reader.
Questions:
- What is the writer’s contention?
- Describe the tone of this article. Does the tone change over the course of the article?
- Find an example of inclusive language in the article. What effect does the use of this language have on the reader?
- Annotate and highlight examples of expert opinion, the use of facts, statistics and research findings. What impact do these have on the persuasiveness of the writer’s contention?
- Locate when the writer uses rhetorical questions. What effect do these have?
- Where does the writer use a personal anecdote? What is the effect of this?
- Find an example of language that carries negative connotations. What effect do these have on the reader?
- The writer uses a number of appeals. Describe at least two of these and explain their effect on the audience.
- Where does the writer use repetition? What effect does this have?
- Had the writer used imagery or figurative language? Again, what effect do these techniques have?
- Where does the writer use logic? What effect does this have?
- Can you find examples of emotive language? What effect does this technique have?
- Can you find examples of colloquial language? What effect does this technique have?
- Can you find the use of a generalisation? What effect does this technique have?
Revision: Homelessness Article
You can download a copy of the article ‘Homeless don’t choose to do it tough on our streets’ here:
You can download a copy of the answers to the accompanying questions here:
