Reread the following exercises: “The potato sack deception”, p. 11, “Drugs in sport”, p. 12,
“The potato sack deception” by Mr Harry Jon. Turn to Exercise 7, page 11, Techniques of Persuasion.
1. Clearly identify the author’s views. Practice writing statements such as: Mr Jon contends that the Government should ban the burqa because it provides a useful disguise for people’s criminal activities.
2. Identify the author’s tone. See the tone words on p. 11 and pp. 66-67.
- “Clearly in light of this disturbing trend ..” : forthright, assertive, dogmatic, confident.
- “How do we know who’s hiding behind…”: inflammatory; provocative; challenging.
- “Its use is shaming their religion”: moralistic and self-righteous. (Sentence practice: Mr Jon comments with an authoritative
tone that “its use is shaming their religion and is of no benefit to anyone.”) - Mr Jon adopts a dogmatic tone to warn the government that it “has no option but to ban the burqa”.
The sarcastic reference to “clues as to his (or her?) identity” implies that men may wear the burqa as a convenient disguise.
3. Think about this author’s evidence. Is it reliable? What is his purpose or motivation for writing? (See pp.28-34.)
• The author relies on anecdotal evidence relating to a robbery. Its purpose is to alarm and worry consumers and make them suspicious of people who wear the burqa.
4. Choose three words or phrases that you think capture this author’s views and attitudes. Explain their purpose. (See pp. 18-27).
- Mr Jon asks a rhetorical question (p. 16), “how do we know who’s hiding behind those potato sacks?” The word “potato sack” deliberately ridicules the burqa and those who wear them. Impact/purpose: This statement strikes fear into members of the public and undermines their sense of safety in the community. It may also inflame racist sentiments. (See pp. 18-19 and “exclusive language”, p. 21.)
- The criminals who wear the burqa “give Muslims a bad name”. Purpose: Mr Jon implies that Muslims should recognise that the ban is sensible because it will prevent people from misusing the burqa. Accordingly, criminals are bringing their religion into disrepute.
- Drawing upon your notes above, write a short paragraph.
EAL students should follow the format as outlined in “EAL notes”.
Drugs in sport, Ms Janie Haughton Exercise 7, p. 12
View: Ms Haughton criticises the MFL’s policy and believes it must suspend players who use drugs. : Tone: She adopts an indignant tone to convey her dismay at the fact that David Hones was not suspended. She adopts a righteous and blunt tone to state that they should be harshly punished.
Evidence: As the basis for her discussion, Ms Haughton refers to the anecdotal reference regarding the MFL players who took illicit drugs.
Technique: (attack and appeal to leadership) Ms Haughton discredits the MFL because of its casual approach to the players’ drug offences. Purpose: Ms Haughton seeks to shame and isolate those who do not take a firm stance against drugs.
Appeals: The author appeals to leadership and moral standards when she states that the MFL and its players must provide an example to the younger generation. Currently, she states that they are not showing sufficient responsibility. “He (David Hones) should have been suspended”, but was not. (She shames those players who are disappointing their fans and parents.)
Purpose: What is their specific purpose? (See p. 68 for some sample sentence models.)
Technique (appeals and words)Why? Purpose? The author also appeals to the reader’s sense of logic when she makes a connection between the footballers’ example and the behaviour of supporters. Why? Purpose?
Drawing upon your notes above, write a short paragraph.
- Return to Red Workbook tasks: an overview
- See Other Extension Activities: Red Workbook
- Go to Lesson 3: the author’s words