Critical Reading
B2 Lesson 3: Persuasion Techniques
Goal:
Identify the "secret tools" authors use to influence your opinion or make you act.
1. Key Concepts
Persuade
បញ្ចុះបញ្ចូល (To convince)
Technique
បច្ចេកទេស (Method/Tool)
Influence
ឥទ្ធិពល (To affect)
Emotive
ដែលរំជួលចិត្ត (Emotional)
2. The Persuasion Toolkit
Writers use these 4 tools to change your mind. Watch out for them!
[Image of a tool box]
Emotive Language
Using strong words to make you feel happy, sad, or angry.
Ex: "Tragic," "Amazing," "Disgusting"
Rhetorical Questions
Questions that don't need an answer. They make you think.
Ex: "Do you want to lose money?"
Facts & Statistics
Using numbers, data, or science to prove a point.
Ex: "80% of people agree..."
Direct Address
Speaking directly to the reader using "You" or "Your".
Ex: "You can make a difference."
3. Deconstruction Lab
Read this campaign poster about Mekong Dolphins. Notice the tools.
"Are we going to let these beautiful creatures disappear forever?"
Tool: Rhetorical Question
"Only 89 Irrawaddy dolphins remain in the Mekong River."
Tool: Fact / Statistic
"It would be a heartbreaking tragedy to lose them."
Tool: Emotive Language
"You must act now to save them."
Tool: Direct Address
4. Identify the Trick
1. "Do you want to be healthy?"
2. "This food is absolutely disgusting!"
3. "You can change the world."
