Young and Dyslexic
How does the writer uses language and structure to convey his
experience?
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The points to respond / theme
Education system/ respect
overcoming obstacles
Building confidence
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emotive language coupled with the
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direct address
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.
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abstract noun
the listing of the 3 negative with the
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"opportunities"
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Triadic structure
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use of anaphora
A series of anecdote
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the phrase "when i go literary festivals…" •
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personal pronoun
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Phonetic language
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common noun coupled with the verb
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Time marker
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sibilance
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A series of short sentence
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direct speech
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violent verb
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conditional clause
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1. education system/ respect
first , he vividly explains how he "suffered as a child " due to the "education system" as evidenced with the emotive language and
the abstract noun which evokes immediate symapthy from the reader. The listiing of the three negative phrases eith the the use
of anaphora "no comapssion, no understanding and no humanity" sums up shortcomings of the eductaion system and emphasises
on how harsh school life was .Furthermore he uses a series of anecdote to bring to his experience while in scchool. He states
"my" "teachers" The personal pronoun and common noun coupled with the the verb "contradicted" highlights his difficult school
life which evokes sympathy to the reader . This is furthered with the sibilance "shut up stupid boy" wich reveals that his
interactions with his teachers was quite arduous. Also, the direct speech "how dare you challenge me "shocks the reader.
Moreover Zephaniah shows how dyslexic and his consequent struggles had a negative impact in his life as revealed with the
violent verb " i got thrown out of schools"
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2.Overcoming obstacles
Additionally , the writer explains how against all odds he was avoided prison and offers the opinion that this " about conquering
your fears and finding you path in life" as denoted by the direct address.Also, he feels lucky that he managed to grab his
"opportunities" as others "missed theirs, didn't notice them …" as denoted by the rule of three . Additionally , he gives practical
examples on how he encounters his dyslexia ."when i go literary festivals, i always ask…""wid luv and with love " and the phonetic
language explains how proactive he is and does not give up in easy way thus challenging the readers in the same situation. He
also uses time marker to trace his development, which was endurable for him and how he sailed through. "when i was 13""at 12".
Furthermore he uses a series of short sentences " i never thought i was stupid. i didn't have…" to imply that he did not undermine
himself due to his condition as he "had self belief ". He adds how he maneuver through his obstacles by informing the readers
that he did not have self pity as depicted by the phrase "it's not my problem…"
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