ENG2601 Exam questions.

STUDY UNIT 1: ENGLISH LANGUAGE SYSTEMS: PERSUASION AND NARRATION/RHETORICAL ANALYSIS Discourse refers to written, spoken and signed communication. Communication with others takes place within a situational context. This means that our discourse will be influenced by the medium and mode of communication we choose, the environment in which we are communicating, the time within which it takes place, the purpose of our discourse and the type of relationship between the participants. NARRATIVE TEXT FEATURES Purpose Communicate a story and has characters, conflicts and a setting. Orientation, complication and solution plot. Descriptive language is used and it is narrated in chronological order. Connectives that signal time, once upon a time, later that day. Text Organisation The focus of the text is on a sequence of events or actions. The simple structure of a narrative text consists of an orientation, complication and resolution. Conclusion example: The distinctive style of narration and the use of linguistic and rhetorical device, all contribute to convey a sense of understanding the young man and being able to sense what he is feeling. Argumentative is more formal and academic genre requires that the writer support his or her argument with solid evidence. While persuasive writing can get by with a heartfelt emotional appeal or a well-defended opinion, argumentative writing must cite scientific studies, statistics and quotes from experts. What Is the Difference Between Persuasive and Argumentative Writing? Persuasive Writing Argumentative Writing Starting Point: Identify your topic and choose your side. Starting Point: Identify your topic, research your topic, and decide which side to support. Purpose: Get the reader to agree Purpose: Get the reader to recognize with your opinion. your side of the argument is valid. Techniques: 1. Combines facts with emotions to convince the reader that the author is “right” 2. Emotion-based 3. Ignores counter claims 4. Presents only ideas that help establish a position 5. Only presents only one side: the author’s side 6. Makes claims without evidence Techniques: 1. Offers facts, reasons, and evidence to show the author has valid points 2. Logic-based 3. Acknowledges the opposing claims 4. May compare ideas to establish a position 5. Presents multiple sides but it is clear which is the author’s side 6. Always provides evidence with claims Tone: The tone is emotionally charged and more aggressive. A persuasive essay aims at getting readers to agree with a point of view on a particular topic. Persuasion even though based on fact, is driven by the writer’s opinion and can draw on emotion and passion, and is therefore subjective. Persuasion wants to convince and win support to its side. In persuasion, once a topic has been identified, a side is taken and then presented with supporting reasons. Tone: There is a calmer tone of just trying to get the reader to acknowledge the author’s side is worthy of consideration. An argument aims at getting readers to see and acknowledge that a view is more valid than another. An argument even though based on fact, will offer reasoned and credible claims drawing on a wider range of evidence (and not emotion) to validate the claims. An argument puts a view out there for people to consider. While it is good to know they have been convinced, the aim is to share reasoned views, and not so much to convince. In an argument research is necessary before a writer can take a position – i.e. the research influences the position.