Words, words, words. The function of words in persuasive writing is the focus of a group activity that asks members to analyze how words advertisers use are designed to influence targeted audiences.

Concepts

diction, word choice, persuasive language, target audiences, tone, persuasive techniques, persuasion

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Additional Tags

english language arts

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the activity to introduce a study of persuasive writing and/or of connotation and denotation
• Model for class members how to create a word bank for an extended metaphor
• Bring in advertisements that target a variety of audiences and have groups analyze how the language used in their ad is specifically designed to appeal to their audience

Classroom Considerations

• Rather than making colored copies of the handout, project the image and have one member of each group act as recorder

Pros

• The activity focuses attention on the importance of word choice in persuasive writing/communication

Cons

• No opportunity for independent practice is included; therefore, ask individuals to craft a persuasive paragraph as an exit ticket

Common Core

RL.9-10.5 L.9-10.3.a L.11-12.3.a L.11-12.5.a