Task 1A: Main Message The main message of the text is that growing mistrust and hostility towards independent media.
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-10-02
Analysing language features and their effects is a core skill for the English exam, enabling you to deconstruct how a text persuades its audience by appealing to both their logic and emotions. This guide will deepen your understanding of rhetorical analysis using a model answer, showing you precisely what examiners look for and how to elevate your response from a simple pass to a top grade.
Briefly comment on and explain the effects of some of the language features and/or literary devices used in the text to enhance the message and influence opinions.
Being a journalist unfortunately is becoming an ever more dangerous and terrifying profession. Is this a development we want to see? The 2021 World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders paints a dark and deeply depressing picture. It shows that journalism is being blocked and hindered in 73 of the 180 countries ranked by the organization. Please stop and consider that for a moment.
Female journalists are especially targeted. In a recent study by UNESCO, 73 per cent of women journalists who responded had experienced online violence in the course of their work. One in five reported being attacked offline in connection with online violence they had experienced. The offline and online attacks not only put their safety at risk, but also risk discrediting them and creating mistrust in their vitally important work. They fear being assaulted, bullied and intimidated.
The deterioration of media freedom stems from a range of negative developments that include legislative restrictions, lack of independence, as well as threats and violence against journalists. A deeply disturbing trend that we have witnessed in recent times, and that worries us gravely, is a growing mistrust towards journalists and increasing anti-media sentiment. While not new, the current pandemic and hostilities have exacerbated this challenge. Restrictive measures and attempts to discredit and prevent scrutiny are imposed by several State authorities. Other public figures with their own nefarious agendas stoke the fires of doubt in their malicious attempts to erode trust in the media and thus silence the truth. Where would we be without the media trying to give us the truth?
Don’t you agree that discrediting of, and sowing distrust against journalists and other media workers is unconscionable, undemocratic and unacceptable? It poses a serious threat to democracy and to our common security. This is a threat to us all and to our fragile but so valuable freedom of expression.
We must put special emphasis on the dire challenges faced by female journalists and media actors. We must find ways to support them. We must listen when brave female journalists share their experiences with their readers and audiences as they pull the beast of intolerance into the light of truth to open all our eyes to this great Orwellian threat. They refuse to be silenced, they insist on telling the objective truth and they are willing to be your eyes and ears when and where it counts the most.
States can and must contribute to increased public trust in independent media, but the battle starts with you and me. We must support and trust the professionals who risk their lives to report directly from the lion’s den.
We must recognize human rights, democracy and the rule of law as an indispensable foundation for stable and secure societies. This especially includes free expression and freedom of the media — journalists must be able to report without facing danger, without fearing for their lives.
Source: Adapted by Utdanningsdirektoratet from: https://www.osce.org/blog/mistrust-in-independent-media-poses-a-long-term-threat-to-our-common-security. Retrieved: 09.03.22
Task 1A: Main Message
The main message of the text is that growing mistrust and hostility towards independent media, especially the increasing threats against journalists—particularly women—is a serious and unacceptable threat to democracy, freedom of expression, and global security. The authors argue that journalists must be protected and supported so they can continue to report the truth without fear or censorship.
Task 1B: Language Features and Their Effects
The authors use emotionally charged language to create urgency and provoke a strong response from the reader. Phrases like “deeply depressing picture”, “malicious attempts”, and “the beast of intolerance” highlight the seriousness of the issue. The rhetorical question “Where would we be without the media trying to give us the truth?” invites the reader to reflect personally on the importance of journalism.
Furthermore, repetition is used effectively with “We must…” to create a persuasive and urgent tone, encouraging action and solidarity. The metaphor “pull the beast of intolerance into the light of truth” paints an image of journalists as heroes fighting ignorance and lies, reinforcing their role as defenders of democracy. The expression “from the lion’s den” emphasizes the danger journalists face and evokes admiration and respect for their bravery.
By blending factual information (e.g. statistics from UNESCO) with rhetorical techniques, the authors strengthen their argument and appeal both to the reader’s logic and emotions, increasing the overall impact of their message.
The UDIR exam for English frequently includes a short answer task (Task 1) that requires you to analyse a non-fiction text. Task 1B, as seen here, specifically tests your ability to identify and explain the effect of rhetorical strategies. This is not just about spotting a metaphor; it is about demonstrating your understanding of how language is used to persuade, inform, and move an audience. Mastering this skill is essential for a high grade on this part of the exam, and the principles of rhetorical analysis are also applicable to longer essays where you might compare texts or analyse speeches from influential political leaders. A strong analysis shows the examiner that you can think critically about a text's construction and purpose, moving beyond a simple summary of its main message.
To effectively analyse a text, you need a toolkit of core concepts. The text above uses a combination of appeals and devices to build its argument. Here are some of the key ones at play:
| Concept / Device | Definition | Example from the text | Effect on the reader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pathos (Emotional Appeal) | The use of language to evoke an emotional response in the audience (e.g., fear, sympathy, anger). | "...paints a dark and deeply depressing picture." / "They fear being assaulted, bullied and intimidated." | This diction creates a sense of dread and sympathy. It makes the abstract problem of media freedom feel personal and threatening, motivating the reader to care about the issue on an emotional level. |
| Logos (Logical Appeal) | The use of facts, statistics, and logical reasoning to build a credible argument. | "The 2021 World Press Freedom Index... shows that journalism is being blocked... in 73 of the 180 countries..." / "...a recent study by UNESCO, 73 per cent of women journalists... had experienced online violence..." | By citing reputable sources like UNESCO and Reporters Without Borders, the author establishes the argument's factual basis. This appeals to the reader's intellect and makes the claims appear objective and difficult to refute. |
| Anaphora (Repetition) | The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. | "We must put special emphasis... We must find ways to support them. We must listen..." | This creates a powerful, rhythmic cadence that builds momentum. It functions as a call to action, transforming the text from a mere description of a problem into a manifesto for change, instilling a sense of shared responsibility in the reader. |
| Rhetorical Question | A question asked not to receive an answer, but to make a point or encourage reflection. | "Where would we be without the media trying to give us the truth?" | This question prompts the reader to pause and consider a world without journalism. The implied answer—that we would be lost in misinformation—strengthens the author's argument for protecting the media without having to state it explicitly. |
| Metaphor | A figure of speech that directly compares one thing to another for rhetorical effect. | "...pull the beast of intolerance into the light of truth..." / "...report directly from the lion’s den." | These metaphors frame the conflict in epic terms. "Beast of intolerance" personifies abstract hatred as a monstrous enemy, while "lion's den" casts journalists as brave, almost biblical heroes. This elevates their work and the threats they face, demanding admiration and support. |
Analysing language is a precise skill. Many students understand the general idea but fall into common traps that prevent them from achieving a top grade. Here are three to avoid: …