Analysing a media non-fiction text

Look at the text opposite. Identify the FAP (form, audience and purpose) of this text from the list below.

Drag and drop the annotations to the correct place to show how the language features of writing to argue and persuade are being used in this webpage.

Choose from the drop-down menus to complete this evaluation of the ways in which language is being used in the Greenpeace webpage. The writer starts by using a [blank_start]short sentence[blank_end], written as a [blank_start]statement[blank_end]. They then develop the point made in this opening sentence by presenting the reader with a series of shocking statistics to make the [blank_start]opinions stated as facts[blank_end] appear to be true. The intended audience for this text would be people who have an existing interest ion climate change and other environmental issues so the use of the [blank_start]first person collective pronoun[blank_end] 'we' helps to make the reader feel involved and empowered to make a real difference. The writer also uses the [blank_start]second person[blank_end] 'you' to challenge the reader to take some decisive action in relation to climate change and make them feel responsible for bringing about the changes that are needed. Throughout the text language is used [blank_start]emotively[blank_end] with the term 'catastrophe' being repeated several times. Although this is [blank_start]an exaggeration[blank_end], it is done to emphasise the seriousness of the problem and would probably appeal to the intended audience who are already aware of the issue. To maintain the readers' interest the writer varies the length of [blank_start]sentences[blank_end] throughout the text using [blank_start]short[blank_end] sentences for impact. These short sentences tend to be [blank_start]opinions stated as fact[blank_end] and often contain [blank_start]emotive, exaggerated[blank_end] language. Throughout the text [blank_start]modal[blank_end] verbs are used to suggest that there is a solution and the possibility of change. This serves to balance out the scare tactics employed through the use of [blank_start]emotive language and hyperbole[blank_end]. In addition to modal verbs, [blank_start]imperative[blank_end] verbs are used in the links to encourage the readers to take positive action. These tend to appear towards the [blank_start]end[blank_end] of the texts once the reader has had a chance to take on board the information they have been presented with.

Which of the following presentational devices have been used to help aid the meaning of the Greenpeace webpage? Think carefully about this! Whilst all of the presentational devices listed do feature on the webpage only some of them are actually contributing to the meaning of the text.

The combination of key language features used to argue and persuade and carefully chosen presentational devices makes this webpage and effective text for its intended audience of environmentally aware adults.