Language Features
What is the language feature?
"How could anyone believe such an obvious lie?"
Rhetorical question
Name one construction choice commonly used in documentaries
What does "representation" mean?
The way people, events or ideas are portrayed.
What does the N stand for?
Name it
Which is better evidence?
A dramatic quote
OR
The title screen?
The dramatic quote.
What is emotive language?
Words chosen to create an emotional response from the audience.
Why might a documentary use dramatic music?
To create suspense or encourage an emotional response.
How are victims usually represented in scam documentaries?
As vulnerable, trusting or deserving of sympathy.
What comes after Evidence?
Shape
Which explanation is stronger?
A.
"It uses emotive language."
B.
"It uses emotive language to position the audience to sympathise with the victims."
B
Name TWO language features in this sentence:
"Melissa's shocking betrayal left innocent families devastated."
Emotive language, loaded language, high modality
Why are interviews important in documentaries?
They provide perspectives, evidence and credibility.
Why might producers choose to interview family members?
To create an emotional connection and humanise the story.
Which part explains the audience effect?
Shape
What is more important?
Summarising the documentary
OR
Explaining how it influences audiences
Explaining how it influences audiences.
Explain why documentaries often use statistics
To add credibility and persuade the audience that the information is trustworthy
A documentary uses a close-up of a victim crying.
What audience response is it trying to create?
Sympathy or empathy.
Name one way a documentary could represent a scammer as manipulative.
Which part explains what the feature actually does?
Work
Your evidence is only one short quote.
Should you:
A) Analyse it deeply
OR
B) Find stronger evidence?
B
Explain the difference between identifying a language feature and explaining its effect
Identifying simply names the feature. Explaining discusses how it shapes meaning and influence the audience
Explain how editing can influence audience understanding.
Editing controls what the audience sees and when, creating emphasis, suspense and particular representations.
Why is representation important?
It influences how audiences think and feel about people and issues.
What are some words you would use to describe how a piece of evidence is WORKing
compare, highlight, illuminate, bring attention to, paint a picture, create a tone, emphasise, connect, describe, reveal, simplify, imply, suggest, draw on, symbolise, stand for, build on, reflect, convey authority, capture, inform
Which student would receive the higher mark?
Student A: "The documentary uses interviews and music."
Student B: "The documentary uses emotional interviews and sombre music to position the audience to sympathise with the victims and question the scammer's actions."
Student B, because they explain how the construction choices influence the audience instead of simply identifying them.