written commentary Flashcards
(12 cards)
intro part 1 - concerned farm owner
I have written this speech taking on the persona of a concerned farm owner who has lived in Kilmore his whole life. Speaking at a local council meeting, he argues against the rapid urbanization of Kilmore and the decline of its agricultural industry.
intro part 2 - reflects on the town’s transformation
The speech reflects on the town’s transformation, from a rural farming community to an increasingly urbanized area, with farmland being subdivided for new housing and chain stores. I selected this text type as it allows both an argument against uncontrolled development and a reflection on how the land has changed over time.
para 1, part 1 - key theme
A key theme in my speech is the link between identity and place. The urbanization of Kilmore represents a shift from respecting the land to exploiting it. The speech explores how a town’s character is deeply connected to its history and landscape, and how losing farmland equates to losing Kilmore’s unique identity.
para 1, para 2 - acknowledgement of country
I begin with an acknowledgment of country to highlight the importance of respecting the land’s past, while also suggesting that today’s residents—farmers included—have a responsibility to protect it. This positions my speaker as someone who values both history and progress but is concerned about the direction of change.
para 2 part 1 personal anecdotes
To engage the audience—councillors and residents—I use emotive language, a personable tone, and a subtle cajoling style to emphasize nostalgia and urgency. I establish credibility through personal anecdotes, such as the speaker recalling how he “used to ride [his] bike down the old dirt roads.” This anecdote contrasts the past with the present, reinforcing the emotional weight of change.
para 2 part 2 - juxtaposed
Imagery is also crucial in this contrast: the “wide fields, green pastures, and the occasional farmhouse standing strong” are juxtaposed with “uniform housing estates, each house a clone of the next.” This stark opposition reinforces the unnatural, impersonal nature of urbanization.
para 3 part 1 - repetition
Repetition plays a key role in the speech’s persuasive effect. The phrase “Our country is calling” is repeated throughout to create a sense of duty and reinforce the speech’s title. It suggests that the land itself is warning its residents, heightening the urgency of the argument.
para 3 part 2 - chopped up
Another example is “chopped up”, emphasizing the irreversible destruction of farmland. These choices provoke a sense of shame and responsibility, urging the audience to reconsider their stance.
para 3 part 3 - duty of care
Beyond nostalgia, the speech appeals to practical concerns. I argue that “every acre of farmland we lose threatens our ability to produce fresh produce to sustain our town and the rest of Victoria.” This appeals to the council’s duty of care and highlights real consequences beyond personal sentiment.
para 3 part 4 - rhetorical questions
Rhetorical questions, such as “But at what cost?” and “Do we want a town that still has wide fields, family farms, and a strong sense of community?” force the audience to consider their role in shaping Kilmore’s future.
conclusion part 1 - direct address
In the conclusion, I reassert the urgency of the issue. Direct address—“To the council, I urge you…” and “To my fellow farmers and residents, I implore you…”—strengthens the call to action, making the message personal and inclusive.
conclusion part 2 - final statement
The final statement, “Let’s not wait until it’s too late. Let’s make the right choice—before our country stops calling”, leaves the audience with a compelling and urgent appeal, ensuring the speech’s message resonates beyond the council meeting.
