2016 English Exam Response PDF

Preview

Summary

Response to 2016 English Exam Response...

Description

Catherine Meagher 2016 English Exam - English Practice Analysing Argument: Graded: 96% (1.5 marks off for argument strength) Date: June 15th 2019 In light of Lawton’s recent highway diversion, debates have been sparked as to the community’s concern for the economic future of the town. Lawton’s May, Alexandra Wiley has written a column in Lawton’s local newspaper passionately contending the need for an increase in tourism to restore the town’s economic prosperity and highlighting the need for a call to action in order to combat this issue. Firstly, Wiley argues that Lawton needs to showcase their high-quality goods and services. Moreover, she presents her stance the community is of the utmost importance and there is a vital need for their protection. Additionally, Wiley examines the council’s action plan as to how Lawton will increase their tourism through an attraction. In contrast, Lawton’s Progress Association President, Ian Warwick has written a publicised letter in response to Wiley’s article that critically contends an attraction is not the way in which tourism should be increased and will instead bring detrimental effects to the town. Warwick’s letter is supported through Gary Shaw’s cartoon which ironically contends the Lawton’s future if a tourist attraction is installed. Firstly, Wiley argues that Lawton must draw attention to their town’s offerings, employing generalisation to explain “of course we no longer want huge trucks thundering” around the town. In doing so, Wiley positions the reader to regard and judge others who disagree with her stance in a stereotyped way. Wiley additionally states the town can sell merchandise such as “cuddly toys, cards and gifts. In employing this listing, Wiley exemplifies the many benefits that come from initiating the council’s plan of action. Moreover, Wiley’s use of descriptive imagery in illustrating “the most crisp, most succulent fruit and vegetables” draws attention to the high quality produce in the town and the success associated with “showcase[ing]” what they have to offer. Employing a measured tone, Wiley explains the desperate need to protect the community whilst implementing change. In employing the cynical metaphor that appeals to readers sense of fear in “taking [their] lives in [their] hands”, she pressures readers to feel that the diversion of the highway was necessary to protect the community though action is now urgent to save the town’s economy. Wiley then appeals to community values in identifying that “neighbours know and look out for one another”, thus supporting Wiley’s view that community needs to unite to increase the economic ability of the town to ensure prosperity. She then critically appeals to her reader’s fear in explaining “we have to protect our lifestyle”, thereby arousing anger in her readers and positioning them to feel that action needs to be taken in order to counteract their issue. Wiley begins her next argument by discrediting the town’s naysayers, she mimics their remarks that the tourist attraction “isn’t original” and “has been done”, simultaneously attacking the opposition’s view and explaining the invalidity associated. Next, she employs statistical evidence in explaining the new attraction will help Lawton “receive 20% more visitors”. In doing so, Wiley positions the reader to feel her argument is more reliable as it is objective. Furthermore, Wiley employs inclusive language and issues a call to action in listing the stakeholders in this issue are “our farmers”, “our young people” and “our hospital”. Thus, positioning the reader to agree with the Wiley as they feel they are on the same team and have the same interests at heart. In comparison Warwick’s letter responding to Wiley, expresses that the implementation of a tourist attraction is not the solution and instead it will be detrimental to the community. He employs repetition of the phrase “of course” to stress the issue and increases the impact of the main point whilst also appealing to reader’s common sense, thus positioning readers to agree with the Warwick and imply anyone who disagrees with his critical stance lacks common sense. Next, Warwick questions “can’t we be different?”, in employing this rhetorical question, he encourages the reader to

Catherine Meagher reflect and consider the town’s problem, whilst simultaneously engaging them. Moreover, Warwick explains the town will be “defaced by vandals” and the “air will be polluted”, in doing so appealing to the reader’s sense of fear and pressuring them to feel that a solution and action is urgent. Similarly, Shaw’s cartoon mockingly illustrates a watermelon of large scale and presents Shaw’s view on the watermelon is being highlighted as the only thing the town will have to offer. Furthermore, the black and white colour palette demonstrates the stark reality of the issue and the lack of excitement within the town. Additionally, Shaw has labelled Lawton as “home of the giant watermelon”, further stressing his cynical stance of what Lawton will become if Wiley and the council implement the new tourist attraction. Whilst, Wiley argues the need for an increase in tourism and highlights the urgent need for a call to action in order to restore the town’s economic prosperity, Warwick and Shaw similarly contend that the implementation of a tourist attraction will only be detrimental to Lawton and the community. Readers are given insight into both the benefits and the downsides of constructing a tourist attraction and encouraged to form their own opinions from the range of arguments provided....