Read Text A above and write a well-structured essay of approximately 1000 - 1200 words in which you
analyse how the purpose of the piece is established and maintained throughout. In your analysis, pay
particular attention to the genre and the register of the text. In your analysis, remember to evaluate
the different sources of information the text includes: are they convincing and credible? In other
words, do you think we can trust the sources mentioned in the text? Why/why not?
The purpose of the text is to shed light on the lack of books and reading materials in South African
households with young children. The piece seeks to emphasize the importance of early childhood
development (ECD) and the role that reading and storytelling play in laying the foundation for literacy
and academic success. The genre of the text is informative, with a focus on presenting research
findings and statistics, as well as opinions and recommendations from experts in the field. The register
of the text is formal and academic, as it discusses research data and expert opinions on a serious
social issue.
The purpose of the article "Lack of books in SA’s homes throws spotlight on PIRLS shock" is to
highlight the issue of a lack of books in South African households with young children, and the
negative impact this has on children's literacy and overall development. The article also aims to
emphasize the importance of reading and storytelling in early childhood development, and to urge for
a greater emphasis on providing access to books for young children in the country.
The author, Tamar Kahn, establishes the purpose of the article from the very beginning by presenting
the shocking statistics related to the lack of books in South African households. The opening
paragraph sets the tone for the article, stating that 43% of households with young children have no
books at all, while only 16% of homes have more than five books. This immediately grabs the reader's
attention and conveys the severity of the issue.
Throughout the article, Kahn maintains the purpose by providing additional statistics and information
that support the central theme of the importance of books in the home environment. She references
the research conducted by Unicef and the department of basic education, highlighting the findings
that only 32% of caregivers reported reading regularly to young children, and that many believe
babies and toddlers are too young for books and play.
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