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OBJECTIVES ABOUT YOUNG GENIUS

1. To explore the main idea and purpose of the Module 01, 2023 Watch Video -

extract. Obtain more sample essays at www.younggeniusofficial.com

2. To explore organisational strategies and language techniques

used. All the best with your studies! We are truly grateful that you've

3. To discuss ways in which the credibility can be improved. chosen Young Genius as your go-to academic support.

SAMPLE ESSAY - MODULE 1 [2023]

The article, “New Study Says Social Media Doesn’t Make Us Antisocial” by Taylor Bennet presents
the main idea that despite popular belief that excess social media use is a sign of antisocial
behaviour, studies have shown the opposite. Bennet’s purpose is to persuade readers to rethink

their views on the effects of excessive social media use and consider that it might instead be a
sign of hypersocial behaviour.

The writer uses organisational strategies such as comparison and contrast; and use of expert
opinion to achieve this purpose. The author begins the discourse by introducing the audience to
the idea that excessive social media use leads to antisocial behaviour. Later, the author mentions

the study conducted by McGill University that challenges this idea. By introducing the expert
opinion, the author signposts the counterargument and provides readers with clear direction. This
provides a contrast between the articles’ upper and lower half showing clearly the author’s shift in

perspective.

Furthermore, the author uses language techniques such as: 1st Person Point of View and
Anecdotes. The text begins by talking about the author’s own social media habits. Moreover, the

author uses personal pronouns such as “I” and “me”, throughout the article. This makes the topic
more relatable and elicits an emotional response from the readers. This is often used to further
engage readers to experience the writing from the writer’s perspective; as if they were their own
words.

When considering the article’s credibility, it is able to present the arguments in a clear, coherent
manner on a topic that is widely studied. Also, the information presented in the text is relevant to
the main point and purpose of the article. Thus, the information presented in this article is current

and relevant. However, the article falls short in terms of authority, accuracy and purpose. Taylor
Bennet does not hold an academic title such as Dr. or PhD, therefore lacks authority to make
judgements on psychological disorders such as antisocial behaviour. Furthermore, this was

presented in a blog, rather than a reputable journal, further dampening its credibility. To remedy
this, Taylor could consider partnering with a doctor who specialises in Psychiatry and create a
collaborative article rather than an independent one.

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Moreover, in terms of accuracy, Bennet only references a single research paper that challenges
the claim that excessive social media use results in antisocial behaviour. This provides a relatively
narrow perspective for the probe and thus could be improved by providing more evidence from
other sources related to the same study. Finally, the article is of a highly persuasive nature.

Particularly, the use of anecdotes polarises communication and leaves room for the reader to
uncritically accept the writer’s perspective.

In conclusion, the article attempts to persuade the readers that the new belief that excessive

social media use results in hypersocial behaviour rather than the traditional perspective that it

results in antisocial behaviour. The writer achieves this by using organisational strategies such as:
comparison and contrast; and expert opinion. The writer also uses language techniques such as:

1st person POV and anecdotal evidence. Overall, though the topic is timeless and the information is
relevant; the article lacks authority and falls short in accuracy and purpose.

ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR MODULE 1

MAIN IDEA:

The main idea is that despite popular belief that excessive social media use is a sign of antisocial
behaviour, studies have shown the opposite. Excessive social media use is a sign of hypersocial

behaviour.

WRITER’S PURPOSE:

The writer’s main purpose is to persuade readers to rethink their views on the effects of excessive

social media use.

ORGANISATIONAL STRATEGIES

When trying to figure out the organisational strategies, it i important to consider the overall text-
structure. The five most common are: Sequenced, Descriptive, Argumentative, Problem-Solution

and Cause-Effect.

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Overall Text- Structure:

❌ Sequenced
❌ Descriptive
✅ Argumentative
❌ Problem-Solution
❌ Cause-Effect

Organisational How Does It Help the Writer

Evidence
Strategies Achieve His/her Purpose?

The authors lists: the Places importance on particular

healthier social media habits aspects of the text for emphasis.
they’ve adopted; results of This usually sets the scene for
Listing
excessive social media use; related connections later in the text.
and examples of social
media platforms. (Cribb & Rochford, 2017)

Provides different perspectives and

attempts to establish credibility.
There is mention of the study
Use of Expert by McGill University; Samuel As an organisational strategy, the
Opinion Veisssiere and his colleague, expert’s opinions are used as a
Moriah Stendel. signpost to help make clear to the
reader the direction to the
counterargument.

The author compares to

Comparison & This shows the writer’s shift in
previous belief to recent
Contrast perspective.
research

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ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR MODULE 1

LANGUAGE TECHNIQUES:

Language Techniques are usually figurative devices. So, look out for those in the text.

How Does It Help the Writer

Language Techniques Evidence
Achieve His/her Purpose?

This makes the topic more

relatable and elicits an
Anecdote
The text begins by telling emotional response. (seen
the writer’s social media when trying to persuade)
(Predominantly from the 1st
habits.
Person Point of View)
(Li, Cardier, Wang, & Metze,
2017)

Specifically in this case, this

Hypophora
Asks the question, “Why?” is related to the author’s
and provides an answer own experiences and thus
(This is where a question is
immediately after in the 1st further supports the
asked and the answer is
paragraph. argument that the piece is
given immediately after)
of a persuasive nature.

The phrase “taking control

of my life again”
Adds emotional weight to
Metaphor & other Emotive (metaphor); Emotive
the author’s personal
Language language - “lonliness”;
experience and journey.
“diminished self-esteem”
and “endlessly scrolling”

EVALUATION OF THE SOURCE:

In this question, you are not required to EVALUATE the credibility of the source, but rather to
comment on or suggest ways in which its credibility can be improved. While the phrasing of the

question may seem similar, there is a subtle difference. If you were asked to EVALUATE, a final

judgment on whether the source can be trusted would be required. However, since you are not
asked to do this, simply stating your opinion, supported by evidence, is perfectly fine.

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The topic is current as the effects of social media use a

CURRENCY
widely studied topic.

The information presented in the text is relevant to the

RELEVANCE
main point and purpose of the article.

Taylor Bennet does not hold an academic title, such as

Dr. or PhD, and therefore lacks the authority to make
judgments on psychological diagnoses, such as
distinguishing between antisocial and hypersocial
CRAAP AUTHORITY
behavior.

TEST Furthermore, this was presented as part of a blog, rather

than a reputable research journal.

The text only references only one research rejecting the

ACCURACY claim that excessive social media use results in anti-
social behaviour.

The purpose is persuasive. The use of anecdotes in the

PURPOSE writing polarises communication (Haghtalab, Immorlica,
Lucier, Mobius, & Mohan, 2022).

* Note: The words in red represents the areas where credibility is affected in the writer’s piece.

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OBJECTIVES
1. To explore the dialectal varieties used in the 2023 extract, “Arch of Fire” by Barbara Lalla.
2. To explore the grammatical features of the language varieties used.

3. To identify the non-communicative behaviours Pearl uses.

SAMPLE ESSAY - MODULE 2 [2023]

The extract is a snippet from Barbara Lalla's novel, "Arch of Fire". It explores the idea of class
difference and shows Pearl's dream to own a mansion in Beverly Hills. Lalla helps the readers
understand the narrative through the use of different dialectal varieties; grammatical features of
Caribbean Creole; and the non-verbal communicative behaviours Peal uses.

The extract uses two dialectal varieties: Caribbean Standard English (CSE) for narration and
Standard Jamaican Creole (SJC) for dialogue. CSE clearly conveys the events in a clear and

coherent manner. Also, it highlights the contrast between Pearl and Adam's social positions, as
well as Pearl's aspirations. This is evident in the detailed descriptions of places like the "homes of

the affluent," which are never mentioned in the Creole dialogue. To further show the divide, the
narration describes the Cohon house on Oxford Close as "ancient" to Pearl, implying it is more
sophisticated than she is used to. In contrast, the Creole dialogue focuses on the houses' cost, with

Pearl’s husband suggesting they can't afford them. A stark contrast is also drawn between the
elegant narrative description, "plumes of deep pink bougainvillaea cascading," and Pearl’s clumsy

remark about the house being a “top-heavy thing,”. This further reiterates the clear division in class

between the neighbourhood and Pearl.

Furthermore, creole grammar elements, such as zero copula and unmarked action verbs, are
prominently featured in the narrative. Pearl uses zero copula in her first question: "What they

keeping that old mausoleum for?" where the auxiliary verb "are" is omitted, reflecting her

background and social status. This makes her a more vivid and relatable character. Additionally,
Pearl's husband uses unmarked action verbs, as in "Or we come to look at that house?" where

"come" substitutes "came," but the context clarifies the past tense.

Pearl uses kinesics and vocalics as non-verbal communicative behaviors. When questioning why

the old mausoleum is being kept, she shrugs, possibly signaling uncertainty. Her second shrug,
paired with "Oh forget it," after her husband's silence on house prices, conveys indifference and

loss of the hope she had initially.

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This contrast reinforces the theme of juxtaposition in the narrative. Moreover, at the end, Pearl’s

silence conveys multiple emotions, such as remorse for tricking her husband into driving through

Beverly Hills or even shame for being caught, realizing her childish games were unnecessary. This

is evident from the beginning of the extract, where her first instinct is to manipulate Adam, with the
narration describing her thinking about "how to get Adam to the house and convince him he had
discovered it for himself."

All in all, Lalla uses both Caribbean Standard English (CSE) and Standard Jamaican Creole (SJC) in
the narrative. Furthermore, Lalla employs features of Creole grammar such as “zero copula” and
“unmarked action verbs” to develop the characters' identities and make the narrative more
believable. Finally, non-verbal communicative techniques, such as shrugging her shoulders and
the silence at the end, help the reader understand Pearl as an individual.

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QUESTION 1: ADDITIONAL NOTES

THE DIALECTAL VARIETIES USED

The extract uses two dialectal varieties: Caribbean Standard English (CSE) for narration and
Standard Jamaican Creole (SJC) for dialogue.

When discussing language varieties, it is important to emphasize that there are two distinct

varieties present. Students who wish to address the language continuum—i.e., the basilect,
mesolect, and acrolect—must understand that these are not separate language varieties, but
rather refer to the different levels of Creole used.

QUESTION 2: ADDITIONAL NOTES

THE GRAMMATICAL FEATURES OF THE DIALECTAL VARIETIES

CARIBBEAN STANDARD ENGLISH VS> ENGLISH CREOLE

Caribbean Standard
Grammatical Features English Creole
English

Plurality is marked mostly

by the suffix -s. For
example, “...homes of the
Pluralization -
affluent...”; “...hills that
rimmed...”; “...rocks...” and
“...plumes...”

Non-stative verb is marked

for simple past tense. For
example, “...come to look at
Unmarked Verb Tenses - that house...”.

In this case, the word

“come” replaces “came”.

The omission of auxiliary

verbs. For example, “...what
they keeping that old
Zero Copula -
mausoleum...” . This is said
instead of “...why are they
keeping...”.

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QUESTION 3: ADDITIONAL NOTES

NON-VERBAL BEHAVOIURS

Pearl uses both kinesics and vocalics. Kinesics refers to body language and gestures, while

vocalics refers to vocal qualities such as tone, rate, and the use of verbal fillers etc.

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OBJECTIVES
1. To explore the dialectal varieties used in the 2023 extract, “Arch of Fire” by Barbara Lalla.
2. To explore the grammatical features of the language varieties used.

3. To identify the non-communicative behaviours Pearl uses.

SAMPLE ESSAY - MODULE 3 [2023]

In 2020, amidst the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic, our homes welcomed an unexpected
guest: the rise of smoking and vaping among students. With lockdowns and the suspension of
face-to-face schooling, these habits became all too common. Yet, as we adapt new hobbies, we
owe a it to ourselves. Our future where we can breathe easily in fresh airs and sunny skies.

Therefore, I propose that our church’s youth group spearhead an anti-smoking and anti-vaping
multimedia campaign, which epitomizes this message.

Our message will resonate by using inclusive language such as “us”, “we” and “our future”. This
establishes a sense of common purpose and responsibility. Moreover, drawing wisdom from the

Holy Bible, reinforces our campaign’s ethical foundation. This connection to timeless values not
only engrosses our moral imperative but also lends authority to our cause. It draws upon a
tradition of guiding principles which has span centuries.

As stewards of our community’s well-being, it is our duty to intervene. By addressing this pressing

issue among our peers, we fulfill our commitment to serve our community. We will also nurture our

own personal development. The impact or our intervention must not be understated! This is not
just a mere choice, but a necessity to safeguard the health and future of our generation.

We will effectively reach our peers, through multiple forms of digital technology. Social media

platforms will serve as our primary tool, leveraging their ubiquity and reach among youth.

Additionally, we will launch a weekly podcast discussing the consequences of smoking and
vaping, offering a fresh and engaging medium to share insights and foster dialogue. By meeting

our audience where they are—online and on-the-go—we ensure that our message resonates with
maximum impact.

In conclusion, through persuasion via ethos (i.e. similitude and establishing authority); and
innovative digital outreach; we will empower our peers to make informed choices and breathe

easier, knowing that our collective efforts pave the way for a tomorrow filled with vitality and

wellness.

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MODULE 3 NOTES
RHETORICAL APPEALS, MULTIMEDIA CAMPAIGN AND INTERVENTIONS

Formats for Multimedia Campaign:

Social Media Campaign
Podcast via streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube

According to Blinn College - Bryan Writing Center (2023), rhetorical appeals are the qualities of an
argument that make it truly persuasive. These appeals include pathos, ethos, and logos.

The pathos appeal, according to Aristotle, involves presenting an argument in a way that
influences the reader's judgment (Braet, 1992). Higgins & Walker (2012) provide examples of this

appeal, such as the use of metaphors and cultural references, including sports and pop culture, to
connect with the audience.

Braet (1992) describes the ethos appeal as framing an argument in a way that makes the speaker
or writer appear credible. Higgins & Walker (2012) offer several examples of ethos, including

similitude, ingratiation, deference (appearing humble), use of authority, self-criticism, and an

inclination to succeed.

Finally, Braet (1992) explains the logos appeal as constructing arguments based on deductive
reasoning. In this appeal, the writer provides evidence to support their arguments as logically as

possible. Higgins & Walker (2012) identify examples of logos, such as argumentation, justification,

examples, and data.

In the case of the interventions, it is important for the group to act out of a sense of duty and
service to the community, along with a commitment to personal development and self-

actualization.

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REFERENCES
LIST OF SOURCES USED FOR RESEARCH

Blinn College - Bryan Writing Center. (2023). Rhetorical Analysis. https://www.blinn.edu/writing-

centers/pdfs/Rhetorical-Analysis.pdf

Braet, A. (1992). Ethos, pathos and logos in Aristotle’s Rhetoric: A re-examination.

Argumentation, 6(3), 307–320. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00154696

Cribb, V. M., & Rochford, S. (2017). The transcription and representation of spoken political

discourse in the UK House of Commons. International Journal of English Linguistics, 8(2), 1.

https://doi.org/10.5539/ijel.v8n2p1

Haghtalab, N., Immorlica, N., Lucier, B., Mobius, M., & Mohan, D. (2022, May 26). Communicating
with Anecdotes. Retrieved from https://arxiv.org/abs/2205.13461

Hassan, F. F. I. H. (2018). Persuasive Personae: The Appeal to Religion and the Construction of

Ethos in Political Discourse. ., 64(1), 389–406. https://doi.org/10.21608/opde.2018.95982

Higgins, C., & Walker, R. (2012). Ethos, logos, pathos: Strategies of persuasion in

social/environmental reports. Accounting Forum, 36(3), 194–208.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.accfor.2012.02.003

Li, B., Cardier, B., Wang, T., & Metze, F. (2017, October 8). Annotating High-Level structures of short
stories and personal anecdotes. Retrieved from https://arxiv.org/abs/1710.06917

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