Paper 1 question 2

 


The subject of Richard Branson’s letter is how he achieved happiness. It is meant to be read by someone who is in a “tough time”. The audience for the letter is very broad since many people can be unhappy or struggling through a bad time. The purpose is to hopefully help someone appreciate their life and become happier.

The form of this text is an informal letter which affects the way it looks. Since it is a letter it has many short paragraphs which allows the author to organize their information and ideas. Since the letter is informal Richard had to change his language. For example he closes the text with the phrase “Happy Regards” which would not be considered appropriate for a formal text however, it is good for an informal text since it is friendly but not serious.

The audience plays a significant role in the text. Since the audience covers such a large range which made him make statements that were very broad. For example he starts by addressing the audience as “stranger” which since it could be read by a wide variety of people. Another example, "I certainly…had my heart broken.” He lists many examples of “scare and sad” moments but does not go into more detail because that could make it not relatable as well as make the letter go off topic.

The author utilizes figurative language in order to help the text flow better. He uses alliteration, “Be healthy. Be around your friends and family, Be there for someone”, This engages the audience as well as help move along. Richard also uses repetition and lists very often, “For me…storm of summer” this helps him make his point. Using many different examples also adds ethos to the letter since it makes him more credible. Along with this it helps him relate to the audience by covering many topics since there could be many people reading it.

The purpose of this text is to cheer someone up who is not happy. It is meant to be a letter for Richard to spread his wisdom to people who are in a “tough time”. He wanted the letter to feel personal and genuine which changes the text by making it sound like a conversation using pronouns like “you” and “your”. For example, “Don't waste your human talents”, makes it sound like he is talking to the audience directly. This allows him to engage the reader and it is an example of pathos since it can affect the audience's emotions.

The author uses pathos quite often in the letter in order to leave an effect on the reader. For example, “For me…sunrise and sunset”, this entire paragraph demonstrates pathos perfectly. He speaks about many heartwarming and relatable things like his “grandchild’s tiny hands” or “smile on a stranger's face” which are very relatable and are positive which affects the audience’s emotions. The author himself is the ethos in the letter. Richard Branson is a very wealthy and accomplished man and he states it in the text, “I know I'm fortunate…I am happy.” This shows that he is happy and he knows a thing or two about it. In this example he also lists many examples of why he is happy which adds to his credibility.

The author uses imagery in the text in order to engage the reader. For example, “it's watching the flamingos fly across Necker Island at dusk.” This helps engage the reader by giving them an idea in their head of the scenario. Another example of the language being affected is the tone. The tone of the text is very friendly although he is very directive by giving advice. “Don’t seek happiness when you’re down”, is an example of him being friendly and direct. This is due to the fact that he wants to help people. By being friendly and direct Richard can get his point across better

Comments

  1. AnonApril 22, 2022 at 2:33 PM

    AO1: 4 AO3: 15

    I thought you fully understood Branson’s letter and clearly demonstrated this through your use of SOAPS. You used a variety of buzzwords that identify key points in the letter such as “informal tone,” “pathos,” “ethos,” and “imagery.” I thought it was excellent how you continuously related your points back to how it would impact the audience. There are only a few ideas that could make your analysis even better. For example, you could discuss how Branson uses the “imperative” continuously throughout the letter. You could insert this idea into the paragraph in which you discuss the quote “Don’t waste your human talents.” (The imperative is used because this sentence is an instruction/advice.) This contributes to the relationship between Branson and the reader, as he becomes their model figure. Another language feature that was used a few times in the text was parallel sentence structure. You could add this idea into the paragraph where you discuss the repeated use of the word “be.” You could mention that parallel sentence structure added to the letter since its rhythm facilitated the growth of ideas, thus stressing the importance of each sentence that started with “be.” Overall, I thought that you fulfilled the prompt and used precise examples and ideas to convey your messages.

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  2. Captain BrigandApril 22, 2022 at 3:12 PM

    AO1: 4 marks AO3: 14 marks

    Clearly understood the letter. Had lots of buzz words, which the examiners will love on the exam. Your analysis of the audience was spot on. Also, I can tell you were going through SOAPS because all of the points in SOAPS were brought up. Nice job!

    18/25 total points

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  3. Vampire Diaries :)April 22, 2022 at 7:43 PM

    Hey Joe,
    I enjoyed reading your writing!!

    AO1: 3/5
    You had a clear understanding of the text. Each time you made a point, you had quotes to support it. For example, ¨the author uses pathos quite often in lhe letter in order to leave an effect on the reader… sunrise and sunset,¨ the only thing I have to comment on is the fact that you should have said ¨Branson¨ instead of ¨the author.¨ You had a clear analysis of the author's use of form, structure, and language. I like that you added ethos, pathos, and logos in your writing. Good job.

    AO3: 12/20
    You structure your writing in an effective way. You had an appropriate selection of elements. You clearly explained why the author of the text decided to do the things he did. Next time, instead of just saying, ¨The form of this text is an informal letter which affects the way it looks¨ you could say ¨The letter consisted of informal language. Informal language is mostly used when speaking to friends and family. In this case, the writer uses informal language to make the reader feel comfortable¨

    Total: 15/25

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