Blog Contents

Skill Tutorials
1: What on earth is CITCAT???
2: Identifying Issues 101
3: Identifying and Outlining an Author's Contention
4: An Audience NOT an Audience By Any Other Name
5: The Tone of It All + Tone Bank
6: Writing a Kick-Arse Intro: LA edition
7: A Tale of Three Arguments: Identification
8: My Argument/His Argument
9: PLTs: Identification and Analysis
10: The PLT list
11: Analysing Language: A Basic Guide
12: Avoiding Vague Analysis
13: Article Analysis Basics
14: Answering the WHY???
15: Analysing Images
16: How to write a conclusion 10 minutes

Structuring Your Essay
17: The Language Analysis: Putting It All Together
18: Language Analysis: A Definitive Guide
19: Language Analysis Structure with a focus on the Body Paragraphs

Practice Article
20: Practice Article #1- Shark Tales
21: Practice Article #2- Policy Shames Us All
22: Practice Article #3- School Life Just Became More Fruitful
23: Practice Article #4- Choosing Is Hard, But It's Still A Life Style Choice
24: Practice Article #5- 'Why I Won't Be Travelling...'
25: Practice Article #6- 'WA Entitled to Shark Cull'
26: Practice Article #7- 'Cecil The Lion's Plight...'
27: Practice Article #8- 'Stop Messing Around With Marriage...'

Sample Essay
29: Sample Annotations- Andrew Charles Article
30: Sample Introduction #1- (Medium) With Annotations
31: Sample Introduction #2- (High) With Annotations
32: Sample Introduction #3- (Med/High) 'Why I Won't Be Travelling...'
33: Sample Body Paragraph #1- (Med) With Annotations- Nguyen Article
34: Sample Body Paragraph #2- PT (High)- Gentle Article
35: Sample Essay #1- Policy Shames Us All (Med/High)
36: Sample Essay #2- Devine Article (Med/High)
37 Sample Essay #3- Sinnerton Article (Med/High)

Learning Activities 
38: The Cake Bake
39: A series of Mini Articles
40: A series of Mini Articles #2
41: PLT Tests
42: Sentence Starters for the Language Analysis Unit
43: Comprehension Questions #1: 'Parents Stop Letting Kids...'

(43) Comprehension Questions #1: Parents stop letting kids drink, please.

Article: Parents Stop Letting Kids Drink, Please.
Completed: 13/4

Instructions: Complete Questions 1-9 in response to the article 'Parents Stop Letting Kids Drink, Please.'

1.Who is the author of the article?

2.What is the title of the article?

3.Where was the article published?

4.What is the issue the article is addressing?

5.Why is this issue a problem within society?

6.What is the author’s contention?

7.What is one reason the author provides for his contention?

8.Who would you suggest the author is addressing the article at?

9.What do you think is the authors tone and how does it effect the intended audience?

(42) Sentence Starters for the Langauge Analysis Unit

Sometimes it can be difficult to find a place to start when writing an essay.

Here are some ways to begin and phrase sentences when stating a supporting argument the author uses to defend their POV on the issue:

·         The writer goes on to assert that…

·         The author opens by arguing that…

·         In a … tone, the writer declares that…

·         The writer argues that…

·         The author makes the statement that...

·         The writer argues that… which influences the reader to…

·         The author makes the suggestion that…

·         The author infers that…

Here are some ways to begin and phrase sentences when analysing how language has been used to position the reader…

·         The use of… positions the reader to share the writer’s viewpoint by…

·         [author] uses the emotive term… to describe… this could encourage readers to…

·         [author] opens by employing a [PLT] by making the suggestion that…

·         By following this [PLT1] with a [PLT2] the author is able to…

(41) PLT Tests

The purpose of the PLT Test is to practice identifying and analysing persuasive devices. The argument is provided for you, as is three relevant text extracts, you job is to analyse each of the extract in relation to the provided argument and thus construct a LA body paragraph.

A reminder of how to analyse devices…

1. What is the technique used? (Identify or describe the technique)

2. How is the technique used? (Describe how the author employs the technique, include quote)

3. Why has the technique been used? (How and why does the PLT position the reader?)

PLT Test #1

Analyse the three text extracts from the Andrew Charles article

MA1: Charles argues that boat people are going to destroy the Aussie way of life.

1. ‘illegal boat pirates’
2. ‘Our land is girt by a wild, lawless sea.’
3. ‘I call on all Australian’s to protect our way of life’

PLT Test #2

Analyse the three text extracts from the Joshua Douglas article

MA1: Douglas argues that betting advertising can have an adverse effect on the futures of our children

1. 12 year old betting bandits
2. ‘Future of forgotten morals, family violence and entrenched poverty’
3. Joshua Douglas,

Werribee, Father

PLT Test #3

Use the quoted extracts from ‘Policy Shames Us All’ to analyse how and why language is employ in such a way to support Nguyen’s POV.

MA1: The author argues that asylum seekers are being persecuted and subjugated in their home country and they need to be protected by Australia

1. ‘As the daughter of two incredibly hard-working people.’
2. ‘Death is more appealing than staying alive in a state of horror.’
3. ‘Terrifying conditions… similar hardships… leaving your home in dangerous circumstances.’

(40) A series of mini articles #2

Empathy makes us human

"We can't afford to let the empathy we feel for the desperate circumstances that many people find themselves in cloud our judgment," said our Prime Minister last week. Our judgment of what, exactly? Isn't empathy an important part of what makes us human? Otherwise we are just robots, or worse, like the Daleks from Dr Who, incapable of feelings.

Another young refugee on Nauru has set herself alight; we can't begin to imagine the desperation and despair that led to this, yet our government continues to ignore the pleas of doctors and many others to stop the damaging treatment of innocent fellow human beings who have sought our help.

This isn’t about politics or Australia, this is about our humanity and the dignity and pride that some of us clearly take for granted. Malcolm Turnbull and Peter Dutton need to stop using vulnerable people like pawns in a disgraceful political game.

Teddy Munners, Blackburn North

Hijacked by sport

Since when did Anzac Day become an Anzac weekend starting on April 23? Answer: when one of Australia's biggest businesses decided to hijack it for its own profitable gain. Shame AFL, shame.

When broadcasters refer to the players as ‘modern day warriors,’ comparing them to soldiers sacrificing them themselves on bloody battlefields a little part of me dies.

Anzac Day should be ceremonially, honourably and respectfully celebrated on one day. A day of remembrances, of honour and of tributes to the young lives that made our country great.

The memory and deaths of these young loves should stand alone. They should not be profited from. Should not be monopolised. Should not be exploited.

Extending it for your own capitalist reasons, in the name of sport, is unethical, un-Australian, and an utter disgrace.

Teddy Munners, Blackburn North

(39) A series of Mini Articles

The TASK: Complete 2 of the three tasks below by following the instructions that proceed each article. Each piece needs to be submitted to Mr Munro however should be peer assessed within class time. 

Task 1: Mini Article #1

Instructions: Write a LA introduction on the article ‘Our Land is Girt by a Wild Lawless Sea

3 marks: Student has identified the issue and context

3 marks: Student has identified the text details, intended audience and the tone of the article

1 mark: Student had identified the author’s contention

3 marks: Student had introduced any secondary article and the contention, tone and intended audience if it differs from the primary article

Our Land  is Girt by a Wild Lawless Sea          1/1/2011

To the editor of the Herald Sun,

I call on all Australians to protect our way of life. A way of life that is being threatened by illegal boat pirates and mooching human cargo. My tax dollars shouldn’t go to funding the exorbitant whims of boat people who are increasingly becoming a scourge on our society. My job and indeed no Aussie job should be sacrificed so a two-buck immigrant can be given a fair go. We live in the lucky country. Let’s keep it that way.

Andrew Charles

Werribee, Father

Task #2: Mini Article #2

Instructions: Identify the contention and 2 supporting arguments on the article ’12 Year Old Betting Bandits’ below.

2 Marks: Student is able to identify and outline the issue and context of the article.

2 Marks: Student can identify the author's contention and express it in an appropriate manner.

6 Marks: Student can identify 2 supporting arguments and outline the argument in a full sentence that relates to the issue/contention

12 year old betting bandits

To the editor,

I was watching the footy with my son the other day when he tells me the ‘Pie’s are gonna win becauseBetsport has them at $1.58’ and that ‘we should put 100 bucks on them to pay for dinner.’ When did the financial interests of unethical betting houses trump the rights and future of our children? When does the exploitation stop? When does the government’s financial reliance end? It seems like the only interest that isn’t being considered is our children. Who will repay for the lives, families and financial future destroyed by this government cash grab? The onus is on the government and the consequence of not acting now will be a future of forgotten morals, family violence and entrenched poverty. We need to put a stop to betting during sports so that children, our future doesn’t grow up thinking betting on sports is normal. Let’s not promote a culture of addiction.

Joshua Douglas, 4/5/2012

Werribee, Father

Task 3: Mini Article #3

Identify how persuasive language is employed within the article ‘Junk Food Junkies,’ the contention and one supporting argument is supplied if you need.

3 marks: Student has identified how the author opened their piece (the technique), has employed a quote and has identified how this may position readers.

3 marks: Student has identified how the author has used language and has identified how this may position readers (with textual evidence)

3 marks: Student has analysed the image and how the image has been employed to impact the intended reader.

1 mark: One further persuasive technique has been identified (no analysis required)

Contention: Davis contends that school canteens need to phase out the sale of junk food to students to ensure the health and wellbeing of our society.

Supporting Argument: The author opens by suggesting that junk food sold in canteens can have a large impact on the health of our students.

Junk food Junkies                       The Age, 15/4/2015

To the editor,

I had to call the plumber the other day because my gutters were blocked. He called me out after being on the roof to show me a pile of mouldy sandwiches and rotten fruit. Apparently my son enjoys the taste of salty, fatty, sugary school canteen food more than my healthy sandwiches. Why should public schools be risking our children's health, wellbeing and future (not to mention their pocket money) due to entrenched laziness and small financial gains. Canteens need to remove these offending products for the wellbeing of our entire community.

Sue Davis,

(38) The Cake Bake

THE CAKE RECIPE: A different way of looking at the LA structure

Language Analysis Essay

An essay that analyses how language is used to persuade a reader of their point of view

Paragraphs: 5 (Introduction, 3*body paragraphs, Conclusion)

Ingredients:

To Write the introduction:

·         Issue

·         Context

·         Audience

·         Text details

·         Contention

·         Tone and effect

To Write the Body Paragraphs

·         3 Arguments (one for each body paragraph)

·         3 examples of persuasive language and the effect the examples have on the reader

·         3 examples of persuasive techniques and the effect the examples have on the reader

·         1 suggestion of how the author opens the piece and the effect this has on the reader

·         1 suggestion of how the author closes the piece and the effect this has on the reader

·         1 suggestion of how the tone changes within the piece and the effect this change has on the reader

• Analysis of the image and how it positions the reader.

To Write the Conclusion

·         Contention

·         A comment on how the author leaves the reader feeling

Method:

Introduction

1^st sentence: you need to outline what the issue is and how the issue arose. (What ‘sparked’ the issue?

2^nd sentence: you need to introduce the text, the author and the publication details while outlining the author’s contention

3^rd sentence: you then make a suggestion of the authors intended tone and how this particular tone would affect the reader.

Body Paragraph 1

1^st Sentence: Outline the opening argument the author employs within their article.

2^nd and 3^rd sentences: you identify how the author opens the article and the effect this would have on the reader and how it could persuade the reader of the author’s opening argument.

4^th and 5^th sentences:  you identify an example of persuasive language the author has used to argue their first argument and analyse the effect the use of this language would have on the author.

6^th and 7^th sentences: you identify a persuasive technique employed by the author and how it has been used to influence the author.

Body Paragraph 2

1^st Sentence: You outline the 2nd argument the author employs within their article.

2^nd and 3^rd sentences: you identify an example of persuasive language the author has used to argue their 2nd argument and analyse the effect the use of this language would have on the reader.

4^th and 5^th sentences:  you identify a persuasive technique employed by the author and how it has been used to influence the reader.

6^th and 7^th sentences: analyse how the author changes the tone and the effect this would have on the reader.

Body Paragraph 3

1^st Sentence: Outline the closing argument employed by the author within their article.

2^nd and 3^rd sentences: you identify an example of persuasive language the author has used to argue their closing argument and analyse the effect the use of this language would have on the reader.

4^th and 5^th sentences:  you identify a persuasive technique employed by the author and how it has been used to influence the reader.

6^th and 7^th sentences: Outline how the author concludes and how this could influence the reader.

Conclusion

1^st Sentence:  Restate the authors contention

2^nd sentence: outline how the author leaves the reader feeling

(37) Sample Essay #3: Sinnerton Article + Letter

Due to an increase of drinking references in top chart songs, the issue of whether or not pop songs need to reduce the number of drinking references in their song lyrics has taken place. In Jackie Sinnerton’s article ‘Teens Safe Drinking Messages Drowned Out By Boozy Pop Songs And Videos From Pink, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga’ written in The Sunday Mail on the 6th of October 2013, it is contended that alcoholic references in pop songs should be stopped. Sinnerton employs a concerned yet emotional tone to encourage parents to become aware of the negative impact of these songs on their children and to act together to stop these bad influences. Accompanying Sinnerton’s  article is an image. The image shows a young girl sitting against the wall and she is surrounded by pills and alcohol bottles. Contending that these music videos are causing the youth to drink which is damaging their health and even causing further issues such as drugs. In response to Sinnerton's article the Herald Sun published a letter-to-the-editor by Eddie Murphy titled 'Ooops we did it again.' Murphy's article contends that it is parents who need to be responsible for embedding safe drinking messages in their children.

Sinnerton argues that pop songs are influencing the youth to drink excessively.  Sinnerton opens with referencing to famous pop artists by listing singers such as ‘Katy Perry’ and ‘Lady Gaga’ in her title. By listing these popular artists, parents who are aware of their children’s love for popular music will become aware of the negative impact of these songs on their innocent young ones. The author goes on to use the emotive words ‘pervasive’ and ‘dangerous’ to describe the threats of alcohol marketing to kids, these words could cause parents to feel concerned, worried and responsible for their own children’s health and future. Sinnerton also draws the reader’s attention to an image which she has accompanied, the image shows a young girl who is surrounded by not only drinks but drugs and pills which shows the further negative and life changing impacts of bad drinking habits that are being mentioned in the lyrics of top chart songs. The unnoticeable face in the image simply encourages parents to replace the obscured face of the young girl with their own children and to make them aware that chances of this happening to their own kids is quite high according to these pop songs and what they contend. Conversely Murphy argues that rather than pop songs influencing children it is the lack of parenting that is leading to dangerous drinking among children. Murphy draws upon the connotations of the words 'pervasive' and 'dangerous' linking them into the 'inaction' of parents whilst also drawing a limit on potential of the pop-songs of danger. The use of the word 'inaction' positions readers to acknowledge that pop-songs are only 'pervasive' and 'dangerous' if facilitated by a lack of action.  

Sinnerton asserts that these songs are almost playing everywhere and it is out of parents hands to control.  She appeals to insecurity by stating that these songs are playing in ‘public places’ which suggests that children’s security is at risk and there is nothing parents can do about it. This will make parents feel worried about the security and freedom of their children in public that’s being threatened by these songs.  Then she uses the adjective of a ‘worried’ mom that’s aware of the negative impacts of pop tracks that her young son listens to and that she also finds it hard to avoid when they are being played in public. This will engage the reader and encourage them to take action as they know they are not the only mothers or parents that have a problem with these songs. Sinnerton also enlists a call to action by employing the words ‘I would welcome any moves to limit the exposure to young children’ from Trina Moloney who is also a mother. By using this call to action the reader is motivated to take responsibility as parents for this issue and are encouraged to come together as one. In response Murphy acknowledges the pervasiveness of pop-music when arguing that the ultimate power is in the hands of parents. Murphy is able to empower parent readers by suggesting 'the dial rests in your hands.' Murphy positions parents to recognize their role as protectors, encouraging parents to desire to actively protect their children. Both  Murphy and Sinnerton play on the fears of parents. However where Sinnerton places blame on pop-music Murphy is able to position readers to reflect upon their own role as parents and the place they take in ensuring the safety of their own children.

Sinnerton closes by contending that these teens are the leaders of the future and need to be protected from the songs. Sinnerton draws the reader’s attention to an image which she has accompanied, the image shows a young girl who is surrounded by not only drinks but drugs and pills which shows the further negative and life changing impacts of bad drinking habits that are being mentioned in the lyrics of top chart songs. The obscured face in the image simply encourages parents to replace the face of the young girl with their own children and to make them aware that chances of this happening to their own kids is quite high according to these pop songs and what they contend. Similarly Murphy argues that teens are the future, but that they should be guided towards making responsible, informed decisions. Murphy uses words such as 'inspiring' 'hope' and 'belief' to describe his experience listening to pop-music. He uses his experience as a leader of a church to illustrate the positive power pop music can have on children's lives. Murphy positions readers to recognize his authority as a leader of young people and to want to support his potential to do good in the community. 

Sinnerton argues that alcoholic references in boozy pop songs should be stopped. In employing an authoritative yet emotional tone Sinnerton concerns parents and makes them aware about the bad drinking influences of these songs on their children so therefore they consider the impact of these songs and what it could end up doing to their children. Sinnerton leaves the reader feeling a sense of worry and responsibility towards their children’s health and future and are encouraged to act now and protect not only their kids but the innocent youth in general. 

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(36) Language Analysis Essay Sample #2 (Med/High)

Stop messing around with marriage. You'll miss it when it's gone."

Due to the increase of gay marriage equality issues that were recently discussed in  Australian media, a concern within society about whether or not homosexuals should be allowed to marry legally has risen.Addressing their opinion on the matter, writer of Daily Telegraph article, 'Stop messing around with marriage. We will miss it when it's gone.", which was published on the 22nd of March 2015, Miranda Devine argues that gay marriage being legislated, in addition to the problems of unfaithfulness in marriages, could 'destroy the pillar of society'. Devine uses a pleading and exaggerated tone to encourage parents to 'step back' and become aware of the negative impacts that allowing gays to legally marry may bring to their children and to society. An image accompanying Devine's article features a smiling family with two young boys and a mother and father who seem to be happily married, lying down in, what seems to be, a sunny park. Associating the traditional family portrait with the popular gay marriage issue, the picture depicts that possible legislation of gay marriage can threaten the stable existence of a traditional family, which Devine believes is the only way for a 'happy family' to exist. The image draws deeper into her pleading tone, which is used to appeal to family to help stop the legislation of gay marriage. This assists Devine's opinion as it may invoke feelings panic which could cause her audience to feel

Devine believes that the consequences of allowing gay marriage to occur in Australia, is that children's lives shall be broken and damaged, as well as an underclass of dysfunction, and a yawning equality in society. Devine starts her first supporting argument with her use of statistics from the recent governmental vote for whether gay marriage should be legal or not, stating that '49 percent' is now a minority of people that are accepting gay marriage, which Devine believes is a threat to a happy traditional family. Devine also includes a rhetorical question in her argument, as she uses a arrogant and insulting tone, which aimed towards homosexuals, when she asks the audience whether they are to "let same-sex advocators thin our values even more?" This would affect the intended audience, the parents of children, as Devine is appealing to their family and their values, causing them to reflect on their desire to protect their family values from what they deem is improper or a risk that may harm their children. Devine continues to assert that gay marriage should not be legislated as it could decrease the chances of children being able to achieve higher results in every measure of life. By using generalisation to identify this problem within their children, Devine strikes a worried feeling in the parents, causing them to possibly take action against the allowance of gay marriage in Australia.

Miranda Devine goes on to emphasise that society had given up their will to fight for a traditional, no gay-marriage environment. Devine opens her second supporting argument by employing an attack on society's will to fight for a better environment for their children, as explains that the 'battle' for keeping same-sex marriage illegal in Australia is difficult to 'win for conservatives' only because the 'battle for marriage was given up long ago.' With her use of an accusatory and disappointed tone, Devine triggers an emotional guilt trip within the audience, for the reason as to why they had 'given up' the fight for a future without homosexual marriage. Devine also applies an appeal to society's logic, as she reveals that a member of higher ranks, may be 'targeted' if they do not support the 'so-called gay marriage equality' that the majority have voted for. This triggers another feeling of guilt within the audience, as it presents them as a 'bully' that targets anyone that doesn't voice-out and agree with the gay-marriage equality legislation.

Devine introduces her final argument by using examples to display the fact that she believes that gay people are more courageous to stand for what they believe in. She uses an example of a protest in France, against homosexual marriage, where homosexuals actually led the way, using 'The right of children trump the right to children' as their catchphrase. By using this in her article, Devine persuades her audience to believe that even the homosexuals that she is writing about, agree to her point of view. This possibly causes her intended audience, to feel as if they are being left out if they do not agree to Devine's arguments against homosexual marriage. The image being used as accompaniment to her article, assists her perspective of the issue as she uses it to display the family traditions that 'many people' like herself, are trying to protect and persuade others to do the same.

Devine concludes her piece by describing what she believes is in the 'best interests' of society, that a man and a woman should just focus on raising healthy and responsible children, whether they be gay or straight. This also contrasts with her original statement, that gay marriage could be 'destroying the pillars of society', as well as the unfaithfulness of partners with each other. This could possibly leave the audience confused and overwhelmed with how much of a repetitive problem the legislation of gay marriage is.