NSC English HL Comprehension: 1.1 Account for the writer's fee

Question

1.1 Account for the writer's feelings in paragraph 1.

He is disgusted by the flashy/obscene displays of wealth by spoilt teenagers.

1.2 Explain what the writer means by, 'The young men and women seem lost in their designer clothes, dwarfed and dehumanised by their possessions, as if ownership has gone into reverse' (lines 10–12).

The possessions seem to own the person, who has been 'dwarfed'; the youth have become less human, 'dehumanised' by their possessions, as ownership has been reversed.

1.3 Discuss the point the writer is making in lines 14–15: 'a photograph whose purpose is to illustrate plenty seems instead to depict a void'.

It is ironic that while these young people intend flaunting their abundant possessions, they actually reveal how empty their lives are.

1.4 Refer to paragraphs 3, 4 and 5.

The writer wishes to provide convincing evidence to support his viewpoint to validate his argument.

1.5 Why, in your view, does the writer distinguish between 'consumers' and 'citizens' (line 38)?

A negative connotation is attached to the word 'consumers', who are viewed as those who purchase goods without discernment. They are self-absorbed individuals ('more selfish') who do not engage with others and lack 'social responsibility'. 'Citizens' carry a positive connotation; they would be discerning and add value to society.

1.6 Discuss the paradox in paragraph 7.

The research findings generally relate: materialism is associated with happiness. In fact, materialism is shown to be a significant contributor to loneliness. Paradoxically, a consumer journal publishes negative viewpoints on consumerism.

1.7 The writer uses various stylistic techniques to strengthen his argument that materialism gives rise to a cycle of destruction.

The writer uses metaphorical expressions/hyperbole such as 'self-mutilation' and 'smashed' to highlight the destructive nature of an obsession with possessions.

1.8 Critically comment on TWO elements of style used by the writer in this paragraph.

1.9 The viewer on the left is disgusted by what he is viewing: he views the characters in the film as shameful criminals. He embodies the morally correct reaction to what he is viewing. The viewer on the right is enthusiastic and engaged, showing how susceptible he is to a lavish lifestyle.

1.10 The cartoonist is critical of the public's gullibility and lack of discernment. Some of the people are satirically portrayed as being devoid of the ability to think critically. The film industry has undue influence on social conscience.

1.11 Text B portrays the manner in which our morals are compromised by the created images of materialism. The opulent lifestyle of the affluent is seen as desirable. The reader is drawn into the effect of materialism reducing moral decay (the reverse of 'Rich Kids of Instagram' and 'Materialism: a system that eats us from the inside out'). The positions portray the similarities in the lifestyles that the cartoonist observed and they are reflected across the spectrum of materialism.

1.1 Account for the writer's feelings in paragraph 1 - NSC English HL - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:1.1 Account for the writer's feelings in paragraph 1 - NSC English HL - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1

Account for the writer's feelings in paragraph 1.

Explain what the writer means by, 'The young men and women seem lost in their designer clothes, dwarfed and dehumanised by their possessions, as if ownership has gone into reverse' (lines 10–12).

Discuss the point the writer is making in lines 14–15: 'a photograph whose purpose is to illustrate plenty seems instead to depict a void'.

Refer to paragraphs 3, 4 and 5.

Why, in your view, does the writer distinguish between 'consumers' and 'citizens' (line 38)?

Discuss the paradox in paragraph 7.

The writer uses various stylistic techniques to strengthen his argument that materialism gives rise to a cycle of destruction.

Critically comment on TWO elements of style used by the writer in this paragraph.

The viewer on the left is disgusted by what he is viewing: he views the characters in the film as shameful criminals. He embodies the morally correct reaction to what he is viewing. The viewer on the right is enthusiastic and engaged, showing how susceptible he is to a lavish lifestyle.

The cartoonist is critical of the public's gullibility and lack of discernment. Some of the people are satirically portrayed as being devoid of the ability to think critically. The film industry has undue influence on social conscience.

Text B portrays the manner in which our morals are compromised by the created images of materialism. The opulent lifestyle of the affluent is seen as desirable. The reader is drawn into the effect of materialism reducing moral decay.

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