Clitheroe Essay

On the other hand, text 8 is in the form of a magazine article, designed to inform and discretely persuade. Specific lexical choices are used to effectively promote the more desirable features of Clitheroe in order to appeal to a wider variety of people. By applying contrasting adjectives such as ‘lonely and rugged’ and ‘tree-fringed shores…to the lush valleys’, the writer depicts how Clitheroe caters for most preferences, be it peace and quiet or scenic views. Additionally, ‘rugged and lonely’ can be argued to be relatively negative adjectives, creating a sense of isolation and segregation. However, in this context, the article illustrates a place of serenity and nature, making Clitheroe appear unspoilt by industrialism and therefore a welcome change of scene for many readers. Phrases like ‘not to mention’ teamed with the use of syndetic lists also promotes the diversity of Lancashire and makes the list of positive attributes appear endless, as though there are too many aspects of Clitheroe to list, and this use of hyperbole is effective at persuading and enticing the readers. Moreover, the lexical choices such as ‘possesses’ and ‘ flourishing’ create a phonaesthetic appeal as the soft tone induces a sense of peace and tranquillity, consolidating the atmosphere and effect of Clitheroe.

Both texts have significantly different layouts relative to their discourses. Text 9 has a basic, standardised layout, composed of large paragraphs consisting of mainly declarative sentences, which is typical of an informative literary text. In contrast, text 8 relies on picturesque images, bold headings and sub categories to allure, inform and attract the reader’s attention, which also compliments the idea of the target audience not necessarily being as mature as those of text 9. Text 8 uses presuming imperative captions such as ‘Enjoy’ and ‘Follow’ underneath pictures as a persuasive method. They act as commands that can compel the reader to obey and appear rather forceful without any politeness markers. Imperatives command the reader and give us no other option, whilst politeness markers would soften the tone. Yet in the context of an advert, such captions imply a sense of welcoming and acceptance, making the reader feel wanted and guided. What’s more, the application of sub categories makes it easier for the reader to identify key aspects of the overall text and locate specific sections of the article, which can imply the purpose of the text being more to persuade than inform, unlike text 9, which requires the reader to study the whole text for the information.

Another important aspect of text 9 is the humour found occasionally within the content. The writer includes comments such as ‘down to serious business, like texting.’ which can be interpreted as sarcasm to an older audience who more than likely, would not regard texting as a sombre issue of great importance. Furthermore, this use of humour once again creates a favourable response from the reader and ultimately keeps us interested. It can also be argued that such comments would only be appropriate when read in the correct context. This may not appear humorous to a younger generation, who may instead, regard it as quite factual, whereas to a more adult reader the use of sarcasm would be understood and reciprocated. Another difference between both texts is the use of syntax. Text 9 uses many complex sentences with multiple subordinate clauses to incorporate as much information as possible, whilst partitioning the sentences into readable sections. Moreover, declarative sentences reinforce the formal tone and mainly factual nature of the text, as opposed to text 8, which relies on persuasive techniques such as contrasting adjectives, imperatives and personification to advertise Clitheroe in a discrete manner.