Englis lang - explorers or boys messing about

Rhetorical question

- "explorer's or boys messing about"

- "explorers" has connotations of skill and profession, which juxtapose "boy" which has connotations of immaturity

- Colloquial language suggests playful, pointless activity rather than something important and has a dismissive and slightly mocking tone

- it undermimes the explorers and suggests they lack seriousness

- encourages the readers to question their value as explorers

- hooks the reader

Coloquial language

- "boys messing about"

- suggest the activity is pointless and unserious

- removes any sense of danger, bravery or achievement

- contrasts sharply with the heroic image of explorers

Facts and figures

- "The four-seater Robinson R44 has a single engine"

- This lends credibility to the writer's underlying criticism of the

expedition

Sarcasm/irony

- "trusty helicopter"

- engages readers as it makes the criticism more entertaining and persuasive

- subtly influence the reader's opinion

Emotive/critical language

- "farce"

- engages readers and makes them feel critical of him

- implies that it was not serious

Listing

- "Royal Navy, The RAF and British Coast Guards"

- emphasies trouble caused

Contrast

- The writer praises the rescuers, emphasising the explorer's incompetence

- strengthens the argument

What is the purpose of the text

- to criticise the explorers

- to persuade and entertain