A Free Ride

374 Words2 Pages
Language Analysis: "A Free Ride" In his opinion article, Professor McLellan asserts that free public transport is a better solution than increasing funding for road development. He uses a moderate tone to present himself as being logical and reasonable. McLellan appeals to an adult audience by emphasising the health, safety and financial benefits the community will gain. Professor McLellan appeals to the hip pocket nerve when he outlines the financial benefits of his scheme. He uses "savings", "Governments would save money", "$21 billion per year", in an attempt to emphasise his "commuters" that using public transport is better because it assists people to reduce the amount of money they spend each week when driving. This persuades the reader to agree as he uses a series of numbers and savings to support his argument. Similarly, the image clearly demonstrates that the hip pocket nerve can also appeal to the public which creates happiness in the community. This is emphasised by the expressions of the people which show they are pleased with the use of free transport. This persuades the reader to be satisfied with the use of the hip pocket nerve. In addition, he emphasises the human cost of our roads. By using the words "disasters", "road deaths and trauma", this creates a negative connotation towards human cost instead of financial costs. This manipulates the reader to feel sympathetic as it sets out negative emotive language. McLellan seeks to simplify the issue to gain our approval. He says "There is a simple solution" which encourages the society that we should make public transport free. As he constantly reminds us about having the "simplest ways" , it gives people the advantage to gain profit and benefits the community in having a safer environment. McLellan manipulates the audience by making them feel a sense of security in being safe. Similarly,
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