Analysing Argument essay - Exam Section C (2010 Exam)

[Aishay]

So I wrote a practice language analysis essay (section C of the VCE English exam) based off the 2010 exam and I'd really appreciate it if someone could please look over it and provide feedback. Thank youuuuu


English Exam Practice
2010 English Exam - Section C: Language Analysis

Taking Stock

Professor Chris Lee’s speech, ‘Taking Stock’, was presented at the International Biodiversity Conference in Nagoya, Japan in 2010. In his speech, he passionately, yet disappointedly addresses the urgent need for countries to actively contribute to the reduction of the rate of biodiversity loss in order to ‘benefit…all life on earth’ and eradicate poverty.

Professor Chris Lee repeatedly emphasises the need to reduce the rate of biodiversity loss as it not only adversely affects future generations of humans, but also flora and fauna. Concerned, Lee proclaims that biodiversity is being ‘driven towards extinction faster than new species can evolve’, and unapologetically places the blame on ‘our own thoughtless human actions’. By publicly subjecting himself to the same wave of guilt he imposes on those in power, as well as the everyday layman, for failing to do more to preserve the earth, he demonstrates that none are excused for ‘inaction’ towards this issue, and that all are capable of action. Lee criticises the current approach to the preservation of biodiversity, describing it as ‘haphazard’. He adds that current methods to reduce the rate of biodiversity loss are ineffective, and are only stunting real action from occurring. Lee considers the environmental issues associated with a lack of attention and action towards restoring the earth to a more inhabitable planet for all species. He appeals to all, and warns those who are careless of the fate of animals and plants, that the human species is dependent on the sustainability of biodiversity. The opening slide of his presentation displays the year, 2010, which he refers to as a year of ‘vital significance to our world’. In the image, each number is overlapping, connected by humans, plants and animals, all of which make up Professor’s Lee’s speech on biodiversity and the significance of its preservation. The diversity of humans, plants and animals in the image demonstrate that the Earth is made up of a variety of valuable life that all need to be equally sustained and protected.

Lee references the International Union for Conservation of Nature to outline that this is a worldwide issue that does not discriminate, and that it affects all of Earth’s species, including disadvantaged individuals. He frankly states that human survival is being threatened, and regrettably admits that ‘we know this’. He invokes a sense of shame in international leaders for not doing more to overcome biodiversity loss by stating the increased vulnerability of more than 1.1 billion people who remain in poverty as a result of lack of attention to achieving the biodiversity goals set eight years before the conference. This sense of shame is consistent as he criticises ‘powerful economic giants’ for prioritising their own selfish needs at the expense of neglecting the wellbeing of those suffering in poverty. In dishonouring such powerful figures, he includes himself to demonstrate that in striving to achieve these goals, none are innocent in failing to remain steadfast. However, he admits that it is wrongful of us to not consider all species, especially our own, who are suffering at our own neglectful hands. He stresses the harmful impact of biodiversity loss on struggling communities who are dependent on biodiversity to survive. In doing so, he blames the inaction on the ‘lack of unity and…genuine commitment’ which has lead to no more than ‘mouth [ing] platitudes’ that produce no real results to tackle poverty, nor protect our planet.

Lee holds all countries accountable for taking action to protect all species. His speech is not exclusive to those in power, however he calls on them to take responsibility, questioning the extent to which they contributed to the achievement of ‘our goals’, signifying that the responsibility of safeguarding biodiversity is not solely on one organisation or country. Rather, he holds all countries liable for the protection of biodiversity, and therefore delivers this message to an international audience to inform those with the capacity to achieve this goal of the significance of doing so. He presents his speech to ‘leaders in the area of biodiversity’, and calls for them to be more involved in preventing the ‘diminishment’ of biodiversity, and quotes a now deceased ecologist, Thomas Eisner, to inform these leaders that protecting biodiversity is an ongoing, recognised issue and that they all have the potential to reduce the rate of biodiversity loss. This quote is displayed on Lee’s concluding presentation slide, and includes an image of the Earth in the palms of two hands, with a bleak, black background. The image of the Earth conveys the figurative and literal message of the future of the Earth being in our hands. The dark background suggests that we are only paving the way for a ‘bleak’ future if we continue our heedless ways. Lee concurs with the ecologist’s quote, ending his presentation with addressing the need for us to preserve the Earth’s biodiversity as it is ‘the greatest treasure we have’.

Professor Chris Lee’s review of the progress of reducing the rate of biodiversity loss sheds light on horrendous environmental and social issues that have arisen due to a lack of genuine commitment by all, from the ordinary householder to the ‘powerful economic giant’. In his speech, Lee details the imperativeness of taking action and achieving biodiversity goals, including how it is a means of survival for poverty-stricken communities.