Unfamiliar Text Answer Structure Exemplar Deconstruction

Analyse how the writer uses language to convey their opinion of the position of women in Maori cultural tradition Question

A Brief Structure Introductory sentence which addresses the concept in the question. State the overall purpose of the piece Analysis of at least 3 techniques Identify technique Provide an example from the text. Analyse the effect of this technique. This means you need to break down your example- explaining how it helps the author to achieve their purpose. You must remember to comment on how the TECHNIQUE conveys meaning- as opposed to just paraphrasing the content of the example. Conclude with a comment on overall purpose.

Exemplar Answer In the Listener Editorial “A Woman’s Place”, the editor conveys the opinion that Maori Cultural Tradition subordinates women, and that protocols should be revised to reflect gender equality in the modern world. The editor’s purpose is to encourage readers to share this position on the issue, and to convince us to take action to address this. The author uses anecdotes throughout the editorial to align the reader with the opinion being expressed and to make us feel ashamed of how women are treated. The piece opens with an anecdote detailing the humiliation of Helen Clark at Waitangi, when she “dar[ed] to speak on the marae”. The reader feels embarrassed at the treatment of such a respected and authoritative figure. We also see the contradiction, between her subordination on the marae, and power in society. Making this clear to the reader helps the writer to encourage us to address the issue. The author also uses wealth of verbs with negative connotations throughout. Verbs such as “silencing” “relgating” “berated” and “humiliated” are used to describe the way that women are restricted in Maori cultural protocol. Using this language, the writer firmly conveys their opinion that this tradition is damaging to women. The repeated use of such negative language reinforces the opinion that women are actively being subordinated. The metaphor “Waitangi had by then become such a pressure-cooker pantomime” also helps the editor to convey their negative opinion of Maori cultural tradition. The comparison of NZs most well-known marae to a pressure cooker suggests that the situation is going to have inevitably explosive consequences. This helps the writer to encourage readers to act, by creating a sense of urgency. The idea of pantomime is also important- the comparison of traditional protocol to comedy develops the writer’s opinion that it is outdated in the modern world. Overall, the writer uses a range of techniques to encourage readers to share the opinion that Maori cultural protocol is outdated and negatively impacts women, and to act to address this.

Breaking Down the Exemplar Introductory Statement In the Listener Editorial “A Woman’s Place”, the editor conveys the opinion that Maori Cultural Tradition subordinates women, and that protocols should be revised to reflect gender equality in the modern world. The editor’s purpose is to encourage readers to share this position on the issue, and to convince us to take action to address this. Identifies the author’s opinion- using key words from the question Identifies the author’s overall purpose

Breaking Down the Exemplar Analysis of technique The metaphor “Waitangi had by then become such a pressure-cooker pantomime” also helps the editor to convey their negative opinion of Maori cultural tradition. The comparison of NZs most well-known marae to a pressure cooker suggests that the situation is going to have inevitably explosive consequences as a pressure cooker creates intense heat and pressure. This helps the writer to encourage readers to act, by creating a sense of urgency. The idea of pantomime is also important- the comparison of traditional protocol to comedy develops the writer’s opinion that it is outdated in the modern world. Identifies technique and example Explains the effect Links to overall purpose.

Breaking Down the Exemplar Concluding Statement Overall, the writer uses a range of techniques to encourage readers to share the opinion that Maori cultural protocol is outdated and negatively impacts women, and to act to address this. Restates the author’s opinion and purpose, linking clearly to the question with key words