LOLA JACOBS ASSIGNMENTS © 2024
ENG1502
ASSIGNMENT NO: 03
YEAR : 2024
PREVIEW:
1. What is the writer’s purpose with this text? Support the answer by referring closely
to the text. (10 marks)
The writer’s purpose with this text is to inform the public and relevant authorities about the
severe water crisis in South Africa, emphasizing the deteriorating quality of drinking water and
the failing water infrastructure. The text aims to raise awareness and prompt action by
highlighting the alarming findings from the Blue Drop Audit Report. The writer states, “The Blue
Drop Audit Report is meant to ensure that water service authorities are held accountable for
providing safe drinking water,” indicating the intention to hold these authorities responsible for
the current state of water services. Furthermore, by detailing the high percentage of water
supply systems that pose acute human health risks, the writer seeks to underline the urgency
of the issue and the potential health dangers to the population. The text also serves to inform
the public about the inefficiencies and shortcomings of the current water management
systems, as evidenced by the statement, “Monitoring and compliance were severely deficient,”
which suggests a need for improved oversight and regulation
, LOLA JACOBS ASSIGNMENTS © 2024
1. What is the writer’s purpose with this text? Support the answer by referring closely
to the text. (10 marks)
The writer’s purpose with this text is to inform the public and relevant authorities about the
severe water crisis in South Africa, emphasizing the deteriorating quality of drinking water and
the failing water infrastructure. The text aims to raise awareness and prompt action by
highlighting the alarming findings from the Blue Drop Audit Report. The writer states, “The Blue
Drop Audit Report is meant to ensure that water service authorities are held accountable for
providing safe drinking water,” indicating the intention to hold these authorities responsible for
the current state of water services. Furthermore, by detailing the high percentage of water
supply systems that pose acute human health risks, the writer seeks to underline the urgency
of the issue and the potential health dangers to the population. The text also serves to inform
the public about the inefficiencies and shortcomings of the current water management
systems, as evidenced by the statement, “Monitoring and compliance were severely deficient,”
which suggests a need for improved oversight and regulation.
Additionally, the writer uses specific statistics and facts from the report to substantiate the
argument, such as, “46% of all water supply systems pose acute human health risks because
of bacteria or other pathogens in the drinking water supply,” and “more than two thirds (67.6%)
of all wastewater treatment works are close to failure.” These figures are intended to provide
a clear and compelling picture of the extent of the problem, reinforcing the need for immediate
action. The mention of health risks such as “cholera, dysentery, hepatitis A and typhoid” further
underscores the potential consequences of inaction and the critical need for addressing the
water crisis.
The writer also aims to highlight the failure of communication from municipalities regarding
water safety, as noted in the text, “more than half of the country’s municipalities (57%) do not
notify water users when they discover that the water has been contaminated.” This lack of
communication is portrayed as a serious issue that endangers public health, thus emphasizing
the need for better transparency and accountability. Overall, the writer’s purpose is to inform,
alert, and provoke a response from both the public and the authorities to address the pressing
water crisis in South Africa.
2. Who are the potential audience of the text? Explain and support your answer by
referring to the text. (10 marks)
The potential audience of this text includes South African citizens, policymakers, government
officials, and water service authorities. The detailed presentation of the Blue Drop Audit
Report’s findings suggests that the writer aims to reach individuals who are directly affected
by the water crisis, primarily South African citizens who rely on municipal water services for
their daily needs. The mention of health risks such as “gastro illnesses,” “cholera,” and
“typhoid” points to an audience concerned with public health and personal safety, indicating
that the writer is addressing the general public to raise awareness about the water quality
issues they face.
Policymakers and government officials are also a key audience for this text. The emphasis on
accountability and the need for improvements in water infrastructure and management
highlights the role of these stakeholders in addressing the crisis. The writer mentions that “The
Blue Drop Audit Report is meant to ensure that water service authorities are held accountable,”
which indicates that the text is directed towards those in positions of power who can implement
ENG1502
ASSIGNMENT NO: 03
YEAR : 2024
PREVIEW:
1. What is the writer’s purpose with this text? Support the answer by referring closely
to the text. (10 marks)
The writer’s purpose with this text is to inform the public and relevant authorities about the
severe water crisis in South Africa, emphasizing the deteriorating quality of drinking water and
the failing water infrastructure. The text aims to raise awareness and prompt action by
highlighting the alarming findings from the Blue Drop Audit Report. The writer states, “The Blue
Drop Audit Report is meant to ensure that water service authorities are held accountable for
providing safe drinking water,” indicating the intention to hold these authorities responsible for
the current state of water services. Furthermore, by detailing the high percentage of water
supply systems that pose acute human health risks, the writer seeks to underline the urgency
of the issue and the potential health dangers to the population. The text also serves to inform
the public about the inefficiencies and shortcomings of the current water management
systems, as evidenced by the statement, “Monitoring and compliance were severely deficient,”
which suggests a need for improved oversight and regulation
, LOLA JACOBS ASSIGNMENTS © 2024
1. What is the writer’s purpose with this text? Support the answer by referring closely
to the text. (10 marks)
The writer’s purpose with this text is to inform the public and relevant authorities about the
severe water crisis in South Africa, emphasizing the deteriorating quality of drinking water and
the failing water infrastructure. The text aims to raise awareness and prompt action by
highlighting the alarming findings from the Blue Drop Audit Report. The writer states, “The Blue
Drop Audit Report is meant to ensure that water service authorities are held accountable for
providing safe drinking water,” indicating the intention to hold these authorities responsible for
the current state of water services. Furthermore, by detailing the high percentage of water
supply systems that pose acute human health risks, the writer seeks to underline the urgency
of the issue and the potential health dangers to the population. The text also serves to inform
the public about the inefficiencies and shortcomings of the current water management
systems, as evidenced by the statement, “Monitoring and compliance were severely deficient,”
which suggests a need for improved oversight and regulation.
Additionally, the writer uses specific statistics and facts from the report to substantiate the
argument, such as, “46% of all water supply systems pose acute human health risks because
of bacteria or other pathogens in the drinking water supply,” and “more than two thirds (67.6%)
of all wastewater treatment works are close to failure.” These figures are intended to provide
a clear and compelling picture of the extent of the problem, reinforcing the need for immediate
action. The mention of health risks such as “cholera, dysentery, hepatitis A and typhoid” further
underscores the potential consequences of inaction and the critical need for addressing the
water crisis.
The writer also aims to highlight the failure of communication from municipalities regarding
water safety, as noted in the text, “more than half of the country’s municipalities (57%) do not
notify water users when they discover that the water has been contaminated.” This lack of
communication is portrayed as a serious issue that endangers public health, thus emphasizing
the need for better transparency and accountability. Overall, the writer’s purpose is to inform,
alert, and provoke a response from both the public and the authorities to address the pressing
water crisis in South Africa.
2. Who are the potential audience of the text? Explain and support your answer by
referring to the text. (10 marks)
The potential audience of this text includes South African citizens, policymakers, government
officials, and water service authorities. The detailed presentation of the Blue Drop Audit
Report’s findings suggests that the writer aims to reach individuals who are directly affected
by the water crisis, primarily South African citizens who rely on municipal water services for
their daily needs. The mention of health risks such as “gastro illnesses,” “cholera,” and
“typhoid” points to an audience concerned with public health and personal safety, indicating
that the writer is addressing the general public to raise awareness about the water quality
issues they face.
Policymakers and government officials are also a key audience for this text. The emphasis on
accountability and the need for improvements in water infrastructure and management
highlights the role of these stakeholders in addressing the crisis. The writer mentions that “The
Blue Drop Audit Report is meant to ensure that water service authorities are held accountable,”
which indicates that the text is directed towards those in positions of power who can implement
