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 serio
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.
📋 Exam Question
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.
- A long-term threat to our common security
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. …