JAN/FEB 202
ENG2602
EXAM ANSWERS
ENG2602 ANSWERS
JANUARY
2024
SECTION A: GENRES OF LANGUAGE
QUESTION 2: POLITICAL PERSUASION
THE ESSAY:
Title: Critical Analysis of a Political Persuasive Text: "Dear Mr. President: We, the Young People,
Need Hope"
The political persuasive text, "Dear Mr. President: We, the young people, need hope," authored
by Nicholas Marks, Andy Morobi, Thobeka Mkhize, Senzo Nkomo, and Vukani Mzamane, was
published on September 25, 2021. The primary audience for this text is the President of South
Africa, and its persuasive purpose is to address the urgent concerns and challenges faced by
the youth in the country, urging the president to take action and provide hope for a better future.
Introduction:
The text, penned by young activists, begins by extending Heritage Weekend wishes and
expressing a need for reflection during tumultuous times. The central argument revolves around
the fading torch of guidance for the youth, who are grappling with issues such as crime,
, JAN/FEB 202
corruption, gender-based violence, and socioeconomic disparities. The essay critically analyzes
the persuasive strategies employed in the text, focusing on persuasive appeals and linguistic
devices.
Persuasive Appeals:
I HAVE INCLUDED A LOT OF PERSUASIVE APPEALS, CHOOSE ONLY A FEW FOR YOUR
ESSAY
Ethos (Credibility):
The authors establish their credibility through personal narratives, revealing their roles as law
students, HIV activists, and individuals directly affected by the issues at hand. Nicholas, a final-
year law student, positions himself as an advocate for indigent communities. Andy's personal
struggle with HIV adds a human dimension to the plea, emphasizing the urgent need for
addressing healthcare issues.
Pathos (Emotional Appeal):
The text effectively employs pathos by sharing personal stories of hardship and loss. Andy's
tragic experience of growing up in a shack, losing his mother to AIDS, and discovering his HIV
status elicits empathy from the audience. These emotionally charged anecdotes aim to connect
with the president and the wider audience on a deeper, compassionate level, compelling them
to take action.
Logos (Logical Appeal):
Logical appeal is evident in Nicholas's argument regarding the growing levels of inequality. He
links socioeconomic conditions to prospects of success, emphasizing that one's potential
should not be dictated by their background. This logical reasoning aims to persuade the
president that addressing inequality is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic move for
the nation's overall prosperity.
Brevity and Clarity:
The authors employ brevity and clarity as persuasive appeals, ensuring that their message is
concise and straightforward. By distilling complex issues into clear and succinct statements,
they make their concerns easily understandable for a broader audience. This approach aims to
enhance the accessibility of the message, making it more likely to resonate with a diverse
readership.
Inclusive Language:
Throughout the text, the authors consistently use inclusive language such as "we, the young
people" and "our country." This linguistic choice creates a sense of shared identity and collective
responsibility. By presenting the challenges as issues faced by the entire youth population, the
authors seek to foster a sense of unity and solidarity, urging the president to recognize the
widespread impact of the problems addressed.
Appeal to National Heritage:
ENG2602
EXAM ANSWERS
ENG2602 ANSWERS
JANUARY
2024
SECTION A: GENRES OF LANGUAGE
QUESTION 2: POLITICAL PERSUASION
THE ESSAY:
Title: Critical Analysis of a Political Persuasive Text: "Dear Mr. President: We, the Young People,
Need Hope"
The political persuasive text, "Dear Mr. President: We, the young people, need hope," authored
by Nicholas Marks, Andy Morobi, Thobeka Mkhize, Senzo Nkomo, and Vukani Mzamane, was
published on September 25, 2021. The primary audience for this text is the President of South
Africa, and its persuasive purpose is to address the urgent concerns and challenges faced by
the youth in the country, urging the president to take action and provide hope for a better future.
Introduction:
The text, penned by young activists, begins by extending Heritage Weekend wishes and
expressing a need for reflection during tumultuous times. The central argument revolves around
the fading torch of guidance for the youth, who are grappling with issues such as crime,
, JAN/FEB 202
corruption, gender-based violence, and socioeconomic disparities. The essay critically analyzes
the persuasive strategies employed in the text, focusing on persuasive appeals and linguistic
devices.
Persuasive Appeals:
I HAVE INCLUDED A LOT OF PERSUASIVE APPEALS, CHOOSE ONLY A FEW FOR YOUR
ESSAY
Ethos (Credibility):
The authors establish their credibility through personal narratives, revealing their roles as law
students, HIV activists, and individuals directly affected by the issues at hand. Nicholas, a final-
year law student, positions himself as an advocate for indigent communities. Andy's personal
struggle with HIV adds a human dimension to the plea, emphasizing the urgent need for
addressing healthcare issues.
Pathos (Emotional Appeal):
The text effectively employs pathos by sharing personal stories of hardship and loss. Andy's
tragic experience of growing up in a shack, losing his mother to AIDS, and discovering his HIV
status elicits empathy from the audience. These emotionally charged anecdotes aim to connect
with the president and the wider audience on a deeper, compassionate level, compelling them
to take action.
Logos (Logical Appeal):
Logical appeal is evident in Nicholas's argument regarding the growing levels of inequality. He
links socioeconomic conditions to prospects of success, emphasizing that one's potential
should not be dictated by their background. This logical reasoning aims to persuade the
president that addressing inequality is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic move for
the nation's overall prosperity.
Brevity and Clarity:
The authors employ brevity and clarity as persuasive appeals, ensuring that their message is
concise and straightforward. By distilling complex issues into clear and succinct statements,
they make their concerns easily understandable for a broader audience. This approach aims to
enhance the accessibility of the message, making it more likely to resonate with a diverse
readership.
Inclusive Language:
Throughout the text, the authors consistently use inclusive language such as "we, the young
people" and "our country." This linguistic choice creates a sense of shared identity and collective
responsibility. By presenting the challenges as issues faced by the entire youth population, the
authors seek to foster a sense of unity and solidarity, urging the president to recognize the
widespread impact of the problems addressed.
Appeal to National Heritage:
