Ultp what how why

Using Language to Persuade - Unit 1

What? How? & Why? USE THE KEY STRATEGY: 'WHAT? HOW? WHY?' Use the three key questions - What? How? Why? - with the guidelines in the table below to assist you when reading your analysis piece.

WHAT? HOW? WHY?

WHAT TO DO WHEN READING Identify the main contention. This is what the writer is persuading the reader to agree with.

Identify main points that are used to support the writer's main contention.

WHAT IS THE WRITER SAYING?

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HOW IS THE WRITER SAYING IT?

• •

Identify persuasive language and persuasive techniques.

How do they position / persuade / manipulate the reader to agree?

(Refer to your Persuasive Techniques handout).

WHY IS IT PERSUASIVE?

• •

Why are the techniques persuasive?

Focus on each technique (or selected examples). Show how the language used persuades the reader.

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SAMPLE: Letter to the Editor

VCE ENGLISH UNIT 1&2

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Using Language to Persuade - Unit 1

INTRODUCTION: WHAT IS THE WRITER SAYING? Re-state the writer's contention in your own words.

• Use phrases such as: ‘The writer contends that', ‘The writer argues, that', 'The writer asserts that'. ‘The writer is adamant that'.

• Include the writer and article details: surname of writer, source, page number, and kind of text.

• Identify the tone of the language.

SAMPLE INTRODUCTION The appointment of Patrick Rafter as Australian of the Year is the topic of Allan Burton's letter to the editor that appeared in The Age on the 29th January 2002. In a bemused tone, Burton questions the appropriateness of a sportsperson receiving the award and is puzzled by the 'strange society' we live in.

THE BODY: HOW IS THE WRITER SAYING IT? The body of your analysis consists of a series of paragraphs in which you analyse the major points and persuasive techniques. Below is a guide to writing a single paragraph.

• Each one of your paragraphs should be concerned with one major point being advanced by the writer.

• For each paragraph, use the ‘What? How? Why? questions in your analysis of each point.

WHAT IS THE WRITER SAYING? In your own words, describe/explain the main point being advanced.

HOW IS THE WRITER SAYING IT? Identify and explain the persuasive techniques being used to present this point.

Incorporate very brief relevant quotes as you write.

WHY IS IT PERSUASIVE? Why are the language and techniques persuasive? Analyse how selected techniques affect the reader. Ask yourself questions such as: How does it sound? Which words carry specific connotations? Are there any strongly emotive words? How Is the language used to persuade readers to agree?

SAMPLE BODY PARAGRAPH Apart from the repetition of inclusive language, Burton also repeats the word, "Congratulations".

With tongue in cheek, Burton affirms the actions of Patrick Rafter as a sportsman and charity worker, then ironically congratulates him on the example he is setting for young people - he is to be an unmarried father. The moral thrust of Burton s argument is heightened here, as he makes sarcastic and ironic reference to the achievements of Rafter. While acknowledging his feats on the tennis court, Burton does not accept that sporting prowess is enough to deserve being named Australian of the Year.

VCE ENGLISH UNIT 1&2

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Using Language to Persuade - Unit 1

CONCLUSION: WHY IS IT PERSUASIVE? In your conclusion: • sum up the overall effectiveness of the article in persuading readers.

• mention which persuasive techniques work best and why.

SAMPLE CONCLUSION In his letter to the editor, Burton presents a clear and well-argued case. His use of persuasive devices such as inclusive language and repetition, strongly influence the reader. He has written an effectively persuasive piece that enables the reader to see the limitations of focusing upon achievement in one area - sporting prowess - for important awards such as 'The Australian of the Year'.

VCE ENGLISH UNIT 1&2

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Using Language to Persuade - Unit 1

SAMPLE STUDENT LANGUAGE ANALYSIS MEDIA TEXT: LETTER TO THE EDITOR BY ALLAN BURTON (SEE P.36) The appointment of Patrick Rafter as Australian of the Year is the topic of Allan Burton's letter to the editor that appeared in The Herald Sun on the 6th May 2002. In a bemused tone, Burton questions the appropriateness of a sportsperson receiving the award and is puzzled by the "strange society" we live in.

In an attempt to position the reader to agree, Burton uses a range of inclusive language.

By opening the letter with a reference to the society 'we' live in, Burton contends that the issue of who receives the Australian of the Year award is a reflection on us as a society. By doing this, he places a sense of responsibility on the reader that is further enforced through phrases such as 'our slow moral decline’, 'Our Australian of the Year' and ‘our community'. By repeatedly including the reader in such personal and inclusive language, Burton manipulates the reader in a powerful manner.

Apart from the repetition of inclusive language, Burton also repeats the word, 'Congratulations' In a tongue-in-cheek way, Burton affirms the actions of Patrick Rafter as a sportsman and charity worker, then ironically congratulates him on the example he is setting for young people - he is to be an unmarried father. The moral thrust of Burton's argument is heightened here, as he makes sarcastic and ironic reference to the achievements of Rafter. While acknowledging his feats on the tennis court, Burton does not accept that sporting prowess is enough to deserve being named Australian of the Year.

Finally, Burton offers an alternative to the reader. In an annoyed and resigned tone he apologises to 'those truly hardworking members of our community (our doctors, scientists and clergy)'. It is through this tonal shift that Burton reinforces his final point that there are many more deserving recipients of the Australian of the Year award than Patrick Rafter

In his letter to the editor, Burton presents a clear and well-argued case. His use of persuasive devices such as inclusive language and repetition strongly influence the reader He has written an effectively persuasive piece that enables the reader to see the limitations of focusing upon achievement in one area - sporting prowess - for important awards such as 'The Australian of the Year.

VCE ENGLISH UNIT 1&2

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