Hey everyone I hate this section of the exam so here is my holiday homework, in response to an article on teen sailing (from an insight prac exam)
there's prob some crazy typos that I haven't picked up on coz I've typed it on an iPad
Be as critical or as nice as you like...I just need to know what to do when exam day rolls around
Thanks and rock on
...
In response tot he increasing numbers of young people partaking in risky endeavors such as solo round the world sailing, writer Michael Gray targets parents of teens and criticized their actions for supporting and allowing such risky behaviour. In his opinion piece 'Too young, too soon'
published in a local newspaper, Gray contends in a critical and judgmental tone that young people are often too mature to attempt such a feat, and parents need to protect their children from being exposed to overly risky behaviour. gray includes an image of a lone sailboat to highlight the immensity of solo circumnavigation and support his article.
Gray begins his article by targeting the parents who support the 'daredevil acts' that are becoming 'alarmingly popular'. Gray states that a 'sense of adventure in the young is to be encouraged', highlighting how it is vital to development, however he moves on to say that the parents who 'put the lives of their children at risk' should not be encouraged. This positions the reader to feel critical of the parents of children who are involved in se 'death-defying feats', as typically parents should be caring and protective of their children however the risks involved with saling, and allowing it to happen, do not align with the protective mould of a parent. Gray continues to question the motives of such parents, and further places the reader in a position to be skeptical of parents as they 'merely' want to gain a 'brief flash of publicity'. Not only are they 'needlessly endangering their children', these parents seek to gain publicity for themselves, and the reader is moved to feel cynical of such selfish actions.
Moreover, Gray highlights The need for parents to fulfil their protective role. The writer likens the 'stunts' of solo circumnavigation to that of well known risky and adult behaviours, such as voting, driving and drinking alcohol, and that 'common sense suggests' that a 'hazardous round the world trip' is one of these activities that youths are too immature for. Gray suggests that parents should be responsible for their children, and not allow them to partake in such activities, hence the audience of parents would feel the need to protect their children from the activities deemed unsafe, until they are physically and emotionally ready.
In addition to this, Gray illustrates examples of young sailors and what they far. Firstly, the writer provides the example of the 'world sailing speed record council' who 'discontinued endorsement' of its 'youngest solo circumnavigation record'. This highlights to readers how official bodies agree that these dangerous activities encourage people who are 'too young, too inexperienced and too vulnerable' to safely attempt such a 'feat'. The fact that an official body also disagrees with young people taking such risks positions the reader to agree with its authority.
Furthermore the author depicts how the 'intense loneliness' can be 'very harmful' for young minds. Gray writes of the 'endless days and nights' the child would face as they are confronted by the 'emptiness and immensity of the ocean'. This conjures up imagery within the reader of a child neglected and suffering , and readers feel an instinctive need to care for the young person, and therefore anger and a lack of respect could be elicited towards the parents who condone such a thing. The image included supports Gray's contention, as it depicts a lone sailboat, which is relatively small in comparison to the empty sea and the sky in which stormy clouds are gathering. Along with Grays imagery of the lonely, vulnerable child, this photo strongly embodies the message that this loneliness and danger is not something a child is ready to face.
On the other hand, Gray does not condemn all activities that promote adventure. The writer highlights how the increasing numbers of risky activities have led to 'boy scouts and girl scouts' which are 'traditional outlets' that's encourage 'positive development', are 'virtually unattended these days'. Not only does this elicit a feeling of melancholy in the reader for the slow demise of respected institutions, it also positions them to question why parents would support 'life and angering activities' when safe, yet adventurous outlets are available. Furthermore Gray strongly states how the 'legendary' sailors of the past did not simply 'hop on a boat'.Gray pinpoints his argument as he highlights that these legendary sailors were 'painstakingly trained by exprts'. He purports to show how it takes time for such skills to develop, and that young people still have the chance to do so later in life. The reader is positioned to admire the efforts of such sailors, and less so of the inexperienced young sailors who haven't put as much effort and time into preparation.
In the final paragraph, Gray highlights the wider impact of inexperienced sailors. The audience of parents, who are 'taxpayers', are addressed as Gray points out that they have to 'foot the bill' when an accident occurs by a young sailor. The readers are positioned to align with Grays views as his tone shifts to outrage as he questions 'why should those in our society who act responsibly have to fund the activities of those who do not?' this statement sums up the writers overall contention, that young sailors are not ready to embark on such a voyage, as accidents do occur, and the parents are irresponsible as they condone such behaviour.
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