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

[Tobias Funke]

The recent floods in Queensland has devastated the nation, and has left leaders shaken over how to deal with it. An acknowledgment of this has been that of Susie O'Brien, in the opinion piece 'Anna Bligh outperforms Julia Gillard in the greatest leadership test of all', who contends in a predominantly supportive tone that in a dire time of need, Queensland Premier has outshone Prime Minister Julia Gillard in terms of keeping composure, compassion and honesty in relation to their reactions to the floods. This article is aimed at the general public, and in particular, those aware of both the floods in Queensland and how Anna Bligh was previously received by the public.

The accompanying image of both Anna Bligh and Julia Gillard in a press conference seems to powerfully exemplify the contrasting nature of how both leaders are dealing with the situation. Here Bligh is projected at the front, as if she is leading the way, while Gillard is standing behind her, slightly blurred by the camera. This provides the idea that while Bligh seems composed and confident, Gillard is standing behind the limelight, and unsure of her next move. The shadow on Gillard's face also induces the idea that she is being overshadowed by Bligh. Consequently, since an articles accompanying image is usually the first thing that the reader will see when preparing to read an article, they may instantly be aware of the idea that Bligh is outperforming Gillard. Their respective faces also begins so show the contrasting nature of their behaviour. While Bligh seems to express worry and concern, Gillard can be seen smiling, and perhaps in-genuine as a result. Furthermore, the byline "Today, more than ever, politics isn't about what politicians say, it's about how they make people feel", provides a reason as to why Bligh may be subject to so much praise in such a situation. Bligh's projection of herself has made the people of Queensland feel more secure, not only for the short term future in floods and the aftermath, but in the long term, as a leader of the state. As a result, any previous naysayers may see themselves admitting fault when initially doubting Bligh.

O'Brien is full of praise for Bligh in this piece. This is noticeable with the use of positive language such as "refreshingly honest", "calm, composure and compassion" and "remarkable grasp", which gives the idea that Bligh is handling the disaster extremely well considering her previous reception in the public as one "facing likely defeat in the next election". As a result, the reader may further feel compelled to think of Bligh as more of an inspiring person. The repetition of the word "genuine" seeks to place an emphasis on how real Bligh's emotions really are, which is again a reason for Queenslanders to feel inspired and ensured knowing they have a leader so determined for them to keep going. The reader may feel as sense of certainty, that Queensland will rebuild, had they ever doubted the fact.

O'Brien's statement that even Bligh's moments of weaknesses and shows of emotion have proved that she has something to offer to her electorate means to give an idea that Bligh, in a time which her people have a dire need for a grasp of hope, has been able to withhold a type of composure that is almost infallible. In light of this, the reader may be empathetical to Bligh, realising the type of situation Bligh is dealing with, and understand how well she is dealing with it. These moments of weaknesses, like when she makes known the emotional toll the floods have attributed to her when she tears up, are used by O'Brien with the intention of making the reader aware that such a disaster so close to home is hurting her too, but she is still able to project an image of success. The reader may as a consequence feel emotionally compelled to such dedication to fulfilled ones duties in such a difficult position.

The crux of O'Brien's piece lies in the predominantly one-sided stance to how Bligh is dealing with the situation far better than the Prime Minister. Such a depiction is compounded by the accompanying image of both leaders. It is as a result of such an intimate argument that O'Brien intends to make others realise the significance of Bligh's role during the floods over that of Gillard's. 

[Ematuro]

"refreshingly honest", "calm, composure and compassion" and "remarkable grasp"

I'm not sure if this is correct, but I think that's a little too much 'listing'. Also, while you have about 5 quotes in that paragraph, you have zero quotes in the next. Perhaps try to balance it out a bit?

[Tobias Funke]

Alright, will take that into account, also, as an added 'bonus' I'll Karma anyone who marks the stuff for me

[jane1234]

Good LA, here's a few things I picked up though:

1. Quotes!! They are really important in any kind of text response, as they provide evidence to what you are trying to say. You have included a few, but when refering to things that the author, O'brien, said you really need to include WHAT she actually said. No need to include the whole sentence, but quotes are really important when referring to particular points in the article.
2. Good discussion of the what and the how, but why these techniques are effective/how they position readers needs to be more thoroughly discussed. The "why" should be more than one sentence per paragraph I think. This is what most students will neglect, so in order to stand out you need to discuss the effect on readers and the effectiveness of the techniques a bit more
3. A few technical errors made, such as "with the use of positive language...". I think a more sophisticated way of saying this could be "words with positive connotations". Also, "...seems to powerfully exemplify the contrasting nature of how both leaders are dealing with the situation" is a bit drawn-out... it is more important to be succinct and get to the point, because examiners will see pass flowery language.

Good job overall !!

[Tobias Funke]

Thanks a bunch!

[nacho]

The recent floods in Queensland has devastated the nation, and has left leaders shaken over how to deal with it.
I think, that this is unecessary, it has nothing to do with language technique involved, so it's best to leave it out.

An acknowledgment of this has been that of Susie O'Brien, in the opinion piece 'Anna Bligh outperforms Julia Gillard in the greatest leadership test of all', who contends in a predominantly supportive tone that in a dire time of need, Queensland Premier has outshone Prime Minister Julia Gillard in terms of keeping composure, compassion and honesty in relation to their reactions to the floods. This article is aimed at the general public, and in particular, those aware of both the floods in Queensland and how Anna Bligh was previously received by the public.
I found this intro to be quite generic, although you've included most of the elements. It's safer to put the tone and where the piece was published in (the age, herald sun etc)

The accompanying image of both Anna Bligh and Julia Gillard in a press conference seems to powerfully exemplify the contrasting nature of how both leaders are dealing with the situation. Here Bligh is projected at the front, as if she is leading the way, while Gillard is standing behind her, slightly blurred by the camera. This provides the idea that while Bligh seems composed and confident, Gillard is standing behind the limelight, and unsure of her next move. The shadow on Gillard's face also induces the idea that she is being overshadowed by Bligh. Consequently, since an articles accompanying image is usually the first thing that the reader will see when preparing to read an article, they may instantly be aware of the idea that Bligh is outperforming Gillard. Their respective faces also begins so show the contrasting nature of their behaviour. While Bligh seems to express worry and concern, Gillard can be seen smiling, and perhaps in-genuine as a result. Furthermore, the byline "Today, more than ever, politics isn't about what politicians say, it's about how they make people feel", provides a reason as to why Bligh may be subject to so much praise in such a situation. Bligh's projection of herself has made the people of Queensland feel more secure, not only for the short term future in floods and the aftermath, but in the long term, as a leader of the state. As a result, any previous naysayers may see themselves admitting fault when initially doubting Bligh.
I found this paragraph to be really great, you broke down the picture and analysed it very carefully, well done

O'Brien is full of praise for Bligh in this piece. This is noticeable with the use of positive language such as "refreshingly honest", "calm, composure and compassion" and "remarkable grasp", which gives the idea that Bligh is handling the disaster extremely well considering her previous reception in the public as one "facing likely defeat in the next election". As a result, the reader may further feel compelled to think of Bligh as more of an inspiring person. The repetition of the word "genuine" seeks to place an emphasis on how real Bligh's emotions really are, which is again a reason for Queenslanders to feel inspired and ensured knowing they have a leader so determined for them to keep going. The reader may feel as sense of certainty, that Queensland will rebuild, had they ever doubted the fact.
i think here, you've not gone in depth, and stated effects without explanations
O'Brien's statement that even Bligh's moments of weaknesses and shows of emotion have proved that she has something to offer to her electorate means to give an idea that Bligh, in a time which her people have a dire need for a grasp of hope, has been able to withhold a type of composure that is almost infallible. In light of this, the reader may be empathetical to Bligh, realising the type of situation Bligh is dealing with, and understand how well she is dealing with it. These moments of weaknesses, like when she makes known the emotional toll the floods have attributed to her when she tears up, are used by O'Brien with the intention of making the reader aware that such a disaster so close to home is hurting her too, but she is still able to project an image of success. The reader may as a consequence feel emotionally compelled to such dedication to fulfilled ones duties in such a difficult position.
good
The crux of O'Brien's piece lies in the predominantly one-sided stance to how Bligh is dealing with the situation far better than the Prime Minister. Such a depiction is compounded by the accompanying image of both leaders. It is as a result of such an intimate argument that O'Brien intends to make others realise the significance of Bligh's role during the floods over that of Gillard's. 


Overall, i thought it was a good piece. Some areas lacked an in-depth analysis where you simply stated that 'the audience would feel...' without really explaining as to why.
Length may be an issue too, however good job!
7.5/10

[Water]

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