Written Language and Power

Power is asserted in this text through the use of imperative sentences, they state that there is no alternative for the reader as it is a demand. This relates to the fact that the context of production has instrumental power over the readers, so it is therefore enforcing power through using imperatives. one example of an imperative sentence used is 'You must also include your own address, the council will not accept it otherwise'.

By using personal pronouns like 'you' and 'your' within the text, it makes it more personal to the reader and also it can make it seem a little more intimidating as the reader has no choice and the power that is enforced here singles out that person. An example from the text is 'Your own letter will count the same as all those signatures'. Also using the second person pronoun 'our' suggests that everyone will be working together and in a way this almost persuades the reader as they will feel part of a 'team'. For example 'Our community has a voice'. Lastly, 'us' is also used in the text and it is also a pronoun. This word suggests that there is more than one person behind this company and this asserts power against the reader because they are only one person, whereas this company is a team with many people backing them up, so the reader will feel more pressure towards listening to the text.

Conditionals like 'if' suggests there will be consequences and it reinforces that instrumental power that the company/producers have over their readers. Also it seems more threatening. For example 'If you are about to go on your summer holiday, please write before you go...every letter counts'.

The use of pragmatics used in this text assert power by stating that 'Time's running out...write a letter today' this means that there is little time left to act upon this situation. Also, the use of short sentences assert power to the seriousness of the text's message to its readers.