VCE English Language 2026 Unit 3 AOS 2: 'Formal Language' Essay Evidence

Neale Daniher euphemism that promotes social harmony:

After Neale Daniher’s death in 2026, Aus Prime Minister Anthony spoke of his ‘passing’, and how ‘when he lost his voice, his words became more powerful’ and that he would ‘rest in eternal peace.’

What are some euphemisms that negotiate social taboos and promote social harmony?

The terms ‘plus size’ or ‘mid-size’, ‘person of colour’. School describes a ‘reset’ in leadership.

How did VCAA use euphemisms/ doublespeak to obfuscate and manipulate?

VCAA described its leadership change as ‘a progressive spill-and-fill process’ which would ‘allow the new CEO to set clear expectations for the executive and other people managers, and subsequently, be explicit about the capabilities they must demonstrate or develop.’

Bonds example of euphemisms being used or not used in order to negotiate social taboos.

Australian underwear brand Bonds launched a marketing campaign for its period undies range, ‘Call it what it is. Period’.

Aimed at stopping people from using euphemisms such as ‘Aunt Flo’ and ‘Shark Week’ to reference period.'

Brand manager Edwina Moller said it was time to stop ‘calling periods ridiculous names to make those around a little more comfortable.’ 'We want to empower Aussies everywhere’ to ‘simply call it what it is.’

What is the school post that negotiates a social taboo?

‘Happy Menstrual Hygiene Day!’

How did assistant treasurer use doublespeak and jargon to establish expertise?

On breakfast tv in March 2025 he used dense financial jargon such as ‘affordable housing bond aggregator’, ‘returns from the stock market’.

How did a Victorian high school use double speak in order to manipulate?

It released a statement that said “The school will continue to undergo a period of transformation as we take sustained action to demonstrate that the school has addressed the VRQA’s findings and, most importantly, that students and families can continue to have full confidence in our commitment to safety, wellbeing, and care.”

They stated that ‘a broader cultural shift was also needed'. 

How may jargon be used to clarify in some contexts?

In the education field, jargon such as VCAA, SAC, GAT, grade distribution, and scaling.

The University of Melbourne Master of Economics couse page uses jargon such as ‘microeconomics’ ‘macroeconomics,’ and ‘econometrics’.

How might jargon obfuscate information? (Guardian and medical).

In a verbal echocardiogram report to patient, a doctor used jargon such as ‘Aortic root is mildly dilated. Aortic valve is stenotic. The valve is tricuspid.’

In 2023 The Guardian Aus posted an online article with a correction stating the ‘the original furniture’ was different.
Readers criticised the Guardian with statements such as ‘Oh, please do put a correction beneath this correction,”, “‘Furniture’, should read, I surmise, ‘feature’.”

‘Furniture’ was the noun meant by the journalist who added the footnote, as it is used to describe the various elements on a print or web page.

‘In writing corrections and corresponding directly with readers we usually avoid industry jargon. We also aim to be more precise. Accordingly, the footnote was revised to say: “The original subheading said the fireworks display was on Christmas Eve.”'

How might jargon and elevated lexemes be used to promote social harmony?

The government and disability organisations promote person-first language- ‘person with paraplegia’ instead of ‘paraplegic person’, for example, and accurate, technical terms- ‘ADHD’ instead of ‘hyper’, ‘psychosocial disability’ instead of ‘crazy’.

How might the passive voice be used to reinforce social distance?

‘It has been determined that your application has been unsuccessful’ in contrast to ‘we rejected your application’ in an official government notice.

How might the passive voice be used to manipulate or obfuscate?

VCAA’s address of students affected by errors: Is it clear to me that some students have been let down as a result of these errors and that is completely unacceptable.”

“Consequently, mistakes were made that might otherwise have been avoidable’.

How might syntactic patterning establish expertise?

Koko Black uses parallelism on its website- ‘Where we’ve come from, where we’re going, and the swirls of wisdom we’ve crafted along the way.’

How might syntactic patterning be used to clarify?

Through listing- An SBS article from 2026 stated the ‘The US navy is engaging a global defence contractor to employ around 110 engineers, mechanics, material and safety specialists to manage the Australian stockpile’.

How might lexical density be used to obfuscate?

The official government 2025 Disability Reform Roadmap describes the agenda as ‘progressing critical National Cabinet commitments, including legislative and other changes to the NDIS’, and ‘progressing commitments to ensure the sustainability of the NDIS and to the design of initial Foundational Supports’.

How might overt politeness markers reinforce social distance?

In a message from the Legislative Council of NSW. ‘May it please your excellency’, ‘desire to express our thanks for Your Excellency’s speech’.

Also formal address of teachers.

What is an example of lack of politeness and apologising, as well as low-modality verbs for hedging?

In May 2026, Jetstar passenger Tracey Thompson’s name was accompanied by the words “f*** c***” in an email she received from the airline.

“We understand this may have been an upsetting email to receive and apologise for any distress caused,” a spokesperson said. 

How do overt politeness markers reinforce politeness?

Emails to class mates- ‘Kind regards’, ‘I hope this all makes sense. Let me know if it doesn’t’.

How do low modality verbs obfuscate/ remove blame?

During a milo bar recall in 2026, “Food products containing black rubber may cause illness or injury if consumed.’

“We understand this may have been an upsetting email to receive and apologise for any distress caused.’

How might inclusive language negotiate social taboos?

With terms such as “differently abled,” “physically challenged,” “mentally different” or “handicapable.”

Inclusive language

Inclusive language is respectful and accessible. It acknowledges diversity and avoids excluding people based on background, identity or experience.

Choose words that respect individuals and include everyone.

How does inclusive language promote social harmony?

With terms such as ‘Everyone’, ‘Welcome all’ etc. for formal situations. ‘Chairperson’ ‘policeperson’.

The 2024 Australian budget used the term ‘people who menstruate’.

How might figurative language negotiate social taboos?

Neale Daniher  ‘it will be carried in the hearts of everyone’, ‘rest in eternal peace’.

How might hedging reinforce social distance?

‘The path of interest rates that will best ensure that inflation returns to target in a reasonable timeframe remains uncertain.’