Argumentative and linguistic features

Choice of words and style of language

The language used by Bryce Covert is generally straightforward and clear. The choice of words reflects a mix of formal and informal styles.

The formal style can be recognised when the writer uses longer sentences that provide thorough information or when she uses more complex words such as “pernicious” (l. 55).

The informal style is suggested by Covert’s use of words or expressions such as “fudging” (l. 13) or “throw people off the rolls” (ll. 60-61), and the use of contractions: “doesn’t”, “it’s”, “that’s”, etc. The informal style helps readers connect with the writer, as it creates the sense that they are having a casual discussion with her.

Words with negative meanings can be often noticed in the article. Negative words or expressions are usually associated with poverty: “food insecure” (l. 36), “financial ruin” (l. 43). These help the writer show the various difficulties that impoverished people face in the US. The writer also uses negative words to depict Donald Trump, his administration, and the consequences of work requirements: “They’re lying”; “fudge the numbers” (l. 78); “We’ll have retreated even further in the war on poverty” (ll. 79-80). The negative words convey the article’s critical tone towards Donald Trump and his administration’s stance on poverty.

It is also interesting to note the use of quotations in the article: “First, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley argued in June that it was ‘patently ridiculous’ for the United Nations to study poverty in America, a waste of ‘time and resources’ ” (ll. 3-4). The quotations help Covert highlight that the admi...