(9/2) Avoiding Vague Analysis

Vague Analysis

Vague analysis is when you don’t really say anything about the articles language, issue or effect on a specific readership.

Goodall Example

Example- DO NOT DO THIS

—  Goodall uses emotive language in order to be persuasive

—  Goodall uses the emotive term ‘parasitic human-beings’ in order to position readers to be emotional

—  Goodall uses the emotive term ‘parasitic human-being’  in order to evoke a sense of disgust in readers

We want to avoid vague analysis- we want our analysis to say something about the language, arguments or effect on specific readerships.

Example- DO DO THIS

Goodall uses the words ‘parasitic human-beings’ to describe the effect society is having on the shark population and the environment. Beachgoers, residents and tourists could be encouraged to reflect on their own experiences enjoying the reef and ‘magestic’ sharks. Consequently such readers my be brought to a sense of trepidation for the protection of the natural environment . They may question the consequences human impacts can have on the environment and the value of shark culling for society and the environment as a whole.

Example- DO NOT DO THIS

—  Nguyen uses emotive language in order to be persuasive

—  Nguyen uses the emotive term ‘state of horror' in order to position readers to be emotional

—  Nguyen uses the emotive term ‘state of horror' in order to evoke a sense of sympathy in readers

We want to avoid vague analysis- we want our analysis to say something about the language, arguments or effect on specific readerships.

Example- DO DO THIS

Nguyen employs the words 'state of horror' to describe the conditions of the homeland the asylum seekers are 'fleeing' from. The description of the 'conditions' as 'terrifying' emphasises the fear and trepidation apparent within the boat peoples actions. Doing this could cause asylum seekers to seem vulnerable, positioning readers to feel that asylum seekers need to be protected by Australia. This fear and vulnerability is re-enforced through implying that the alternative is 'staying alive in a state of horror.' By establishing that asylum seekers flee persecution and the worst of humanity and proposing that they have no other choice, Nguyen is able to emphasise the pain, anguish and 'hardships' experienced by asylum seekers, encourage readers to reflect on how they would act in such a situation and thus underline the need for Australia to provide a sanctuary.