Alliteration is when a writer uses a series of words that begin with the same letter or sound. In persuasive writing, alliteration is often used to emphasise a particular phrase or idea.
Because it’s memorable, you will frequently find alliteration in brand names and advertising copy. Many of the cliches that have worked their way into our everyday speech are also alliterative: the grass is always greener; a bee in your bonnet; a labour of love; a sight for sore eyes; another day, another dollar.
Because alliteration is memorable and catchy, writers often use alliteration to emphasis those words, phrases or ideas that they want to linger in their readers’ minds.
Alliteration in action
Read the article ‘Fairer funding for schools’. Identify the issue, contention, audience and tone of the piece. Identify the persuasive techniques in the piece and explain the effect the are intended to have on the audience.
Click here to download the ‘Fair funding for schools’ worksheet to help you analyse this article.