HBL Biography Facebook
Kim Jong Un
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2066367_2066369_2066264,00.html
1. Reflect and Display
Introduction
"Nobody's sure if Kim Jong Un is 28 or 29. There are only a handful of photos of him in circulation.
Until a couple of years ago, few North Koreans knew anything about him. "
Impact
By starting off with how a virtually unknown person has made it to the Times 100, the introduction is
certainly intriguing. The introduction also states how basic information such as Kim Jong Un's
birthday is also unknown, adding to the mystery which surrounds him. Readers are then left to ponder
on the potential and influence exuded by this "dark horse", be it good or bad. Ending on such a tense
note would hence entices readers to read on.
Sequence and Plot
The piece is short, but succinct and to the point. It explains that Kim Jong Un will join the world stage
in the coming future as the successor of the most secretive Communist nation. In a single sentence, the
piece has thereby instilled fear, awe, and more importantly, a sense of looming danger into the readers.
Language
Tone
The author adopts a warning tone in the article. Through the underlying message, the author is trying
to convince readers that Kim Jong Un is not one to be dealt with easily. The saying "Know thyself and
know thy enemy and you can fight a thousand battles without disaster" from the ancient Chinese
military treatise The Art of War comes into mind. Information is power, and knowing naught about
Kim Jong Un might just prove to be the cause of the downfall of the free world. As the author
accurately puts it, "he will be feared".
Attitude
The author is large critical of Kim Jong Un, with negative connotations ubiquitous in the article. It
describes him as a "tyrant in waiting" and the successor of an "impoverished, nuclear-tipped nation",
implying that Kim Jong Un is certainly no better than his predecessors. By referring to him emulating
his "dad and granddad" in having "absolute (rule)", the author also displays disrespect and disgust for
Kim Jong Un.
2. Task
Original Paragraph
But he's been picked to succeed his dad and granddad as absolute ruler of his impoverished, nucleartipped nation, which means that though he may not be known, he will be feared.
Edited Paragraph
However, following the traditional family line, King Jong Un is to be the next ruler of his
impoverished, nuclear-tipped nation, which means that though he may not be known, he will be feared.
Explanation
The use of the words "dad" and "granddad" so loosely and informally implies disrespect and hence, a
lack of objectivity.
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kim-Jong-Un/219312461447053
(Ms Leong, please copy and paste this into a web browser)
Wong Chun Jie (24)
3S2
T2 HBL