Language Analysis

Language Analysis To understand what we expect in a language analysis essay and to practise this

From the study design…

Remember last year? • What did you put in your introductions? • Make a list with a partner

Intro • Context – the event that sparked the issue Recently,… (use background information) • Issue– the resulting issue This has sparked debate as to whether…(sharksshould be culled in order to protect human life)

Intro - continued • Text details: author, title, genre, place published, date published • Tone (if consistent throughout) - otherwise discuss different tones in the body paragraphs as it changes • Contention The ________________ titled ‘_____________’ by _________________________________ and published in /posted on ___________________ on ___________, contends in a _______________ tone that ______________________________________________.

Intro continued • Purpose and Audience The (text genre) is targeted towards _________________________________________, with the intention/purpose of ___________________________________________________________.

Intro continued… • Other texts - Briefly introduce author, title, genre, contention, tone of any other texts accompanying main one If in response to main text: The (accompanying text genre) titled ‘____________________’ in response to the (main text genre) contends in a __________ tone that __________________________________________. OR If not in response to main text, but still about same issue: Similarly/Alternatively, the (text genre) titled ‘_____________’ by ___________ asserts in a ______________ tone that ________________________________.

Introductions – DON’T: • Introduce techniques • Introduce their main arguments • Introduce the visual (unless it’s a separate text – e.g. a cartoon by a different person that is not part of the main text)

Intro – how to remember? 1) Context & Resulting Issue 2) Text’s genre 3) Text’s title 4) Text’s author 5) When and where published 6) Text’s Tone (if consistent throughout) 7) Author’s contention 8) Target Audience 9) Author’s Purpose 10) Accompanying texts

How to structure main body • First you must annotate the page! That will help decide your body paragraphs • Read “Shark Cull in Western Australia May Disrupt Marine Ecosystem” again • Every time there is a change in argument/focus/tone draw a line under that section – and label it (e.g. label the argument, or tone – and label the purpose of that section

Provides background to issue-------->(to appear informed about the issue – measured, formal tone)

Now highlight the words/phrases that help achieve this purpose Provides background to issue-------->(to appear informed about the issue)

Use of jargon Specific dates and figuresExpert opinion

How to structure a body paragraph about this: 1) State what the writer is trying to achieve/ express in this section 2) Refer to techniques used 3) Provide examples 4) Discuss intended effects YOU TRY!

Sample In a measured and formal tone, Su begins by providing background to the issue. The formal, factual tone, along with the use of jargonsuch as “ecosystem” and “baited drum lines”causes the writer to appear well-informed and unbiased.Similarly, specific dates, facts and figures such as “November 2013”, “35 year old surfer”, and “five of the seven attacks” reinforce the idea that the writer has detailed knowledge of important information relating to the issue. Finally, Su refers to the “local reports”, which again establishes that the writer’s opinion is reliable because it is supportedby expert reports. By commencing the article in this manner, the writer has established themselves as neutral and trustworthy, therefore the audience will be more willing to accept their opinion.

How to analyse a visual • It should be tied into a particular argument • E.g. …This is supported by the use of an image. The (type of image) depicts ________________________________( say what the image is of). (Then discuss why persuasive ) ______________________________________________________________.

Visual Analysis Example …This argument is supported by the use of an image. A photograph of a protester holding a sign that reads “Save our Sharks, Save our Oceans” informs the reader that the shark cull does not have community support. This photograph is particularly effective, because the protester holding the sign is blonde, tanned and wearing a swimsuit, and therefore appears to be a “beach-goer”; showing that even those who are most at risk of being attacked by sharks are against the cull. The protester’s sign also makes the connection that the shark cull will be detrimental to the health of the ocean, and the use of the inclusive pronoun “our” creates a sense of ownership and the feeling that we, as a community, are responsible for the well-being of sharks, as well as the ocean. This would lead the audience to believe that to be a responsible citizen, they must show their opposition to the culling programme, which is in line with Su’s purpose.

Conclusion • Summarise contention, purpose, and audience and the techniques used to appeal to that audience • Don’t waste time writing a long, detailed conclusion. You won’t get any extra points for rewriting parts of your analysis, but you need one to show you understand essay structure.

Homework 1) Separate and label the rest of the “sections” of the article 2) Highlight the techniques and specific words that assist in the purpose of each section 3) Finish your analysis essay – remember to analyse the image!  Remember body paragraphs structure • Point/argument • Techniques and examples • Intended Effect

Language Analysis