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Specific analysis of words:
- “had the gall”: Mr Hart uses colloquial language to refer to what he sees as boldness. Mr Hart suggests that the Senator is being quite impolite and cheeky, using the political place for her own private business. He seeks to make readers angry about the fact that she is mixing private affairs and business matters.
- “toddler-terrorising creche”: Alliteration: The writer implies that the child is out of place in parliament and is likely to make too much noise and interfere with the decision-making process
- “sniffling, squealing or squirming”: Alliteration and assonance: the author makes a comparative reference to his personal life with the institution of power. He draws attention to the fact that children are intrusive and disruptive.
- “the wail of a baby who has lost the teat”: Such words deprecate the mother’s and child’s behaviour. The author’s statement can be compared with the cartoonists, which implies the attitude that there is a proper place, “the barn” for feeding.
- “with mum in the company board rooms”: These are relatable experiences to reinforce the point that parliament should be treated seriously. The author implies that the senator is not taking her duties seriously.
- “no ifs and buts”: Dogmatic, irritated and assertive tone; Mr Hart insinuates that there is no place for excuses.
Task 2:
Drawing upon the analysis above and some extra analytical metalanguage (see below), please write a response/commentary/analysis.
- Words to criticise the Senator: to criticise: decries; condemns; disapproves what he believes is irresponsible or selfish behaviour on behalf of the senator
- List of tone words : horrified, aghast, scathing, contemptuous, scornful
- Adopting an XX tone, the author expresses his dismay at the senator’s behaviour.
Write an analyse using the following sentence models:
- The alliterative phrase “ …………………” reinforces his view that (…)
- The alliterative phrase, “ squealing …” suggests that the children are unnecessarily disruptive.
- Explain the purpose: the author encourages us to see these disruptive children as (…)
- Comparison: The comparative reference to the (…) reflects Mr Hart’s view that such unnecessary distractions compromise… ..
- Exclusive terms such as (…) seek to marginalise the senator.
- The accusatory tone evident in the statement “………….” seeks to shame (…)
- Likewise, the cartoonist also reflects the author’s view that (…)
- Taking it Further: Arguments and Tactics: Exercise 14: Get a barn
- See Lesson 2: author’s words (Ex. 8 – 14)
- See Lesson 3: author’s appeals (Ex 15-17)
- Return to Green Online Exercise Program