YEAR 10 ENGLISH Language Analysis

Article A Letter:
If there was ever any doubt that Warner Bros did the right thing by firing Charlie Sheen the actor
himself made his former-bosses look like they had no choice. He went on the internet and looked like
a lunatic. Sheens behaviour was beyond bizarre. It was downright scary. He was ranting. Incoherent.
Indescribably strange. This kind of stuff certainly cant help him in his battle to regain the right to see
his twin sons. If this is winning, Id hate to see losing.
Scott Pierce, Salt Lake Tribune
Article B Letter:
The Media Need to Stop Enabling Sheen
That "cry for help" that we so often make fun of? Charlie's been crying out for two weeks now. His
anger has been rising, his behaviour becoming more erratic, and now it's come to this: Even his
publicist can't take it anymore.
When a drunken fan runs onto the field at a baseball game, all the cameras look away. Why aren't
we doing that now with Charlie Sheen? Because he makes $2 million an episode? Is that a reason to
dehumanize him? You think Charlie is any more in his right mind when he runs in front of a camera
than those fans that get onto the field during a final in a sporting contest?
It's time for all the tabloid media to stop returning Charlie's texts and calls. Instead, they should be
using their journalism to identify the people around Charlie who can actually get him into a rehab
facility against his will if necessary and then start badgering them to do something. We all look
at Charlie as if it is only he who has the problem. It makes great viewing but if we consider that we
are perhaps part of the problem we might not find it so funny anymore.
It's OK, TMZ's Harvey Levin, you'll get your exclusives from Charlie's new publicist when he's back in
his right mind. For now, though, leave him alone!
Aaron Bannhart, Kansas City Star 28/2/2011
Article C excerpt from Opinion Article:
For any neutral observer, the latest chapter of Sheen's life looks more like a tragedy than the bawdy
comedy many people are trying to pretend it is. It involves a man losing his children, grappling with
demons and substance abuse and blowing up a show that not only made him rich but employed
scores of people, most of whom had spouses and children and are now jobless.
Salon website writer Mary Elizabeth Williams perhaps described it best by comparing Sheen's antics
to the blood sports of a former age. "How long can one man's apparent mental breakdown be
America's favourite new dancing bear act?" she asked. The answer, sadly, is probably a very long
time.
Paul Harris Observer 6/3/2011
Year Ten English Practice Language Analysis
Instructions:
Read the attached articles carefully and then complete all questions.
The time allowed is 50 minutes.
No notes or texts may be used in this task.
Assessment Criteria:
Outstanding Excellent
30 - 27
The student has a clear
understanding of a wide range
of persuasive techniques and is
able to identify them and
specifically describe their
effects with close reference to
the text they are found in.

The student can clearly and
specifically identify the
contention of the writer in
persuasive texts.

The student reads and
understands sophisticated
texts and can identify the tone
of these texts and the
language that creates this.

Very Good Good
26 - 21
The student has a good
understanding of a range of
persuasive techniques and
can clearly describe the
effects they create on the
reader; usually with
reference to the text.

The student can identify the
contention and tone of a
range of texts and usually
can refer to some of the
language that creates this
tone.
Competent Satisfactory
20- 15
The student can identify a
number of persuasive
techniques and can identify
their effects on the reader,
although in a general way
and not with close reference
to the text.

The student can identify the
broad point of view of the
writer, however not the
specific contention they are
presenting.

The student can broadly
identify the tone of the
writer, although this
understanding is not always
accurate or sophisticated.
Not yet satisfactory
Less than 15
The student cannot yet
clearly identify enough
persuasive techniques
used.

The student misreads or
misunderstands texts
and as such cannot
clearly identify the
writers tone or
contention.
Grade Received: /30
Comment:









Question 1:
In your own words identify the contention from...
Article A (2 Marks)
The contention of the article was to criticize and disregard Charlie Sheens bizarre and immature
behaviour in society.
Article B (2 Marks)
The contention of article B is to criticize the media to stop turning a blind to Charlie sheens erratic
behaviour a baseball match.
Question 2 (3 marks):
a) Describe the tone of one of the articles: (2 marks)
In article A the tone is colloquial because it uses inclusive language.
b) Give an example of the language used which helps to create this tone: (1 mark)
Sheens behaviour was beyond bizarre. It was downright scary. He was ranting. Incoherent.
Indescribably strange.
Question 3 (2 marks):
(a) Who is the target audience in Article A?
The target audience is teens and young adults since he had been in adult comedy and
well known for his portrayal as a character in Two and a Half Men.
(b) What is the writers purpose in Article B?
The target audience is for mature adults or older because article B is generally more
complex.
Question 4 (12 Marks):
1. From the three articles identify an example of each of the persuasive techniques listed
AND explain the intended effect on the audience.

a) Alliteration
Beyond bizarre, this is used to make a line memorable and persuade people to continue
reading.
b) Generalisation
For any neutral observer, the latest chapter of Sheen's life looks more like a tragedy than
the bawdy comedy many people are trying to pretend it is, it is use to validate a theory or
statement.
c) Rhetorical question
"How long can one man's apparent mental breakdown be America's favourite new dancing
bear dance? this allows the reader to think about Charlie sheen
d) Emotive language


Question 4 (9 Marks):
Give three further techniques, examples and explain their intended effects on the reader.
(a)
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(b)
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(c)
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Note: The techniques may be similar or the same as those mentioned earlier, but the examples must
be different. Show a range of techniques, if possible