Exercises: read the articles on p. 12 (hate-filled websites); p. 13 (anti-social children); p. 23. TAFE cuts, and p. 25 the use of sun-beds.
Exercise 2: Editorial, “Deal with this bullying filth”
In the editorial “Deal with this bullying filth”, the editor draws readers’ attention to the disturbing presence of unacceptable websites. Think about how the perpetrators are portrayed. Use the words and phrases above. See Sentence Patterns: “anger” on p. 63.
“The editor channels the reader’s indignation towards cyberbullies like Mr Pallant, whom they seek to isolate with negative descriptions. According to the editor, Mr Pallant is a weak-willed person who is exploiting our children. The editor characterises him as someone who is devoid of moral principles. (Quote key words and explain their implications.) The author’s indignantly states that Pallant is “daring” authorities and seems to be getting away with it. This suggests that (what is the purpose?) This also implies that the government is not taking the matter seriously enough. Readers who share the editor’s indignation are encouraged to pressure the Premier (Why? Be specific.) The editor relies on the fact that given our anxiety and frustration, we would prefer restrictions of freedom of speech, especially where people “step too far”.”
See Letter by Mr Jack Krisanski, p. 15.
Analyse the author’s attacking tactics and their purpose.
- Who does he criticise and why?
- Which words and phrases does he use to describe his target?
- What is his tone?
- Write your paragraph.
Adopting a censorious tone (See p. 65), Dr Krisanski contends that yielding to a child’s whims does not foster the necessary team-building skills. The author relies on his professional experience as a psychologist to decry those parents who are not nurturing cooperation and team skills. Specifically, alliterative phrases underpin the writer’s point that parents believe pandering to children will “squash the squabbles”. (See analytical vocabulary.) (Key strategy: note the depiction of children, p. 12.) The writer reinforces the point that (be specific about the author’s depictions and purpose). The repetition emphasises Mr Krisanski’s point that youngsters are preoccupied with me-time and not focussed on sharing.
(Key strategy: note the depiction of adults, pp. 12 and 13) The exasperated exclamation, “God forbid”, targets parent’s apparent ignorance or hypocrisy, while the word “flipflop” connotes (explain the purpose). ………. This contributes to a “lack of empathy”. He believes these attitudes are blatantly counter-productive to a child’s development, and yet parents fail to see what should be “way too logical”. “Hey presto,” children are not prepared for the workforce.
Complete Exercise 5, “Stop further TAFE cuts”, p. 23 and Exercise 7: “Dragging their feet” p. 25
“Stop Further TAFE cuts”, p. 23
Think about the following related strategies: The author uses his real-life personal/professional experience to criticise the government. (Be as accurate as possible about how the author criticises the government.)
- figurative expression: to show that he believes the government has a poor attitude towards TAFE:
- the government is downplaying (or trivialising) the contribution made by the TAFE system.
- the author encourages readers to vent their frustration at a budget system that prioritises university funding over TAFE
- the comment seeks to raise the ire (anger) of those whose confidence Mr Harding has now garnered (attracted). (See “Sentence Patterns”, p. 63.)
(Sample paragraph: based on the above strategies: see paragraph plan on p. 20.)
New tone word: prosaic: matter of fact, lacking imagination, having the characteristics of prose.)
Adopting a prosaic and reasonable tone, Mr Harding draws upon his vast experience of the TAFE system to encourage his audience – both policy makers, parents, and young adults – to recognise its considerable benefits. Having worked as both a teacher and an administrator, Mr Harding is well-placed to secure the audience’s trust. (Be specific about the details.) Specifically, Mr Harding highlights the fact that the $290 million makes a significant contribution both to people’s opportunities and the economy as a whole. (Explain the purpose of the attack. Be specific about the author’s suggestions.) This assumption enables him to attack and shame the government for its short-sightedness and its disregard of those at the lower end of the socio-economic spectrum. By defending these students, or “those who do not have other education options”, Mr Harding anticipates our sympathetic support.
Write a paragraph on “Dragging their feet” drawing upon the annotations on p. 6.