Model Answer

This question requires a detailed analysis of a provided article. A strong response would demonstrate a clear understanding of the article's intended audience (likely a general national readership) and its purpose (to inform and potentially persuade).

Effectiveness for Audience: The language used is generally accessible, avoiding excessive jargon. However, the level of detail suggests an audience with some existing knowledge of the topic. The structure is clear, with a logical progression of information, using headings and subheadings to aid readability. The inclusion of quotes from experts lends credibility and authority, appealing to a discerning readership.

Effectiveness for Purpose: The article primarily aims to inform, presenting factual information and evidence to support its claims. However, there are subtle elements of persuasion, such as the use of emotive language and framing the issue in a particular way. The overall tone is objective, but with an underlying implication of the importance of the issue.

Specific examples to include: Analysis of specific vocabulary choices (e.g., 'significant' vs. 'important'), the use of rhetorical questions, and the overall tone of the piece would strengthen the response. A discussion of how the article caters to the reader's assumed prior knowledge is also crucial.

Overall Assessment: The article is largely effective in achieving its purpose of informing a national audience. While not overtly persuasive, it uses a combination of accessible language, clear structure, and credible sources to engage the reader and convey its message. Areas for improvement might include a more balanced presentation of opposing viewpoints.

The political activist in this series of tweets employs a range of persuasive strategies to rally support and shape public opinion. Rhetorical devices are central to their approach. The frequent use of hyperbole ("This is an outrage!") amplifies the perceived severity of the event and evokes strong emotional responses. Repetition of key phrases ("Justice for...") reinforces the activist's message and creates a sense of urgency.

Emotive language is used extensively to evoke feelings of anger, outrage, and solidarity. Words like "oppression," "injustice," and "victim" are strategically deployed to elicit an emotional response from the audience. The activist also constructs a strong 'us vs. them' narrative. They consistently frame the issue as a conflict between the righteous 'us' (the activist and their supporters) and the oppressive 'them' (the government or the opposing political faction). This fosters a sense of community and encourages collective action.

The tweets often employ direct address ("We need to...") to engage the audience directly and encourage them to take action. The use of hashtags further amplifies the message and connects the activist with a wider online community. The combination of rhetorical devices, emotive language, and the construction of a clear-cut narrative effectively persuades the audience to support the activist's cause and participate in the campaign.

This question requires students to demonstrate a clear understanding of two fundamental approaches to language study: prescriptivism and descriptivism. A strong answer will define each approach, outline their respective strengths and weaknesses, and provide relevant examples.

• Prescriptivism: This approach advocates for a set of 'correct' or 'standard' rules of grammar and usage. Prescriptivists believe that language should be used according to these rules, and that deviations from the standard are errors.

  • Strengths: Provides clarity and consistency in communication. Facilitates understanding across different dialects and social groups. Can be useful for formal writing and academic contexts.
  • Weaknesses: Can be seen as elitist and exclusionary. Often reflects the biases of those who establish the 'standard' rules. Can stifle linguistic creativity and innovation.
  • Example: The prescriptive rule against using split infinitives (e.g., "to boldly go") is a classic example.

• Descriptivism: This approach focuses on describing how language is actually used by speakers and listeners, without making judgments about its correctness. Descriptivists believe that all dialects and varieties of language are equally valid.

  • Strengths: Provides a more accurate and realistic picture of language use. Respects linguistic diversity. Can be useful for linguistic research and analysis.
  • Weaknesses: May not provide guidance on how to improve communication. Can be seen as lacking in standards. May not be suitable for formal contexts.
  • Example: The descriptive observation that African American Vernacular English (AAVE) has its own grammatical rules, which are not simply 'incorrect' versions of Standard English.

The answer should clearly differentiate between the two approaches and provide specific examples to illustrate their strengths and weaknesses. It should also consider the implications of each approach for language education and social attitudes towards language variation.