2. Examine a recent political speech by a prominent figure, identifying at least three euphemisms—substituting milder language for harsher expressions. Discuss the original meaning these euphemisms may obscure or soften and how they align with George Orwell’s warnings about political language and its potential to cloud meaning. Reflect on the impact of euphemisms in political discourse, considering their effect on clarity and honesty in communication.
This will encourage you to learn how to critically dissect political speeches, enhancing your skills in identifying euphemisms and understanding their potential to obscure meaning. It also prompts reflection on the broader implications of euphemistic language in political discourse, fostering a deeper understanding of clarity and honesty in communication and the relevance of George Orwell’s insights in contemporary politics.
Requirements:
2-3 pages, not including the Works Cited page
Page Format:
Set 1-inch margins on all sides.
Use a legible, 12-point font (e.g., Times New Roman).
Double-space the entire essay.
Heading:
Include your name, instructor’s name, course, and date in the top left corner of the first page.
Title:
Center-align the title at the top of the first page.
Use standard capitalization (capitalize the first letter of each major word).
Page Numbers:
Include a header with your last name and page number in the top-right corner of each page.
Paragraphs:
Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches or use the “Tab” key.
Use a hanging indent for your Works Cited page.
Spacing:
Double-space the entire essay, including the Works Cited page.
In-Text Citations:
Cite sources within the text using parenthetical citations (author’s last name and page number).
Include a Works Cited page at the end of your essay listing all the sources you referenced.
Works Cited Page:
List all sources alphabetically by the author’s last name or, if there’s no author, by the title.
Follow the MLA 9 guidelines for formatting citations based on the type of source (e.g., book, website, journal article, etc.).
Essay Structure:
A 5-paragraph essay typically consists of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Each paragraph has a specific role: introduction (with a thesis statement), body paragraphs (each presenting a separate point or argument), and a conclusion (summarizing key points and restating the thesis).
Quotations:
Use quotation marks to enclose direct quotes from sources.
Introduce and integrate quotations smoothly into your text.
Include proper citations for quoted material.