Lesson objective: to look at how writers use language in texts for effect.

Questions: 1. what do we mean by language? 2. what different examples of language and linguistic techniques might you look for when reading a text?

A language question will always be a HOW question, so you need to identify and then comment – following the PEEE chain. Use the mark scheme to guide you.

How has Simon Hinde used language to suit his purpose? (8 marks)

How do you approach answering this question?1.2.3.4.5.

A question will tend to ask you ‘HOW has the writer used language to (PURPOSE) the reader?’ (8 marks).

You need to remember the following key steps:•Underline the key words in the question and if the question mentions the purpose of the text be clear on what that purpose is - and then look for features of language that support that purpose.•Use the mark scheme to guide you as to how many examples of language you need to write about, e.g. 8 marks = 4 examples = 4 PEEE paras

•It’s a how question, so you need to write a PEEE paragraph about each word/phrase/technique you have identified. Making sure that you answer the question in each paragraph, e.g. how does it persuade?•Repeat the process with another language feature… and another – until you have enough PEEE paragraphs. Always quote the language feature you are writing about.•Don’t write generally about ‘positive language’ or ‘the writer uses good adjectives’ instead pick out specific examples and write about them (just like with facts and opinions and presentational devices. E.g. ‘the use of the adjectives deep and green to describe the mountain’

So, how has Simon Hinde used language to suit his purpose? (8 marks)

1. Underline the key words2. What is the purpose of the text?3. How many marks? = How many PEEE paras?4. Identify 4 language features that help to persuade.5. Write a PEEE paragraph on each feature – remembering to always link your para to the question.

So…. let’s go.

(Opening sentence confirming the purpose): Simon Hinde uses language to good effect in his article to help persuade the audience that cannabis should be legalised.

(First PEEE para): For example, he uses word play ‘Marlboro green, silk cut high as a kite’ to humour you, which keeps you interested in the story. It also shows how easy it would be to sell it over the counter like tobacco. And if you can buy cigarettes over the counter why not cannabis because they are very similar. By buying it over the counter it would also make people feel more secure as they wouldn’t need to go to dealers.

He also uses a list of four :’ It is mildly intoxicating, relaxing, a remover of inhibitions and conducive to good humour and entertaining conversation’ to help persuade because it shows that when you use cannabis you have a good time. And all the effects are positive there is no downside to it. Most importantly, this list of four shows us that the effects of smoking cannabis are the same as drinking alcohol and that isn’t illegal.

He has also used repetition of the words ‘cannabis’ and ‘legal’ to drive home the message of his text which is to persaude people to legalise cannabis.

He is also trying to make the reader think through using rhetorical questions :’his revelation caused no stir, then why should it?’. This question makes the reader think why shouldn’t we legalise it because everyone does it.

EXEMPLAR ANSWER BY YEAR 11 STUDENTS:How does Simon Hinde use language to suit his purpose?

Simon Hinde uses language to support his argument that cannabis should be legalised. He uses this language to persuade people to see his point of view. He is also informing the reader about some of the truths about cannabis.

He uses a list of four ‘it is mildly intoxicating, relaxing, a remover of inhibitions, and conducive to good humour and entertaining conversation’ to support his argument that cannabis should be legalised because it is not as bad as other drugs and this list shows that its effects are the same as alcohol, which is not illegal. All of the words that he uses are very positive and have happy connotations, thus showing cannabis in a better light – so why not legalise it?

Hinde uses the alliterative expression ‘persecuted to no purpose’ because it makes you think negatively about the law because persecuted is a very strong and powerful word that has connotations of world war two where people were treated unfairly by those in power. This therefore implies that it is unfair to charge otherwise law abiding citizens with smoking cannabis, because it’s a petty crime that should not be a crime.