Analysing Argument - English

Opinion piece (written)

• Typically seen in a newspaper or magazine

• Presents a clear viewpoint on a current issue

• Uses persuasive language to support arguments

Opinion piece (audio-visual)

• Similar to the above, however authors are able to use the following to be more persuasive:

  • Tone

  • Images

  • Body language

  • Pause/pace

Blog post

• Typically in an informal and conversational tone

• Expresses personal opinions

• May often use personal anecdotes to make a point

Speech

• A persuasive piece that is orally delivered to a specific audience

• Typically, the purpose of a persuasive speech is to persuade listeners to adopt a particular viewpoint and/or inspire action.

• When analysing the language of a speech, it is important to consider how the words would be delivered (including where the writer indicates emphasis, change in tone etc.)

Comment

• Short and concise, posted in response to an article (in either a formal publication like a newspaper or on social media)

• Aims to engage with ongoing discussions

Letter to the editor

• Addressed to the editor or magazine

• Expresses opinions or concerns on current events or community issues

• Often supported by personal experiences or evidence

Editorial

• Written by editors of newspapers or magazines, lending authors a degree of authority

• Expresses the publication's official stance on an issue

Petitions

• Calls for action or change through bringing people together

• Often aims to influence authorities or organisations

Cartoons

• Visual commentary that is often satirical

• The primary goal is to provoke thought and stimulate debate by presenting a humorous or exaggerated perspective on real-world events or people

Vehemently

to do something in a forceful, passionate, or intensely emotional manner

Perennial

When describing concepts, situations, or problems, "perennial" means enduring, never-ending, or happening repeatedly.

ardently

to do something with passionate, intense emotion, fierce enthusiasm, or deep conviction

lauding

to praise, extol, commending, honouring, or express enthusiastic approval for someone or something

Enshroud

to cover, conceal, or envelop something completely, making it difficult to see, understand, or know or hide facts

Scathingly

describes the manner of speaking, writing, or acting in a way that is bitterly severe, harsh, or scornful. When someone acts or speaks scathingly, their remarks are designed to cause sharp emotional pain, mock the target, or inflict intense criticism

hostile

a strong feeling of unfriendliness, antagonism, or opposition. It typically refers to behavior characteristic of an enemy or an environment that is harsh and difficult to survive in

semantically

the literal meaning or interpretation of words, symbols, or language within a specific context

subliminally

in a way that is not recognized or understood by the conscious mind, but still has an influence on it:

superficially

Superficially means dealing only with what is on the surface, obvious, or apparent, rather than going into depth or detail. It indicates a lack of thoroughness, meaning something is considered or done lightly and without genuine substance

Inherent

a natural, basic, fundamental or permanent characteristic that is an inseparable part of something

Prevails

to win, succeed, or prove to be more powerful and widespread, often after a struggle or period of difficulty

Alarmism

the practice of exaggerating or overstating the magnitude, imminence, or consequences of a threat

Barrage

a concentrated, overwhelming delivery of something—such as gunfire, criticisms, or questions—directed at a target

Penultimate

Penultimate means "next to last" or "second to last" in a sequence or series

Ill-conceived

an idea, plan, or action that is badly planned, unwise, or flawed from its very origin

Rhetorical Question

encourages agreement, provokes reflection

Repetition

reinforces key ideas or emotional impact

Inclusive Language (“we,” “our”)

builds unity and solidarity

Exclusive Language (“they,” “them”)

sets up opposition or division

Hyperbole

exaggeration for dramatic effect or ridicule

Emotive Language

triggers emotional response

Alliteration

adds rhythm and emphasis, often in headlines

Colloquial Language / Slang

creates approachability or tone of authenticity

Reframing

encourages the audience to view an idea, event, person or thing in a different way to align with the author's argument

Irony or Sarcasm

highlights absurdity or hypocrisy

Connotative Language

 word choices that carry implied meanings

Analogy / Metaphor / Simile

simplifies complex ideas or makes comparisons

Humour

makes a piece more engaging, can undermine opposing views

Anecdote

personal story to add credibility or relatability

Direct Address

 involves the reader/audience directly

Imagery

appeals to the senses or creates vivid impressions

Short Sentences / Sentence Fragments

create impact or urgency

Juxtaposition

contrast that sharpens key differences

Facts / Statistics

use evidence or data to support a claim and build credibility

Generalisation

makes broad claims about a group or issue to simplify an argument

Attacks / Ridicule

 undermine an opposing person or viewpoint through criticism or mockery

Quote / Expert Opinion

draws on authoritative voices to increase credibility and trust

Emphatic Statements

express ideas with certainty or force to strengthen a position and persuade the audience

Mudslinging

Using insults and accusations, especially unjust ones, to damage a person’s reputation (might be true to some extent but it’s unfair/ exaggerated/ irrelevant)

Slander

False and defamatory verbal statement designed to damage a person’s reputation (untrue statements)

Scapegoating

Making someone bear the blame for the wrongdoings or faults of others

sanguine

positive thoughts - cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, or confident, especially in a difficult or uncertain situation

reverent

positive thoughts - showing deep, solemn respect and admiration

benevolent

positive and caring - expressing goodwill, kindly feelings, or a desire to do good

Elated

positive and lively - feeling extremely happy, excited, or proud, often as a result of a major accomplishment or positive news

Admonitory

something serving to warn, advise, or gently scold someone about their behavior

Discursive

passing aimlessly from one subject to another or dealing with topics more broadly through reasoning rather than intuition

apathetic

negative and passive - having or showing little to no interest, enthusiasm, or concern

discontented

negative and passive - feeling unhappy, restless, or dissatisfied with your current situation

foreboding

negative thoughts - a strong, uneasy inner feeling or premonition that something bad, unpleasant, or disastrous is going to happen

Apprehensive

negative and uncontrolled - the feeling of being worried, anxious, or fearful that something unpleasant might happen in the future

Belligerent

Negative and forceful - being hostile, aggressive, and eager to fight or argue

condescending

behaving in a patronizingly superior way

factious

argumentitive, divisive and rebellious - moving away from norms

Conciliatory

actions, gestures, or tones intended to end a disagreement, pacify an angry person, or reduce hostility

disparaging

criticizes someone or something in a way that shows a lack of respect, belittles them, or diminishes their value. It conveys contempt, disdain, or a strongly negative opinion.

forthright

direct, honest, and free from evasion

measured tone

a deliberate, calm, and highly controlled style of communication

moralising

a manner of speaking or writing that constantly judges behavior in terms of right and wrong, usually in a self-righteous, preachy, or tedious way

carping

the act of complaining all the time about matters that are not important

didactic

intended to teach, especially in a way that is too determined or eager, and often fixed and unwilling to change

incredulous

unwilling or unable to believe something

derisive

describes an action, tone, or expression that mocks, ridicules, or expresses deep contempt for someone or something

flippant

treating a serious subject or situation with a casual, disrespectful, or inappropriately light-hearted attitude. A flippant remark or behavior often dismisses the gravity of a matter, showing a lack of proper care or seriousness.

irreverent

a communication style that deliberately lacks the expected respect, seriousness, or deference for people, institutions, or traditions

words of similarity

Supports, reinforces, echoes, backs, reiterates, endorses, seconds, bolsters, upholds, confirms, corroborates, consolidates

words of difference

Undermines, contradicts, coveys an alternative message to, places pressure on, counters, bellies, challenges, calls into question, disputes, negates, opposes

Appeal to Common Sense

This is a practical, everyday knowledge that is accepted as obvious and therefore ‘true’.

Appeal to Tradition and Customs

Appeals to a sense of security based on the belief that rituals and tradition

Appeal to Hippocket Nerve

Threatens our financial well-being because we fear or believe that we are being overcharged or ‘ripped off’.

Appeal to Fear and Insecurity

Suggests that people’s safety, security, or freedom is at risk; often exaggerates a situation to present a ‘worst-case scenario’

Appeal to Sense of Justice

Plays on our belief that we all have the right to be treated fairly and we should strive for just outcomes

Appeal to loyalty and patriotism

Assumes a commitment to our group, a love of country, that old ways of doing things should be highly valued.

Praise

These present a person or group as outstanding, attractive etc.

synonyms for ‘criticise/undermine’

Antagonises Berates Challenges Condemn Criticises Degrades Denigrates Denounce Dismisses Questions Rebuts Refutes Rejects Satirises Trivialises

synonyms for ‘supports’

Acclaims Advocates Augments Commends Intensifies Lauds Promotes Propagates Reiterates Vindicates

synonyms for ‘argues;

Admits Aims Asserts Attempts to Considers Contends Educates Endeavours Strives

language to describe effect on audience

This article generates feelings of…

Incite/invites readers to…

Arouses deep concern in…

Leaves the reader with a sense of…

Affirms in the reader’s mind…

Encourages the public to…

Manipulates the reader by…

Diverts responsibility away from…

Exacerbates the controversy by…

Oversimplifies the issue by…

Provokes sympathy by…

Challenges readers…

Invites support by…

language to describe authors purpose/ intention

The writer probes…

The writer stresses…

The position the reader is asked to share is…

The writer questions…

Use of evocative and/or emotional imagery Sustained attack Barrage of facts and statistics

Sinister connotations of… '

Emphatic and/or convincing argument…

Derogatory labels Powerfully emotional plea…

Clear and logically framed argument…

Advocates the view that…

Refutes the notion that…

Rebuts allegations that…

Poses the idea that…

Provides an appraisal of…

Presents a critique of…

Endorses the position of…

Raises questions about…

Establishes the view that…

Demonstrates the significance of…

Highlights aspects…

Expresses unease…

Focuses on…

Casts doubts on…

Is sympathetic towards…

Disputes the validity of…

Dismisses as irrelevant and untrue…

Vigorously condemns…

Linking words

It is therefore clear… Is best illustrated by… Less obviously… Meanwhile… Overall… Hence… In addition… Consequently… As a result… Nevertheless… Also… As well as… Thus… In turn… In doing so… As such…

similar comparitives

Similarly… Synonymously… Much like… Alike… Likewise… Comparably…

different comparitives

Although… However.. In contrast… In comparison… Juxtaposed with… Unlike… On the contrary…