1. Reading (3)
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1.
Read the following two short texts.
Text A: "The city council is proposing a new scheme to encourage cycling. This includes the creation of more cycle lanes, improved bike parking facilities, and a public awareness campaign. The aim is to reduce traffic congestion and promote healthier lifestyles."
Text B: "A recent report by the Department of Transport suggests that cycling infrastructure investment is crucial for achieving national transport targets. The report highlights the economic benefits of cycling, including reduced healthcare costs and increased tourism revenue. It also notes the environmental advantages of cycling, such as lower carbon emissions."
Question: Compare and contrast the purposes of Text A and Text B. Consider who the intended audience might be.
The purpose of Text A is primarily to inform the public about a proposed local initiative – a cycling scheme. It aims to persuade the public that this scheme is beneficial, focusing on the outcomes of reduced traffic congestion and healthier lifestyles. The intended audience is likely local residents, commuters, and potentially local council members. The language used is straightforward and accessible, avoiding technical jargon. The emphasis is on the practical benefits for the community.
Text B, on the other hand, has a more authoritative and persuasive purpose. It aims to justify the investment in cycling infrastructure on a national level. The text presents evidence from a "recent report" and highlights economic and environmental benefits. The intended audience is likely policymakers, government officials, and potentially investors. The language is more formal and uses terms like "national transport targets" and "economic benefits," indicating a more serious and strategic context. While Text A focuses on local impact, Text B focuses on broader national implications. Both texts aim to influence action, but Text A seeks public support for a local project, while Text B seeks political and financial support for a national policy.
2.
Question 3: The following is an extract from an opinion piece arguing for increased funding for the arts in schools.
"In an increasingly STEM-focused world, it's easy to overlook the vital role the arts play in a well-rounded education. Art, music, drama, and dance are not simply 'extra-curricular' activities; they are fundamental to developing creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. Exposure to the arts fosters innovation, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate effectively. Furthermore, the arts provide a crucial outlet for self-expression and help students connect with their cultural heritage. Cutting funding for the arts is a short-sighted decision that deprives students of essential skills and diminishes the richness of their educational experience. Investing in the arts is an investment in the future – a future that demands creativity, adaptability, and empathy."
Analyze, evaluate and develop the arguments presented in this opinion piece. Do you think the author successfully convinces the reader of the importance of arts education?
Model Answer:
This opinion piece effectively argues for increased funding for arts education in schools. The author presents a strong case by highlighting the multifaceted benefits of the arts, linking them to essential skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. The argument that the arts are 'fundamental' and not merely 'extra-curricular' is a powerful rhetorical device. The author uses persuasive language, such as 'short-sighted decision' and 'investment in the future,' to emphasize the importance of arts education. The connection between arts education and future success is a key element of the argument, appealing to the reader's sense of responsibility and long-term thinking. However, the piece could be strengthened by providing specific examples of how arts education benefits students. While the arguments are logical, concrete examples would make the piece more compelling. For instance, mentioning studies that demonstrate the link between arts education and improved academic performance in other subjects would add weight to the author's claims. I believe the author is largely successful in convincing the reader of the importance of arts education, but the argument could be more persuasive with the inclusion of supporting evidence. The piece effectively appeals to both logic and emotion, making a compelling case for prioritizing arts education. The author's passionate tone and clear articulation of the benefits of the arts are likely to resonate with readers who value a well-rounded education.
3.
Read the following extract from a newspaper article:
“The local council’s decision to close the community centre has sparked outrage amongst residents. Many feel the centre is a vital hub for social interaction, particularly for the elderly and vulnerable. Protests are planned for next weekend, and local MP, Sarah Jenkins, has publicly condemned the decision, calling it ‘short-sighted and detrimental to the community’s well-being.’ The council argues the closure is necessary to fund a new sports complex.”
Explain, with reference to the text, what the author explicitly states about the community's reaction to the council's decision.
The author explicitly states that the community's reaction to the council's decision to close the community centre is one of outrage. This is directly stated in the first sentence: “The local council’s decision to close the community centre has sparked outrage amongst residents.”
Furthermore, the author provides evidence of this outrage by mentioning that “Many feel the centre is a vital hub for social interaction, particularly for the elderly and vulnerable.” This indicates a strong negative sentiment and highlights the importance of the centre to the community.
The planned protests and the MP's condemnation further reinforce the explicit message of strong opposition and disapproval from the community.