Language

Style of language

The language Rob Haskell uses in his article “Selena Gomez on Instagram Fatigue, Good Mental Health, and Stepping Back From the Limelight” is occasionally complex combining literary words with slang. Several words might require you to use the dictionary, including “gaudy” (l. 6), “cameo (l. 28), or “pageant circuit”(l. 71), for example.

Consider also that there are some abbreviations such as “MGM” (l. 14) referring to movies or “HIPAA” which refers to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

The language is modern including invented words such as “Selenators” (l. 13) used to describe Gomez’s Instagram followers.

The writer mixes his description of the interview with Gomez with background stories and direct quotes of what Selena Gomez said to him while cooking. Haskell is also authentic in conveying what Gomez says, including some slang words:  “…she says, ‘real people who couldn’t give two shits about who I was, who were fighting for their lives.’ ” (ll. 62-63).

Choice of words

Because the article is quite descriptive, Haskell uses several descriptive words that convey setting elements such as: “unusually wet and windy evening” (l. 1), “heavy bag of groceries” (ll. 1-2), “famous cheesy potatoes” (l. 5), etc. This helps him create a domestic atmosphere in contrast with the idea of fame that he is exploring. Other descriptive words concern Gomez, on whom the article is centered: “battle-ax laugh” (ll. 10-11), “enchanting incongruities” (l. 11), “chocolate-brown hair” (l. 39), “tiny waist” (l. 40), “tearful speech” (l. 66), etc. By using this type of descriptive writing, the writer mimics the style of writing used in fiction and makes the text more appealing.

The choice of pronouns helps the writer clarify the tone and his ideas. For example, “We’ve decided that tonight’s dinner will be a sort of tribute to…” (l. 2) refe...