Identifying Persuasive Techniques

Tuesday 13 March 2012

Final Reflection

Over the pass three weeks, we have been looking at persuasive texts, mostly articles and cartoons, and analysing them. All of the articles are somewhat related to the Australian Education System and some of them talks about the Gonski Review. We discussed which persuasive devices were used and the intended effects for them. We also looked at a couple of political cartoons and interpreted them to see the underlying messages. All of the articles use a wide range of persuasive devices, especially connotations and appeals.

I think the reason the authors decided to use lots of connotations is because the author is seeking to persuade the audience and he/she does this because making an implication. By reading the article, the reader is not forced to accept the implication, but is encouraged to at least agree with it.

In nearly all of the articles, an appeal was used. This is because all of the articles were discussing the issues about education and the audiences of these articles will be primarily parents. Every parents would want they child to succeed to by using these different types of appeals, the authors are able to trigger an emotional feeling of fear, happiness, satisfaction and shame. The authors are able to target the parents concerns for their child, manipulate their feelings and in turn, persuade them.

All articles and cartoons were taken from:

http://www.theage.com.au/
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/

Third and Final Summary

Our first persuasive piece is a political cartoon. The cartoon is discussing about the Gonski review and how Julia Gillard doesn't need Gonski any more. This is evident in the cartoon with Gillard saying, "A big class farewell to the relief teacher, Mr Gonski". This statement suggests that Gonski isn't going to last very long, like how a relief teacher takes over the class only until the original teacher is back again.

In the cartoon, Gonski is portrayed as some sort of captain of a ship with a chest full of treasure. He is also riding a unicorn and they are seen as mythical creatures. The portrayal of Gonski indicates that he is doing a good thing by being a "hero" and trying to assist the children with his gold. He is also wielding a sword, something that is also "hero-like". Around Gonski is a bright aura and sparkly dust. This further supports the idea that Gonski is trying to help as bright colours are usually associated with the good.

The students in this cartoon seem to look up to Gonski. They are standing on tables which could be seen as a sign of respect and admiration. The cartoon is also titled "Oh Captain! My Captain." This is commonly used only when addressing a captain, so this could suggest that the children see Gonski as a leader and as someone who could help them.

The Cartoon overall is trying to say that David Gonski's actions are good and could aid the students. However, Julia Gillard sees it as a temporary solution with the comparison of David Gonski and a "relief teacher".