Blog - Paper 1 Question 2
The writer's purpose is to reach out to those 'strangers' who are in a time of need and discuss the importance of happiness and encourage some sort of change in their perception of the world. While such claims are made all of the time this one is particularly significant because the author of the letter is Richard Branson, a billionaire entrepreneur. He speaks about how happiness doesn't come from wealth, 'in fact it's the reverse' as he states in his third paragraph
Formatted as a letter, it is addressed to a 'stranger' meaning it has no definite audience and can be addressed to any audience member who may desire to read what Richard Branson has to say and hear his perspective on happiness.
The tone is immediately set by the author in the first paragraph through his usage of language. One of the first things he says is, 'I hear you are going through a tough time, and I would like to help you,' which both engages the audience and sets the tone for the entirety of the letter. By addressing a specific emotion at the start, it makes the audience intrigued and interested as to what will be said, these words help the author create a sense of desire for the audience. It can also be assumed that this letter will be very soothing and calm and will make use of formal language rather than informal language that may be inappropriate to the situation.
Another way that the author makes the letter more relatable is through his usage of figurative language. For example, 'There's a reason we're called a human being and not human doings,' Which is a play on words for why we should 'be' instead of 'do,' a point he expresses earlier on in his writing. The author makes an effort to further explain to his audience why happiness can better be achieved by being a part of the world around us rather than doing things alongside it.
The structure of this letter also plays a large part in what makes the letter so motivating and intriguing. He beings by introducing the idea that happiness must be achieved before wealth and then shifts to ways that can be a happier person. When he makes this transition he uses a lot of imagery to help shift the audience into a peaceful scenario and make them imagine a truly desirable environment. For example, he describes a scenario with, 'the smell of rain, the ripple of a wave, the wind across the sand.' Such imagery refines the meaning of this letter and provides the first way he advises the audience to achieve a higher level of happiness. By exposing his own desires and asking them to think of similar enjoyable activities lifts the audience's spirit and again, encourages them to make a change.
His usage of shorter paragraphs also allows him to separate his ideas into bursts of extremely motivational words. Instead of dragging his paragraphs on, he is able to maintain the retention of his audience and keep a similar level of impact throughout the entirety of the letter. This is the best way to write a motivational piece.
He then concludes his piece with an emotional farewell and leaves the audience with a sense of hope that things will turn out in a good way. 'I promise you, happiness will follow.' By ending with this, the audience can now understand what needs to be done and the best possible way to do it. It also gives the audience hope, not only for happiness but for wealth, as the advice comes from someone of high wealth.
Hi Aiden,
ReplyDeleteAO1 - 4 marks - You showed a detailed understanding of the meaning, context, and audience of the text. You spoke about how the author's choice of dedicating the letter to a stranger left it to have no “definite” audience. You also showed an effective reference of characteristic features.
AO3 - 14 marks - Analysis is clear, coherent, and well structured. Effective election of elements of form/structure/and language for analysis. You had multiple elements of the three and explained them all well. Clear analysis of writer’s stylistic choices and how they relate to the audience. With each point you brought up, you connected it to the audience. Uses effective and appropriate language to link evidence with comments. Overall, your blog was smooth and consistent, there were a few spelling and grammar errors but you did a great job.
18/25
Hi Aidan,
ReplyDeleteFor AO1 your score was 3/5 marks because you are able to show your understanding of the textual conventions used in a letter and the way that the author demonstrates a clear purpose with reference to the meaning, audience, and context. Your references identify the way that the author uses form, structure and language but the structure of your paragraphs could be more concise as it is occasionally difficult to follow which references apply to form, structure, or the language used in the text.
For AO3 your score was 8/20 marks due to your ability to make links between textual evidence and your own explanations. Your analysis of the characteristic features of the text shows a clear awareness of the stylistic choices the author makes and how these choices support the purpose and meaning of the text. In your blog you select elements of the letter’s form, structure, and language and you use strong reasoning to explain how well Richard Branson addresses his audience. Your analysis lacks organization and a clear structure which makes your response score lower than it would if you didn’t combine your references to the elements in the text.
Hi Aiden,
ReplyDeleteFor your AO1, you received 4 marks for having a detailed understanding of the text while explaining the context, audience, and meaning of the text. There are some effective characteristic features in the analysis like with explaining how Mr.Branson addresses the ‘stranger’ as being no definite audience.
For your AO3, you received 14 marks with your analysis being detailed, coherent, and structured perfectly. With you also explaining the form, structure, and language perfectly with each paragraph going in order and focusing on one of the features which has it be detailed perfectly. You use some detailed awareness of the writer’s stylistic choices with how you tie back to the objective of the letter. You use clear and appropriate lexis to explain your points and how it connects with the purpose of it. Overall, your analysis flowed perfectly, had great points and explanations, and used the correct lexical choice in the analysis.
18/25
Great job!