The Propaganda Model

1
STYLE
Style is the way language is used words,
phrases, sentences, paragraphs and whole texts.
Style is described with adjectives such as

• academic
• business-like
• colloquial
• cultured
• formal
• informal
• poetic
• precise
• vulgar

2
STYLE Formal and informal
The two main categories of style are formal and
informal. The choice of formal or informal
language communicates social messages, such as

• respect vs. intimacy
• distance vs. solidarity
• expertise vs. openness
• trustworthiness vs. friendliness

3
STYLE Formal and informal
Formality is expressed through the following

• Diction
• Syntax
• Verb forms
• Noun phrases
• Sentence complexity
• Length
• Clause structure
• Completeness
• Attitude
• Involvement
• Commitment (modality)
• Point of view
• Structure

4
Diction

• FORMAL
• Words are
• long
• rare
• abstract
• specific
• of French, Latin or Greek origin

• INFORMAL
• Words are
• short
• common
• concrete
• general
• of Anglo-Saxon or Germanic origin

5
Syntax
Noun phrases Informal texts tend to favour that
clauses for post-modification
Verbs Formal texts favour passive verb
forms Informal texts favour active verb forms
6
Sentence complexity

• INFORMAL
• Sentences
• are short
• favour coordination
• feature ellipsis and contractions

• FORMAL
• Sentences
• are long
• favour subordination
• use full verb forms

7
Attitude
INVOLVEMENT Formal texts are impersonal,
objective and neutral Informal texts are
personal, subjective and emotive
COMMITMENT Formal texts are tentative and
indirect Informal texts are direct,
straightforward and blunt
8
Structure
FORMAL Longer paragraphs, tightly organised with
cohesive devices such as linking words
INFORMAL Looser organisation, may rely on short
paragraphs to separate individual ideas