ENG2601
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 24 JUNE 2025
, Title:
How Genre, Register, Context and Meaning Are Used to Persuade in “The Big Lie
About Speed Limits in South Africa”
Introduction
The article titled “The Big Lie About Speed Limits in South Africa” is written by Rob
Handfield-Jones, a road safety expert. This article appears online and is clearly meant
to challenge the popular belief that reducing speed limits will lead to fewer road
accidents. In this essay, I will discuss how the writer cleverly uses the genre of a
persuasive opinion piece, an informal and direct register, the current context of road
safety in South Africa, and the meaning he constructs through his use of persuasive
techniques. These include emotional language, expert quotes, generalisations, case
studies, and even hyperbole. The article mixes logic and emotion to convince the reader
that the government’s approach to speed limits is misleading and possibly financially
motivated.
Understanding Genre, Register, Context, and Meaning
To start, we need to understand how genre, register, context and meaning work in the
article. The genre of the article is persuasive journalism or an opinion article. This type
of writing is usually opinionated, informal, and focused on convincing readers rather
than just reporting facts. It is common in online media platforms and blogs. The writer
uses this genre effectively by sharing strong opinions and backing them with evidence
and emotional appeals.
The register is informal and conversational. This makes the message more relatable
and easier for ordinary South Africans to understand and connect with. Phrases like
“speed cameras are easy money” make the article feel like a conversation rather than a
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 24 JUNE 2025
, Title:
How Genre, Register, Context and Meaning Are Used to Persuade in “The Big Lie
About Speed Limits in South Africa”
Introduction
The article titled “The Big Lie About Speed Limits in South Africa” is written by Rob
Handfield-Jones, a road safety expert. This article appears online and is clearly meant
to challenge the popular belief that reducing speed limits will lead to fewer road
accidents. In this essay, I will discuss how the writer cleverly uses the genre of a
persuasive opinion piece, an informal and direct register, the current context of road
safety in South Africa, and the meaning he constructs through his use of persuasive
techniques. These include emotional language, expert quotes, generalisations, case
studies, and even hyperbole. The article mixes logic and emotion to convince the reader
that the government’s approach to speed limits is misleading and possibly financially
motivated.
Understanding Genre, Register, Context, and Meaning
To start, we need to understand how genre, register, context and meaning work in the
article. The genre of the article is persuasive journalism or an opinion article. This type
of writing is usually opinionated, informal, and focused on convincing readers rather
than just reporting facts. It is common in online media platforms and blogs. The writer
uses this genre effectively by sharing strong opinions and backing them with evidence
and emotional appeals.
The register is informal and conversational. This makes the message more relatable
and easier for ordinary South Africans to understand and connect with. Phrases like
“speed cameras are easy money” make the article feel like a conversation rather than a
