5.1.1

Direct Address

Test yourself

DAFORESTER - Direct Address

Direct address is when you talk directly to the reader, using the pronouns ‘we’, ‘you’ or ‘us’. This is a great technique for persuading the reader, as it suggests that the reader and writer are on the same side.

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We

  • We must not give up.
    • In this phrase, the pronoun ‘we’ is used to directly address the reader.
    • Direct address is used to make the reader feel like part of a team with the writer/speaker.
    • The collective pronoun ‘we’ makes it seem like the writer and the reader have a common goal.
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You

  • How would you feel?
    • In this phrase, the pronoun ‘you’ is used to directly address the reader.
    • Direct address is used to make the reader feel like the writer/speaker is talking directly to them – it suggests that the advice and information the writer has is directly applicable for, and important to, the reader.
    • The collective pronoun ‘you’ makes it seem like the writer has a direct message for the reader, specifically for them.
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Us and we

  • When that happens to us, we have to stick together.
    • In this phrase, the pronouns ‘us’ and ‘we’ are used to directly address the reader.
    • Direct address is used to make the reader feel like part of a team with the writer/speaker.
    • The collective pronouns ‘us’ and ‘we’ make it seem like the writer and the reader have a common goal.
    • The common goal is reinforced by the use of two collective pronouns.

Tips for Using Direct Address

Direct address is when you talk directly to the reader, using the pronouns ‘we’, ‘you’ or ‘us’.

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Use a variety of pronouns

  • Use a variety of second-person and collective pronouns (‘you’, ‘we’, ‘us’).
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Use the appropriate pronoun

  • Decide whether you want to talk at your reader, or whether you want to be a team with your reader – then select the appropriate pronoun.
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Choose vocabulary carefully

  • Your choice of vocabulary is vital in creating your language devices effectively.

Jump to other topics

1Key Terms

2Language Techniques

3Paper 1: Reading

4Paper 1: Writing

5Paper 2: Reading

6Paper 2: Writing

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