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Activity 7

We're going to look at the article again and take note of how it has been examined for purposes of evaluation. Roll your mouse over the highlighted text to show the features which can be used in an evaluation.

What was the writer’s purpose?
Before you can begin to decide how well the writer met the purpose, you need to remind yourself of what the writer’s purpose was. Look over your answer to the question that asked you what the purpose was, and remind yourself of why you gave that answer before you go any further.

In the article in Appendix A (reproduced below) the writer’s purpose was to argue that more support is required for ‘troublesome’ children.

Was the communication biased?
A biased communication may be less effective than a communication that examines both sides of the argument. If the writer has only looked at one side of the debate, and has ignored obvious weaknesses in the argument, then the communication as a whole may be less effective than one that addresses points for and against.

In the sample article, the writer only really gives one side of the story. He criticises the government for failing to fund special support adequately, but he doesn’t allow the government a chance to defend its position. This makes the article one-sided, and less effective than a balanced treatment.

Roll your mouse over the article below to discover the writer's purpose.