'An Ode to the Hoody' Analysis 

'An Ode to the Hoody' is an article written by Minsky that emphasizes how small aspects of society (such as an item of clothing we can choose to wear) can become an issue for people worldwide 

who secretly despise anyone who dares wear a hoody.

The article is targeted towards men, specifically teenagers or young adults. This is supported by the writer's choice of lexis, which is mostly of an informal register. The informal lexis used is persistent throughout the last two paragraphs. It is used appeal to the target audience. This is done because then, the audience can relate to it since they may use and understand informal language more than formal language. An example of the informal lexis that the writer uses is using the verb 'shagging' to refer to sex. This makes the act seem less serious and may appeal to younger generations as they may use it as a substitute. 

The opening line states 'Argh, so its happened - you've woken up, severe hangover symptoms, mouth drier than a nun's chuff'. This instigation of light humour will appeal to the audience since 

it is an experience they probably would have experienced in their life. Additionally, the metaphor 'mouth drier than a nun's chuff'

also insinuates humour. The theme of informality is continued throughout the text, an example of this being 'roof up when its grotty and roof down when its nice outside'. The adjective 'grotty' is an informal synonym of the word 'disgusting' and the writer may have used it to relate to the audience by using terminology that the audience are more likely to use. 

An additional point is that the writer uses rhetorical questions such as 'are we going to stand by and watch these pen pushing, mackintosh sporting, jag driving pompous politicians deny us our essential piece of clothing because they feel threatened by it?' 

The use of constant rhetorical questions and the lexis used creates an impression of an uprising or resistance, also using lexis such as 'freedom' to create an impression of suppression towards the hoody. Also, the use of alliteration, 'pompous politicians', creates a negative impression on all politicians, stating that they are selfish and do not think for the population, only themselves.

Furthermore, in the quote 'as usual, the weather is another enemy to your cause, rumbling grey clouds mock you as they lash their piss everywhere, cold intrusive rain persistently reminding you of your plight by drumming windows; everyone is against you!', the lexis used by the writer indicates that the reader/hoody-wearer is at war with the weather, and that everything is going against them, even the weather. This has a negative impact on the reader as they will feel as though it is them versus everyone and everything. 

The writer also uses personification, describing the hoody as an 'ally', and also describing it as 'patient, undemanding and willing to serve'. These adjectives are used to create a positive view on the hoody, creating a sense that the hoody and similar items of clothing have been a companion for people throughout history.This is also evident when the writer describes what historical events have been impacted by the use of a hoody. For example, the writer states 'The concept of hoodies have been around for centuries, from religious pagans to snipers in the world wars.' This will make the readers wonder why people dislike the concept of hoodies as it has featured in historical events and it evidently has multiple practical uses.

An additional point is that the writer pragmatically uses a rhetorical question. The phrase 'is banning hoodies going to cause a drop in crime rate?' creates an impression  that banning something such as a piece of clothing just because it is associated with criminals is ridiculous. Also, it creates an impression of distrust towards the government and older people since they are considering and associating an item of clothing with a crime.

English Language Entry Task - Opinion Piece 5

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/01/opinion/catholic-church-sexual-abuse-scandal-reform.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fopinion&action=click&contentCollection=opinion&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=3&pgtype=sectionfront

This article asks the question "Is the Catholic Church beyond redemption?"

In the introduction, an anecdote of an Atlanta man is written. It says that a man stood up in Mass and confronted his priest about the Catholic Church's actions towards a sexual abuse cover up. He stated that he is mad that every member of the clergy resign because of it.

The writer of the article herself says that she had left the catholic church and has never felt the love and comfort of it like the man did. She says this makes her even more angry at the church because of the physically abused children but also of other believers who were not necessarily physically abused, but psychologically damaged by knowing some priests do this. Because of this, the writer and many catholics believe that the love and comfort the church has offered in the past is gone and that the church may never be able to redeem itself.

The writer then argues that the man from Atlanta is stupid for demanding all members of the clergy resign, because a majority of them are not criminals. Also, who else but these priests and nuns will dedicate their lives to the church and care for the sick and poor?

English Language Entry Task - Opinion Piece 4

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/us-students-need-a-cellphone-detox/2018/08/31/06d45faa-a644-11e8-b76b-d513a40042f6_story.html?utm_term=.22f7b00fc8bd


In this article, the subject of students aged 15 and under using their phone is discussed. Straight away, it is stated that in France, there has been a ban put in place where all children under 15 are not allowed to use their phones in school. The writer then states that she does not think that mobile phones has a positive affect on he youth. She says that "In the beginning, i did my best to embrace phone technology".

Next, the writer states that some teachers are able to control the use of mobile phones with innovative and creative uses and consequences, although many can't or simply won't. She also says that many teachers may give the option to either study and learn and do well, or go on your phone and do poorly. This results in lower test scores.

After, it is said that phones also have an impact on the child's mental, social and emotional health.
This is because of things such as cyber bullying.

The writer argues that she has tried to influence an introduction on a ban of mobile phones in her child's school for two years, but no matter how much research and backing she has about the idea, the answer is always no because no one is brave enough to try it.

English Language Entry Task - Opinion Piece 3

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/opinion/africa-is-so-much-more-than-ebola-9804774.html

In this article, a concerned writer states that he is afraid that the mass coverage of the ebola virus may put a negative image on Africa and will mask the positive things that the media could cover instead. He states that because of the ebola virus, it makes Africa seem like a country rather than a continent.

In the article, it also states that only a helpless few who are unfortunate to have the ebola virus are being exposed to the media around the world whereas the individuals who do amazing things with limited access to much do not get any media coverage. There are pictures in the article which show the countries affected by the ebola virus compared to the rest of Africa, which shows that in comparison it is miniscule.

English Language Entry Task - Opinion Piece 2

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/sep/02/as-a-system-foreign-aid-is-a-fraud-and-does-nothing-for-inequality

This article states that the system of foreign aid is a fraud because the 5 poorest countries do not receive any help from the UK. Most of the UK's foreign aid goes to countries such as Afghanistan and Syria although neither of these countries are in the top 10 poorest. Countries such as Uganda and Haiti, who are ranked in the top 5 poorest countries in the world, do not receive any aid.

After, the writer of this article states that it is the same for America, because they aid countries such as Israel and Egypt instead of the poorest countries. He then states that half of all money sent to any country in aid is tied, which means they must use it to purchase goods such as food or clothing.

It is also stated that 80% of money sent is in the form of a loan, which cripples the countries economy  and that countries such as America and China do this to make money. The writer then claims that foreign aid is not aid, it is a scandal because you are crippling the country more/

English Language Entry Task - Opinion Piece One

https://247sports.com/nba/oklahoma-city-thunder/Article/Walt-Frazier-does-not-believe-New-York-Knicks-should-retire-Carmelo-Anthonys-number-121231794/

In this article, New York Knicks (NBA) legend Walt Frazier discusses with the host of SiruisXM NBA radio about the retirement of Carmelo Anthony, an ex NY Knicks player who got traded last year. If a player gets their jersey retired with a team, it is seen as a great honour and act of respect and thanks from the organisation. It means that no new players can use the number in which the retired player wore. In this instance, Carmelo Anthony wore 7.

Walt Frazier, the Point Guard who led the Knicks to their 2 NBA championships in the 70s, argues that the Knicks organisation should not retire Carmelo Anthony's jersey simply because he did not lead the team to a championship. During Anthony's stay at the Knicks, the furthest they achieved was an exit in the Eastern Conference Finals to an Indiana Pacers team led by Paul George. Frazier argues that previous Knicks legends such as Bernard King (who won MVP as a NY Knick, along with 1 championship) have not yet had their jersey retired. Other Knicks legends who have made it to the Hall of Fame also have not had their jersey retired, such as Allan Houston.

Many believe that Anthony's jersey should be retired. I agree with this. Carmelo led the Knicks team to their best season since 1999, winning 54 games and leading them to the Eastern Conference Finals. He was also elected into the Eastern All Star team over 7 times as a Knick and in one season, averaged 30 points per game, the most of anyone in the NBA in that season. Despite this, he also was involved in the franchises' worst season in 2014-15, where the Knicks only won 19 games out of 82.


The writer of this article weighs out the argument by using a range of pronouns to address which players he thinks should have their jerseys retired. This gives the impression that he knows what he is talking about as it makes his argument stronger. Also, he uses adjectives to describe Carmelo Anthony's performances. He uses adjectives such as "Talented" and "Worst" to describe his recent performances in comparison to his previous performances. A further point is that the writer uses collective nouns such as 'team'. This creates the impression that Carmelo Anthony had help to aid him in reaching the feats that he did.