Paragraph practice: the editorial
Adopting an upstanding tone, the editor advocates the introduction of “quiet-carriages” on suburban trains to cater for the needs of all commuters. By referencing the recent “scuffle” and by drawing upon recognised international models, this editor becomes the authoritative and moral spokesperson for all commuters through their emphasis on equal rights. In a problem-solution style of argument, the editor encourages transport policy officials and commuters alike to recognise that the “quiet-carriage” solution would satisfy the needs of both those deserving peace, who would wish to “read their novel after a hard day’s work” and those who would like to travel in a noisier and more vocal fashion. Many commuters would be alarmed at the divisive nature of the “scuffle” and the potential for aggression, as evident in the lady being “hounded” off the train. Specifically, the editor distances their proposal from the “self-policing” Boston model on the grounds that it is only a temporary “peak hour” solution. They expect their audience to realise that such a model is not as effective as their proposed ‘quiet carriage’ solution which also operates in Salzburg, and which better satisfies the needs of a larger cohort of commuters. The colloquial depiction of commuters who “don’t give a stuff” is designed to create a divisive reaction among those who support the Independent MP’s desire to travel in a peaceful environment free of the competing “chorus of mobile phone calls”. The solution – that noisy commuters can “click with like-minded people” – appears to be sensible under the circumstances and the editor expects widespread support among commuters and transport policy officials for separate carriages.
The comparative paragraph: Ms Ave Peters cross-referenced with the editorial
If the editor draws upon a disconcerting and alarming “scuffle” to foreground the increasingly boisterous nature of many commuters, Ave Peter defends the values of younger commuters and their genuine and heartfelt “display of manners”. Challenging the stereotypical image of a careless and selfish young adult, which seems to be the case in the editor’s example, Ms Pete uses her own real-life experience to encourage us to see young adults as genuinely compassionate and respectful. In particular, one young adult was “the first” to give a “pregnant lady” a seat which suggests some old-fashioned manners. The rubbish episode, such as “placing his banana peel in the bin” and “picking up some of the neighbouring rubbish strewn on the footpath”, also shows that they are also mindful of their duty towards the street environment. This contrasting depiction seeks to overturn our suspicions and leaves commuters in no doubt that we should be more trusting and tolerant of younger adults.
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