INFORMATIVE WRITING TECHNIQUES:

EFFECT ON THE
TECHNIQUE DEFINITION EXAMPLE
READER
A group of words Makes the text catchy–it
Alliteration beginning with the same Smoking sucks sticks in the reader’s
sound. head.
Any question in a piece Makes the reader feel like
Rhetorical
of writing that does not Do you want to die young? as if the text is
question
require an answer. specifically for them.
Writing a word or phrase Smoking is stupid. Smoking is Emphasises important
Repetition
more than once. pointless. points.
Makes the topic of the
Words that elicit a
Emotive Smoking is barbaric and text seem overly good or
powerful emotional
language torturous. bad, depending on the
response.
purpose of the text.
Makes the text seem
8 out of 10 smokers want to
Statistics Numerical facts and data. authoritative and
quit.
accurate.
Makes the text catchy–it
List of three things in a Smoking is expensive, anti-
Three (rule of) sticks in the reader’s
sentence. social and harmful.
head.

Dramatically emphasises
Exaggeration Overstating a point. One puff could kill us all.
an important point.

Referring to the reader Makes the reader feel like

Direct address directly with the You need to give up smoking. as if the text is
pronouns ‘we’ or ‘you’. specifically for them.

A person of your
Complimenting your
Flattery intelligence deserves
audience.
much better than this.

A personal viewpoint In my view, this is the best

Opinion often presented as if thing to have ever
fact. happened.

Exaggerated language It is simply out of this

Hyperbole
used for effect. world – stunning!

Imperative
Instructional language Get on board and join us!
command 

Three points to Safer streets

Triples
support an argument. mean comfort,
 reassurance and peace
of mind for you, your
family and your friends
Consider what your
Some people might say
Handling opposition might say
that uniforms save time,
objections and deal with it before
however…
they do.
Using real life
One girl in a school in
Anecdote examples to support
Dartford claims…
your argument.