Paper 1 Question 1

 1a. 

4/19/2022

Dear Mr. President,

As you are aware, the Notre-Dame cathedral was subject to destruction as a result of a vigorous fire. News of these flames traveled instantaneously across the globe, spread in under three minutes. Wide and generous support was rapidly gathered to rebuild this structure and babbled over one billion dollars in approximately forty-eight hours. However, despite the three weeks in which the Amazon Rainforest has been engulfed in flames, the same support has not been matched.

The Notre-Dame cathedral’s fire gained a quick following due to the shock it inflicted, especially since the event occurred in a world capital such as Paris. Nonetheless, this does not put aside problems in other major cities like São Paulo.

As one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems, comprising  multi-millions of different flora and fauna, and home to hundreds of tribes, the world must take action in saving the Amazon. Since the rainforest is hugely responsible for taking care of the planet, by means of supplying the oxygen we breathe and protecting us from global warming, it is the world’s duty to reciprocate this behavior.

Best regards,

Sommar Kashey

1b.

A news report and a letter are dissimilar forms as one is factual and informative while the other may act as a written conversation respectively. In the news report, statistics like “73,000 forest fires” and quoted interviews were included which are not commonly found within letters. These logos appeal to the reader’s intellect since it allows them to piece together the valid information with the claims being made.

Moreover, the structure between the two pieces varied. The news report used short paragraphs, and even sole sentences, each acknowledging a point in a linear progression from discussion of the Notre-Dame cathedral fire to the fire within the Amazon Rainforest. On the other hand, my letter used longer paragraphs, compared to those of the news report, since there was a greater need to further convey my points. The news article included a title above the rest of the writing, whereas my letter is dated, addressed the French President, and is concluded with a complimentary close. 

Furthermore, the news report used words that possess their own emphasis such as “catastrophe,” “tragedy,” and “devouring.” In my writing, I did the same with the words “vigorous” and “engulfed.” These words were included by both pieces since they dramaticized the events. This use of such saddening language appeals to pathos and triggers readers to be more emotionally invested. Also, my words sound sophisticated and are relevant to the discussion which are important when addressing issues to one I must write formally towards.

For additional emphasis, both the news report and my letter used the superlative “most.” As superlatives describe the extremes, this inclusion shows the prominence and significance of the issue. Superlatives alert the reader of something that needs further recognition.

Within the news report, the author referred to the Amazon as the “planet’s lungs.” This metaphor provides the audience with the ability to recognize the level of importance the rainforest is to us. By comparing the rainforest to lungs, the audience is able to assess the level of necessity. Throughout my piece, I wanted to create a sense of accountability by describing how people are “responsible” and it is our “duty” to take action. An activist approach tends to invoke a deeper response within the audience. Since the reader of my letter is the French President, one who has a position of authority, they have power and influence in situations like these.

Towards the end of the report, an interview quoted, “emptied their pockets.” This colloquial phrase provides an opening for casual language within a factual report. Although possibly unintended,  it softens the direct, dry numbers.