Elements in a Text

Appeals:

  • Logos – appeals to sources that are factual and relevant. Includes data, facts and statistics. Can be used alongside ethos.

Example: "According to multiple studies conducted by reputable scientists, it is evident that regular exercise can improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases."

  • Pathos – appeals to feelings and stirs up emotion. It can be used to show an emotional part of the argument, who the argument will affect and show what the stakes are. It can elicit a feeling of compassion from readers and which can make readers take action on the issue. 

Example: "Imagine the joy on a child's face when they receive a gift on their birthday. By donating to our organization, you can bring happiness and make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children."

Descriptive language, Anecdotes, Similes and metaphors all create an emotional appeal.

  • Ethos – show that trustworthy, knowledgeable, individuals agree with the claim. Sometimes, the authors can appeal with their own expertise. They can also cite an expert who can provide a trustworthy opinion on a topic. 

Example: "As a doctor with over 20 years of experience, I can assure you that this medication is safe and effective. I have personally seen remarkable improvements in my patients' health after using it."

Characterization 

How the author  portrays a character. 

  • Direct  – clearly states what the character does or they look like. (Said)

  • Indirect  – hints how the character is like through hidden meanings. (Shows)

Characterization depends on:

  • Speech

  • Thoughts

  • Effect on others

  • Actions

  • Looks


Point-of-view — is the perspective from which a story is told.

Types of characters

  • Dynamic – changes throughout the story.

Example: A shy and timid student gains confidence and becomes a leader.

  • Static – Has characteristics but doesn’t change. 

Example:  A grumpy old man who remains grumpy throughout the story.

  • Round – Experiences changes but never actually changes (character-wise)

Example:  A character who experiences various challenges and learns from them, but their core values and beliefs remain the same.

  • Flat – Basic, side character, no characterization, extra, unimportant 

Example:  A shopkeeper who only appears briefly to serve a purpose in the scene and has no further development.


Sarcasm

Commonly used to mock. To clarify, sarcasm serves as a purpose to mock, verbal irony doesn't.

Parody

Take a piece of literature and change it mockingly. Purpose: humor

Theme

Underlying message. Main idea. The whole story

Motif 

Can be 1 word. It’s a message repeated throughout the story. It refers to the theme. They’re elements and symbols that give readers more certainty about the theme.