Study Notes
The article 'Explorers or Boys Messing About' by Steven Morris critiques two men whose Antarctic helicopter crash led to a costly rescue. The tone is scathing, highlighting their perceived incompetence and the financial burden on taxpayers.
- Speaker — The speaker is a journalist aiming to entertain and inform. Example: The use of 'messing about' in the title.
- Occasion — The incident involves a helicopter crash in Antarctica. Example: The explorers needed rescue after crashing.
- Audience — A broad audience due to simple language. Example: Lack of complex vocabulary.
- Purpose — To inform about the incident and criticize the explorers. Example: Emphasizing the taxpayer's burden.
- Tone — Semi-formal with a scathing, sarcastic edge. Example: Use of words like 'farce' and 'plucked'.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Speaker: The person conveying the message in the text.
- Occasion: The event or situation prompting the text.
- Audience: The intended readers or viewers of the text.
- Purpose: The reason why the text was written.
- Tone: The attitude or feeling conveyed by the writer.
Common Confusions
- Confusing the speaker with the author.
- Misinterpreting the tone as purely informative.
Typical Exam Questions
- What is the purpose of the article? To inform and criticize the explorers.
- How does the writer convey their opinion of the explorers? Through sarcastic language and highlighting their incompetence.
- What is the tone of the article? Semi-formal and scathing.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of the writer's tone and purpose.
- Ability to identify and analyze language techniques.
- Comprehension of the article's context and implications.