Exercise 28, p. 67: Aim for an impact
- Ms Johnson uses startling statistics to draw attention to the amount of food that is wasted. The purpose is to shock and shame people who throw out a lot of food. Ms Johnson uses a contrasting statistics to make us feel sorry for those who are desperately hungry. The facts relating to the 10.9 million children are used to exacerbate our sense of shame; the author refers to the fact that so many people are starving while others are being profligate.
- Mr Doherty uses statistics about the cattle and the chickens to shock and shame us about our treatment of animals. The author suggests that many people are hypocritical because they do not pay enough attention to the cruelty to animals in our own “backyards”.
- Mr Nun uses references to the knives to alarm us about the dangers on the streets. The author seeks to assuage /relieve our fears by providing a solution that would keep us safer.
(For detailed analysis of techniques and purpose, See Exercise 28: Taking it further)
- See Chapter 3: Persuasive Strategies
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