What is the writer’s attitude?

Once again, let’s pull all of this together into one answer.

In the article ‘Excluded by the system’, the writer states his opinion openly. He says that there is something wrong with the education system (first paragraph) and that the government needs to do something about it (last paragraph). In the first paragraph, he says that the boy attends school for ‘only’ three hours a day. This word shows that he feels this is not enough. The writer uses the phrase ‘fobs off troublemakers with a few hours of so-called schooling’. This phrase shows that he feels pupils are being given poor treatment, and the ‘so-called’ schooling they are given is not of a good quality. In the middle of the article he refers to the situation as ‘worrying’, and this tells us he feels concerned about the situation.

The writer quotes from the mother, and gives several examples of how the 12-year-old boy’s education is suffering. He also points out that schools are failing children like him. Nowhere in the article does he criticise the boy himself. Thus, it seems clear that the writer is sympathetic to the boy’s plight. The article is written in a fairly formal tone, and this suggests the writer feels quite strongly about the subject. Also, the last sentence ‘Unless, of course, Labour intends to modify its mantra “education, education, education” by adding the words “except for children who cause trouble”’ is almost sarcastic in tone. This suggests that he feels the Labour Party doesn’t give this issue as much attention as it should.

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