Writers of opinion essays present a point of view and use rhetoric to persuade. In an essay defending boredom, the writer opens with a direct question to the reader and a vivid simile: time “stretches like warm chewing gum”.
The structure is part of the rhetoric: each benefit is introduced with “Consider…”, a counter-argument is acknowledged (“Of course, not all boredom is good”), and the ending offers “a modest proposal”.
Analyse tone as well as technique. A gently humorous, reasonable tone can be more persuasive than an angry one, because readers feel respected.
Worked example
Why does the writer admit that “not all boredom is good”?
- It concedes a limit to the argument.
- Concession makes the writer seem fair and credible.
Answer:To appear balanced, which makes the main argument more convincing.
Key words
- rhetoric
- the art of persuasive language
- tone
- the writer's attitude
- concession
- admitting an opposing point
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: RI.9-10.6