Names:
Student number:
Module code:
Assignment 2
HONESTY DECLARATION FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH STUDIES
Module: ENG2602 Assessment Date: 1 July 2025
1. I know that plagiarism means taking and using the ideas, writings, works or inventions of
another as if they were one’s own. I know that plagiarism not only includes verbatim copying,
but also the extensive use of another person’s ideas without proper acknowledgement (which
includes the proper use of quotation marks) or any attempt to cheat the plagiarism checking
system. I know that plagiarism covers the use of material found in textual sources and from the
Internet.
2. I acknowledge and understand that plagiarism is wrong.
3. I understand that my assignment/exam answers must be accurately referenced.
4. This exam file is my own work. I acknowledge that copying someone else’s work, or part of it,
is wrong, and that submitting identical work to others constitutes a form of plagiarism.
5. I have not allowed, nor will I in the future allow anyone to copy my work with the intention of
passing it off as their own work.
6. I understand that I can be awarded 0% if I have plagiarized.
7. I understand that my exam file may be submitted automatically to Turnitin.
8. I confirm that I have read and understood the following UNISA policies:
8.1 Policy for Copyright and Plagiarism
8.2 Policy on Academic Integrity
8.3 Student Disciplinary Code
Name .…………… Student No: ............................
Signed …………………………………. Date …………………………….
, Question 1
Critical Analysis of the Persuasive Strategies in the Social Persuasive Text on
LGBTQI Rights in Africa
The social persuasive text titled One step forward two steps backward LGBTQI Rights
in Africa by Sonke Gender Justice offers a compelling account of the contrasting
legislative developments across the African continent regarding LGBTQI rights. It
highlights both progressive rulings, such as Namibias Supreme Court recognition of
same-sex unions concluded abroad, and regressive laws, notably Ugandas harsh anti-
LGBTIQ legislation that prescribes the death penalty for certain offences. The primary
aim of the text is to inform the public about the current state of LGBTQI rights in Africa,
mobilise support for equality, and criticise regressive legislation while celebrating
progressive steps. The target audience appears to be socially conscious citizens,
human rights advocates, and policymakers, especially within South Africa, a country
with a relatively advanced stance on LGBTQI issues. The persuasive purpose,
therefore, is to raise awareness, invoke moral outrage, and motivate action to continue
advocating for the rights and dignity of LGBTQI persons across Africa.
In analysing the persuasive strategies employed within this text, it becomes evident that
the author utilises a balanced combination of persuasive appeals ethos, pathos, and
logos and employs a variety of linguistic devices to reinforce these appeals. These
strategies create an emotionally compelling and logically convincing narrative that aims
to shape public perception and influence policy discourse.
The use of ethos is primarily achieved through the presentation of credible and
authoritative sources. For instance, the author references ILGA’s database, which is an
internationally recognised organisation dedicated to LGBTQI rights, thereby establishing
the factual accuracy of the data presented. The statement “According to ILGA’s
database” lends credibility and positions the author as well-informed. Furthermore,
citing specific legal rulings, such as Namibias Supreme Court decision to recognise
foreign same-sex unions, bolsters the argument by demonstrating that progress is not
only possible but is also grounded in legitimate legal processes. This reliance on
authoritative sources enhances the integrity of the argument and reassures the reader
of its reliability.
Pathos is vividly invoked through emotive language and compelling imagery that evoke
feelings of moral outrage, empathy, and hope. The description of Ugandas law, which
includes the “death penalty” for “aggravated homosexuality,” is a stark and shocking
detail designed to provoke outrage and moral indignation. Words like “harshest,” “death
penalty,” and “punishes” serve to evoke feelings of injustice and horror. Such language
is effective in stirring emotional responses that can motivate readers to support the
cause of LGBTQI rights. Conversely, the mention of Namibias legal progress, described
as “somewhat progressive,” introduces a note of cautious hope. This contrast between
the severity of oppressive laws and the optimism of legal recognition creates a dynamic
emotional narrative that encourages the reader to support continued activism.
Student number:
Module code:
Assignment 2
HONESTY DECLARATION FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH STUDIES
Module: ENG2602 Assessment Date: 1 July 2025
1. I know that plagiarism means taking and using the ideas, writings, works or inventions of
another as if they were one’s own. I know that plagiarism not only includes verbatim copying,
but also the extensive use of another person’s ideas without proper acknowledgement (which
includes the proper use of quotation marks) or any attempt to cheat the plagiarism checking
system. I know that plagiarism covers the use of material found in textual sources and from the
Internet.
2. I acknowledge and understand that plagiarism is wrong.
3. I understand that my assignment/exam answers must be accurately referenced.
4. This exam file is my own work. I acknowledge that copying someone else’s work, or part of it,
is wrong, and that submitting identical work to others constitutes a form of plagiarism.
5. I have not allowed, nor will I in the future allow anyone to copy my work with the intention of
passing it off as their own work.
6. I understand that I can be awarded 0% if I have plagiarized.
7. I understand that my exam file may be submitted automatically to Turnitin.
8. I confirm that I have read and understood the following UNISA policies:
8.1 Policy for Copyright and Plagiarism
8.2 Policy on Academic Integrity
8.3 Student Disciplinary Code
Name .…………… Student No: ............................
Signed …………………………………. Date …………………………….
, Question 1
Critical Analysis of the Persuasive Strategies in the Social Persuasive Text on
LGBTQI Rights in Africa
The social persuasive text titled One step forward two steps backward LGBTQI Rights
in Africa by Sonke Gender Justice offers a compelling account of the contrasting
legislative developments across the African continent regarding LGBTQI rights. It
highlights both progressive rulings, such as Namibias Supreme Court recognition of
same-sex unions concluded abroad, and regressive laws, notably Ugandas harsh anti-
LGBTIQ legislation that prescribes the death penalty for certain offences. The primary
aim of the text is to inform the public about the current state of LGBTQI rights in Africa,
mobilise support for equality, and criticise regressive legislation while celebrating
progressive steps. The target audience appears to be socially conscious citizens,
human rights advocates, and policymakers, especially within South Africa, a country
with a relatively advanced stance on LGBTQI issues. The persuasive purpose,
therefore, is to raise awareness, invoke moral outrage, and motivate action to continue
advocating for the rights and dignity of LGBTQI persons across Africa.
In analysing the persuasive strategies employed within this text, it becomes evident that
the author utilises a balanced combination of persuasive appeals ethos, pathos, and
logos and employs a variety of linguistic devices to reinforce these appeals. These
strategies create an emotionally compelling and logically convincing narrative that aims
to shape public perception and influence policy discourse.
The use of ethos is primarily achieved through the presentation of credible and
authoritative sources. For instance, the author references ILGA’s database, which is an
internationally recognised organisation dedicated to LGBTQI rights, thereby establishing
the factual accuracy of the data presented. The statement “According to ILGA’s
database” lends credibility and positions the author as well-informed. Furthermore,
citing specific legal rulings, such as Namibias Supreme Court decision to recognise
foreign same-sex unions, bolsters the argument by demonstrating that progress is not
only possible but is also grounded in legitimate legal processes. This reliance on
authoritative sources enhances the integrity of the argument and reassures the reader
of its reliability.
Pathos is vividly invoked through emotive language and compelling imagery that evoke
feelings of moral outrage, empathy, and hope. The description of Ugandas law, which
includes the “death penalty” for “aggravated homosexuality,” is a stark and shocking
detail designed to provoke outrage and moral indignation. Words like “harshest,” “death
penalty,” and “punishes” serve to evoke feelings of injustice and horror. Such language
is effective in stirring emotional responses that can motivate readers to support the
cause of LGBTQI rights. Conversely, the mention of Namibias legal progress, described
as “somewhat progressive,” introduces a note of cautious hope. This contrast between
the severity of oppressive laws and the optimism of legal recognition creates a dynamic
emotional narrative that encourages the reader to support continued activism.
