From 53ad4afc8bf0e9998ce0c5c829348f845b087b15 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Andrew Lorimer Date: Thu, 16 May 2019 11:05:34 +1000 Subject: [PATCH 1/1] [english] add to second practice analysis --- english/language-analysis.md | 10 +++++++++- 1 file changed, 9 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/english/language-analysis.md b/english/language-analysis.md index fe041e3..4306de0 100644 --- a/english/language-analysis.md +++ b/english/language-analysis.md @@ -22,6 +22,8 @@ - **Dyphemism** - negative expressions (humiliating/disapproving) - **Ad hominem** - personal attack +**Context** - include publication details (publication & date) + ## Aristotelian Appeals - **Logos** - logic, reasoning @@ -75,8 +77,14 @@ Supporting arguments 2. Personalise the despair 3. We are honour bound to do more +Pill testing is an issue which has attracted broad and passionate debate, concerning both young people and their parents. As a contemporary and pressing issue, there is much discussion from authorities and the general public. One such example is an article written by Michael Palmer, *I ran a police force and I'm not soft on drugs..*, published by ABC in March 2019. The article intends to appeal to a wide audience - it contains both emotional and logical techniques, several provocative images, and employs the authority of the author as "a retired Australian police officer". + Palmer starts his article with an firm but factually-phrased introduction, which helps less educated readers to become invested in the issue and introduces the author's contention. Credibility is gained by the reader from the start of the piece, which is done by citing the "wide support" and "chorus" for the author's opinion. The second example also reveals the use of a metaphor. Following this, rhetorical question is posed, encouraging thought for readers. The words "futile", "exacerbate" and "alleviate" are sophisticated, which creates a spectrum of complexity in author's language, allowing him to appeal to a wider audience. A blunt statement then signifies a more logical and analytical section, including an expert opinion which helps to garner authority. However, Palmer also uses more emotive language, such as the inclusive phrase "a majority of Australians". Following this, the author states his contention in a more explicit and personal way, using the first person to encourage a personal connection. Strong language is also used to emphasise the author's passion, enforcing that he is "unashamedly a ferocious advocate". This emotional manipulation is further enhanced by the phrase "needless loss of [..] lives". More context is then added to the author's discussion as he adopts a more objective tone, and then compares "bad guys" and "concerned guys" - an example of colloquial and accessible language, once again expanding the piece's readership. -The first major argument in the piece concerning "silver bullets" is intended to create a negative view of the government, whilst also favouring those who take action on the issue. The first sentence gives context, but the phrase "had the courage" is clearly favourable towards the deputy coroner, indicating the relative position of the author's views. The second paragraph introduces the idea of "silver bullet remedies", a metaphor which is familiar to most readers. The consideration of this concept, whilst helping the author's point, also makes readers feel that Palmer is of a considered and analytical viewpoint, adding to his credibility. +The first major argument in the piece concerning "silver bullets" is intended to create a negative view of the government, whilst also favouring those who take action on the issue. The first sentence gives context, but the phrase "had the courage" is clearly favourable towards the deputy coroner, indicating the relative position of the author's views. The second paragraph introduces the idea of "silver bullet remedies", a metaphor which is familiar to most readers. The consideration of this concept, whilst helping the author's point, also makes readers feel that Palmer is of a considered and analytical viewpoint, adding to his credibility. A relevant image of pill testing kits provides context and emphasises the everyday prevalence yet complacency with which the issue is treated. The argument ends with a strong call to action, using an easily-understood figure of speech. + +Palmer's second argument is titled "Personalise the despair", indicating a shift to a more emotive tone. The author expands his debate by calling readers to "personalise the despair", and attempts to evoke feelings of sadness and concern with language like "raw reality". Despite the use of more emotive language in this argument, the author maintains a straight and seemingly objective tone when relaying the "decision of a father". This helps the piece to appear more objective since it is simply relaying events, however, a more opinionated analysis follows. The inclusion of a direct anecdote supports the author's opinions by exaggerating its significance, but also creates a personal connection between readers and the issue. The verbatim quotes enhance the impact of this empathy. + + -- 2.43.2