Paper 1 question 2

 This extract is a letter about happiness, written by Richard Brandson. It is in a letter format which means it starts off with a greeting “Dear” and then followed by short paragraphs. The first paragraph is a short introduction paragraph in which Brandson addresses the audience by saying “You don’t know me but”. This addresses the audience by targeting them directly and speaking to them rather than talking to a larger audience.

Throughout the letter, Brandson keeps an informal tone by writing in the first person and constantly using “I” and often referring back to his past where he has dealt with the topic he is speaking about. The author seems to use examples of what brings him happiness or examples from his life to back up the points he makes. By having some evidence from his own life, it makes the writing stronger and could be seen as more convincing because if it is working well for Brandon, then maybe it will work for me. 

This extract is structured like an average letter, begins with a greeting, has a couple paragraphs, and ends with a sign off. Majority of the paragraphs in the extract are about five sentences and either have claims, strong points, or quotes to back up the claims. The author writes one paragraph which is noticeably smaller than the others; “Stop and breathe. Be healthy. Be around your friends and family. Be there for someone, and let someone be there for you. Be bold. Just be for a minute.” This is one of Brandson’s most prominent points and is telling the reader that everything is going to be ok and to take a step back and breathe. 

Throughout the letter, Brandson keeps the writing in the first person. The author often relates back to himself and references his life in order to give advice for the audience. “It’s OK to be stressed, scared and sad, I certainly have been throughout my 66 years.” Branson uses lots of imagery to help give the audience an idea of what happiness is for him and could be similar things for them. For example, the author writes, “debates. It’s the smile on a stranger's face, the smell of rain, the ripple of a wave, the wind across the sand.” 

To strengthen the author's point in the importance of taking a moment to breathe, the author adds a “why?” at the end of a paragraph that he then answers immediately after. “Because allowing yourself just to be puts things into perspective. Try it. Be still. Be present.” It not only strengthens the point that the author is trying to make, but the short sentences like “Try it.” and “Be present.” creates a sense of importance and that it might be worth your while to listen to what the author says. 

    Although the letter isn’t formal, it is in a mostly professional tone. The only part that isn’t in a professional tone is when the author starts to brag “I know I’m fortunate to live an extraordinary life…” but then he disclaims that by saying “I am successful, wealthy and connected because I am happy.” The author almost sounds self centered if the writing was taken out of context, but in context, the author is trying to show that yes, he is a rich, successful and happy person, but before he was rich and successful, he made sure to be happy first. 

    The author uses a hyperbole to strengthen his point and back up his reasoning. “There’s a reason we’re called human beings and not human doings.” Although we are called human beings due to the latin roots, it doesn’t literally mean because we are constantly doing things.