1. Language Genres

2. Aims
Understand the style and language patterns in the Comprehending section;
Write in any of the five Language Genres that are part of the curriculum;
Answer Question B and write your composition with confidence

3. Five different genres Narrative writing or the Language of Narration
Argument writing
Informative writing
Persuasive writing
Beautiful/Poetic writing or the Aesthetic Use of Language
*You will need to understand not only how to identify the features of each of these genres but how to use them in your own written work

4. What will be explored over the coming lessons?
An explanation of the genre.
A list of features of the genre.
A list of past exam passages in that genre.
Past exam questions and sample answers relating to the genre.
A checklist of the main points to be noted in the genre.

5. Narrative writing or the language of narration
Involves the art of telling a story.
Novels, short stories, some travel literature and even in parts of newspaper or magazine articles.
Shape = beginning, middle and an end.
Fictional/non-fictional

6. Features
There must be a distinct arrangement in the sequence of events presented.
Definite setting (place/timeframe)
Interesting and original.
Personal experiences (anecdote)
Descriptions = vivid and realistic.
Characters = realistic and convincing.
Atmosphere is a must.
A good story contains a degree of conflict.

7. Descriptive writing
Descriptive writing illustrates the power of the imagination to create unusual images or to juxtapose exciting and dynamic ideas. It differs from factual or argument writing in that it links ideas through word repetition and image association rather than through logic. It places a strong emphasis on descriptions of things or people.

8. Features of descriptive writing
Gives a clear picture
Selects details with great care
Uses precise vocabulary and avoids exaggeration
Focuses on colour
Uses similes to draw comparison
Appeals to different senses

9. Read these passages and try to find some examples of the features given
Text II ‘Personal Decisions,’ 2009
Text II ‘False Identity,’ 2008
Text II ‘London, Past and Present,’ 2007
Text I ‘What seems to be the problem, Lady Sarah?’ 2006
Text I ‘An Ordinary Life,’ 2005

10. Checklist Is the story set in a definite place and time?
Does the story have a shape?
Is the story original or fresh, or is it simply clichéd and boring?
Does the writer intrude on the story to give us some personal information about himself/herself?
Are there any anecdotes within the narrative? How do they contribute to the narrative?
Are the descriptions realistic and vivid?
Are the characters drawn in a fresh and realistic manner? If dialogue is used, is it well written and linked into the story?
Is the story worth telling?
What do you learn about the writer from the story or narrative?

11. Argument writing or the Language of Argument
Attempts to prove a particular point by using logic or evidence.
It is important to understand the difference between argument and persuasion.

12. Argument assumes that a reader is objective, is able to follow a logical train of thought to weigh up evidence and will not be prevented by emotion from accepting conclusions to which the logic or the evidence points.

13. Argument differs from persuasion in that it appeals to reason and logic rather than to emotion or feelings.

14. But how do I remember? Argument appeals to the head
Persuasion appeals to the heart

15. Features Fact. Opinion. Inference. Claim.
Deductive argument/reasoning.
Inductive argument/reasoning.
Valid arguments.
Fallacious arguments.
False dilemma.
Emotional appeals.

16. 3. Inference
Interpretation of a fact.

17. 4. Claim Is a statement that is arguable True or false?
Can be argued from both sides.
True or false?
Bob Geldof proved that one man could make a difference to this world.
Elvis Presley was one of the world’s greatest superstars.

18. 5. Deductive argument/deductive method of reasoning
You make a general statement and then back it up with particular examples.
E.g.
General statement: All men are mortal.
Particular example: John is a man.
Inductive is the opposite, begin with particular and then make a general statement.

19. 7. Valid arguments
Are true and the truth of them can be tested readily, allowing the argument to be presented conclusively.
E.g.
The population of Ireland in 2010 was 4.5 million.

20. 8. Fallacious arguments
False and are based on an unsound method or methods of reasoning.
They are also known as sweeping generalisation or faulty generalisations.
E.gs.
All Irishmen are alcoholics.
All women are weak.
All students are stressed.

21. Questions begging statements
We must believe the world is getting worse because there has been an increase in violence.
As a race we are overworked and underpaid.
The student population needs to join the real world.
These statements do not lend clarity to an argument. Instead they confuse the issue.

22. 9. False Dilemma
Offers a choice between only two answers and two courses of action, thereby dismissing or ignoring other possibilities.
E.g.
The Taoiseach should abandon the Budget or else resign.
Either you welcome all immigrants to Ireland or you are a racist.

23. 10. Emotional appeals
Name-calling, labelling and using loaded terms in order to provoke a particular response on the part of the listener/reader and guide them to drawing a particular conclusion.
E.g.
She’s fanatical about politics.
He’s a hot-headed liberal.
They are extremely right-wing and conservative.
Emotional appeals invariably to non sequiturs.

24. Read these passages and try to find some examples of the features given
Text I ‘Decisions for Society,’ 2009
Text I ‘Films to change your life,’ 2007
Text III ‘Pretence,’ 2006

25. Checklist on the Language of Argument
Does the write use facts supported by evidence, statistics or examples?
Does the writer make points that are valid and verifiable?
Is there a strong logical continuity between the points?
Are the ideas linked and coherent throughout?
Does the writer make a number or statements and support them with verifiable examples and facts?
Does the writer use certain language devices, such as anecdotes or rhetorical questions, to illustrate the points made?
Are deductive or inductive argument patters used?
Has the writer drawn a valid conclusion from all the points being made?
How, or on what basis, has the writer drawn his/her conclusions?

26. 3. Informative writing or the Language of Information?
Newspapers
Scientific reports
Business reports
Memos
Internet

27. Key Point Convey information in a succinct or terse manner;
Provide a list of instructions
Convey facts through questionnaires or reports

28. Features Clear organisation The content is relevant
The style is clear and simple
Sentence structure is generally short
Uses words in their precise meaning and avoids long-winded or verbose sentences
Makes use of concrete words rather than abstract words
Style of writing uses each word in a way that clearly illustrates its meaning (avoids ambiguity)
It does not include slang, jargon or buzzwords.
The tone is objective and is directed at the appropriate target audience.

29. Read these passages and try to find some examples of the features given
Text I ‘Teenage Identity,’ 2008
Text III ‘Clues to Identity,’ 2008
Text II ‘Ghost Writing,’ 2006

30. 4. Persuasive writing or the Language of Persuasion
A type of language that is used to influence the way in which a reader/listener will think and act.
Can be found
Political speeches and addresses,
film reviews,
some newspaper reports,
advertising and
marketing literature

31. The language of Argument relies on fats and logic to express rational points while Persuasive language relies more on the emotive or subjective use of language.
Persuasive writing targets the emotional response of the reader.
Argument writing deals with facts and logic.

32. Aim of Persuasive writing is achieved by:
Manipulating the reader’s responses;
Appealing to various emotions;
Using certain valid arguments

33. Some or all of the following features
Emotive language
Slogans
Repetition
Statistics
Imperatives and commands
Rhetorical Questions
Buzzwords
Using a specific tone to sway the reader’s thinking

34. Emotive language
Convince the reader of a particular point of view or claim.
E.g.:
Do you want to be happy? Our unique weight loss product comes with a happiness guarantee!

35. Read these passages and try to find some examples of the features
Text I ‘Decisions for Society,’ 2009
Text III ‘Work and Play’ 2004
Text I ‘The Family of Man,’ 2002
Text II ‘A New Ireland,’ 2001

36. Checklist Is emotive language used? Are various tones used?
Are there instance of emphatic repetition?
Are rhetorical questions used?
Does the writer appeal to authority?
Are imperatives used?
Are there any buzzwords?
Is there exaggeration?
Does the writer use generalisations or generalised statements?
Does the writer appeal directly to the reader?

37. Beautiful/Poetic writing or the Aesthetic Use of Language
The emphasis is on the use of language as an artistic or creative medium in order to create a beautiful picture of something.
This style of writing cab be found in fiction writing (novels), drama, films and poetry.

38. Features of the Aesthetic Use of Language
Rich imagery
Word patterns
Rhythm
Sounds
Textures

39. Read these passages and try to find some example of the features
Text III ‘The Decisive Moment,’ 2009
Text II ‘London, Past and Present,’ 2007
Text I ‘What seems to be the problem, Lady Sarah?’ 2006
Text II ‘Family Home for Sale,’ 2002

40. Checklist Are metaphors used in an original manner?
Is the language intensely visual? In other words, can the reader see, hear, feel and touch the scene described because of the powerful images drawn?
Dies the piece show the writer’s ability to provide powerful descripitions of things and people through language and imagery?
Does the writer use words in a way that unlocks their vitality and energy and show beauty and harmony in the world?
Does the writer convey the miraculous power of language through the use of original and colourful imagery and language?
Does the writing capture the magical quality of rhythm in language?
Does the writing capture feelings, sensations and experiences through images and language?
Is a distinct atmosphere created with words?
Are colour and contrast used in the descriptions?
Are there exotic and strange-sounding words?
Are contrasting images used?
Are highly charged, sensuous images used?