[English] "Anna Bligh outperforms Julia Gillard" language analysis

[luken93]

February Week 11 - Language Analysis


The need for a leader to stand up and take hold of the Queensland Floods rebuilding process was in important aspect for Queensland, and they received their leader in the form of Queensland Premier Anna Bligh. In the Herald Sun article “Anna Bligh outperforms Julia Gillard in the greatest leadership test of all” (14/1/2011), writer Susan O’Brien displays a sympathetic and admirable tone when applauding Anna Bligh’s overall leadership in a time of crisis. Furthermore, this admiration shown for Bligh is a contrast to O’Brien’s view on the way Julia Gillard has handled herself during this time. The article is targeted at those who may show a common dislike for Julia Gillard’s leadership skills or lack thereof. In addition, the article is also aimed at those who are in full support of Bligh’s ability to handle herself and the people of Queensland through this tough ordeal.

The use of a picture showing both Anna Bligh and Julia Gillard at the very start clearly presents O’Brien’s point of view –Bligh being a strong leader at the forefront of the crisis while Gillard hides away in Bligh’s shadow. Consequently, readers immediately get the feeling that Bligh has indeed shown strong leadership characteristics and may feel a sense of appreciation and respect for Bligh in her state’s time of need. Furthermore, the contrast of Bligh’s “refreshingly honest approach and gritty resolve” with Gillard’s “wooden and unconvincing” compassion – words that denigrate Gillard’s overall leadership - clearly and bluntly states the honest truth that there are falsities in Gillard’s position as the leader of our country. In turn, readers may further harbour support for Bligh while also considering Gillard’s effectiveness in times of need such as the Queensland Flood Disaster.

In an attempt to further show her support for Bligh’s consistent and indefatigable leadership, O’Brien describes Bligh as being “calm”, “genuinely in control”, and an “emotional conduit” – in order to adorn a sense of appreciation  and support for Bligh. In turn, readers feel compelled to agree with this irrefutable regard that O’Brien holds for Bligh and her control of not only herself, but her state as well. Furthermore, a juxtapose of Bligh’s transformation from a “struggling woman” to a “true stateswoman” evidently shows that Bligh has the true makings of a leader – making it very hard for readers not to agree with O’Brien’s opinion.

Due to the enormity as well as the extent of media coverage of the floods, the article aims at evoking the emotions of readers by using inclusive language so that “we can scrutinise our politicians more closely than ever before” – in order to appeal to readers to feel involved in the overall argument as well as the broader issue of electing Governments in general. This allows the reader to feel as though they are in control of their country, as they ultimately decide who are the leaders. Subsequently, anecdotal evidence of Bligh’s consistent and beneficial press conferences are used. This evidence appeals to the reader’s sense of patriotism and compassion for those who have been affected by the floods, but more so Bligh’s ability to take control of the crisis.

In an attempt to further glorify Bligh’s strength throughout the flood ordeal, O’Brien provides a rhetorical question that asks “Surely a woman with her own mother’s house in the flood path would by now be so exhausted, and so emotional about it all?”. This statement not only highlights Bligh’s diligence and persistence to help her state rebuild, but also her ability to hold back her emotions that have affected her personal life as well. Furthermore, the use of the statement “Anna Bligh’s show of emotion, including her moments of weakness, have actually proved her strength to the electorate” clearly shows that politics may have moved away from the “stiff upper lip of old, and deride politicians”. As a result, readers are obliged to think of Bligh as representing a new era of politics in Australia, someone that genuinely cares for the people and puts others before themselves.

The core of O'Brien’s argument is centred around the evidence that displays Bligh’s incredible control of her emotions throughout the crisis occurring in her state. Such support and admiration for her reign as leader of Queensland is then further compounded when making a comparison between herself and the impersonal attitude shown Prime Minister Julia Gillard. As a result of O’Brien’s justified reasoning, the audience may well be persuaded to regard Bligh’s leadership of Queensland very highly. Obrien makes it evident that Bligh has transformed her image from that of before the Flood Crisis, to an honest and inspirational leader for many throughout Australia.

[DNAngel]

The need for a leader to stand up and take holdWeak expression here. of the Queensland Floods rebuilding process was inan important aspect for Queensland, and they received their leader in the form of Queensland Premier Anna BlighGood. Avoid incorporating your opinion into this essay. In the Herald Sun article “Anna Bligh outperforms Julia Gillard in the greatest leadership test of all” (14/1/2011), writer Susan O’Brien displays a sympathetic and admirable tone when applauding Anna Bligh’s overall leadership in a time of crisis. Furthermore, this admiration shown for Bligh is a contrast to O’Brien’s view on the way Julia Gillard has handled herself during this time. The article is targeted at those who may show a common dislike for Julia Gillard’s leadership skills or lack thereofNot sure about this word. In addition, the article is also aimed at those who are in full support of Bligh’s ability to handle herself and the people of Queensland through this tough ordeal.Good.

The use of a picture showing both Anna Bligh and Julia Gillard at the very start clearlyAvoid using "clearly". You must not assume that the writer views this in the same way. presents O’Brien’s point of view –Bligh being a strong leader at the forefront of the crisis while Gillard hides away in Bligh’s shadow. Consequently, readers immediately get the feeling that Bligh has indeed shown strong leadership characteristics and mayAvoid may. Words you should try to use, should exude conviction feelLess feeling, more believing! a sense of appreciation and respect for Bligh in her state’s time of need. Furthermore, the contrast of Bligh’s “refreshingly honest approach and gritty resolve” with Gillard’s “wooden and unconvincing” compassion – words that denigrate Gillard’s overall leadership - clearlyAgain. and bluntly states the honest truth that there are falsities in Gillard’s position as the leader of ourAvoid using inclusive language. country. In turn, readers may further harbour support for Bligh while also considering Gillard’s effectiveness in times of need such as the Queensland Flood Disaster.Good

In an attempt to further show her support for Bligh’s consistent and indefatigable leadership, O’Brien describes Bligh as being “calm”, “genuinely in control”, and an “emotional conduit” – in order to adorn a sense of appreciation  and support for Bligh. In turnA little repetitive in phrase usage here., readers feel compelled to agree with this irrefutable regard that O’Brien holds for Bligh and her control of not only herself, but her state as well. Furthermore, a juxtapose of Bligh’s transformation from a “struggling woman” to a “true stateswoman” evidently shows that Bligh has the true makings of a leader – making it very hard for readers not to agree with O’Brien’s opinionAgain. Avoid forcing your opinion onto the audience..

Due to the enormity as well as the extent of media coverage of the floods, the article aims at evoking the emotions of readers by using inclusive language so that “we can scrutinise our politicians more closely than ever before” – in order to appeal to readers to feel involved in the overall argument as well as the broader issue of electing Governments in general.Good This allows the reader to feelWord choice? as though they are in control of their country, as they ultimately decide who are the leaders. Subsequently, anecdotal evidence of Bligh’s consistent and beneficialHow is it beneficial? press conferences are used. This evidence appeals to the reader’s sense of patriotism and compassionHow so? You need to dig a little deeper. for those who have been affected by the floods, but more so Bligh’s ability to take control of the crisis.

In an attempt to further glorify Bligh’s strength throughout the flood ordeal, O’Brien provides a rhetorical question that asks “Surely a woman with her own mother’s house in the flood path would by now be so exhausted, and so emotional about it all?”. This statement not only highlights Bligh’s diligence and persistence to help her state rebuild, but also her ability to hold back her emotions that have affected her personal life as well. Furthermore, the use of the statement “Anna Bligh’s show of emotion, including her moments of weakness, have actually proved her strength to the electorate” clearly shows that politics may have moved awayA stronger word could be used here, such as, "diverted" from the “stiff upper lip of old, and deride politicians”. As a result, readers are obliged to thinkReplace this word. It's a little too colloquial of Bligh as representing a new era of politics in Australia, someone that genuinely cares for the people and putsAvoid "put." others before themselves.

The core of O'Brien’s argument is centred around the evidence that displays Bligh’s incredibleAgain. Do not offer your opinion on Anna Bligh. control of her emotions throughout the crisis occurring in her state. Such support and admiration for her reign as leader of Queensland is then further compounded when making a comparison between herself and the impersonal attitude shown by Prime Minister Julia Gillard. As a result of O’Brien’s justified reasoning, the audience may well be persuaded to regard Bligh’s leadership of Queensland very highly. ObrienTypo! makes it evident that Bligh has transformed her image from that of before the Flood Crisis, to an honest and inspirational leader for many throughout Australia.

Overall, I think you have demonstrated the author's cause and effect of persuasive techniques. You have shown that you know what the techniques are and the implications it has on the readers. However, do not in any language analysis piece, offer your opinion. The examiner is looking for an analysis piece not and opinion piece. Also, I believe that you could of delved deeper into the effects of the persuasive techniques, and have been a little more specific when describing something.

I would award this essay a 7 out of 10. Good effort!