Paper 1 Question 2

     The writer of the letter, Richard Branson, wrote a letter directed toward strangers about happiness. He uses real-life experiences as well as ones of his own when making his point. Even though he is a famous entrepreneur and may seem like he has everything including happiness – that isn't always the case. Branson uses lexical features like irony when discussing how wealth and fame do not always equal satisfaction. Happiness is a choice. One must choose to be happy. Nothing in this world will provide you with this emotion other than yourself. 

    Branson's message displays a concrete form, structure, and language. The form of this letter was written as a letter. He began by addressing his audience which was ‘strangers’ and conveying a powerful message to them. In paragraph nine he formally addressed the readers as human beings. Humans have the ability to ‘think, move and communicate’ as well as display corporation, understanding, reconciliation, and love. The use of the ‘you’ throughout this text shows his clear acknowledgment of his audience. By doing this Brandon keeps his readers engaged and interested in what he has to say. 

    In addition, he used short paragraphs which simplified his ideas and directive. He finished his letter off by saying ‘happy regards’ and then proceeding to sign his name. He took all appropriate measures and wrote nicely in the form of a letter. 

    The structure of this text covered opinions, advice, and other factual information. In paragraph one Branson introduces the main topic – happiness. In line five he says, “It can be yours if you take the time to let it grow.” Branson’s main view was portraying the idea that happiness must come from within. From the beginning, we can see the layout of this letter. Branson’s goal is to inspire strangers with examples of how to be utterly happy. In the first three paragraphs, Branson focuses on his own life experiences and how they correlate to the topic. He acknowledges his fortune to live the ‘extraordinary’ life he has along with his business and wealth successes. From all of that he makes one point, “I am successful, wealthy, and connected because I am happy.” 

    Branson goes on to include other real-life examples that all audiences would relate to – the world’s expectations. He shows this in the form of a question, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ A question that almost every person has encountered. There is a constant pressure on human beings to be ‘successful.’ This is all thanks to the world’s anticipations of ‘grandiose aspirations.’ 

    Branson ends with the statement, “Take the focus off everything … I promise you, happiness will follow.” This entire letter’s main message was to inform people about the expectations of happiness and how to achieve that mindset on your own.     

    Many language elements were revealed in the choice of diction in this letter. For example, numerous anaphoras were included. An anaphora is when a word or phrase at the beginning of a line is repeated. In paragraph six we see this with the word, ‘be.’ This paragraph contains information about staying relaxed. Branson says to be healthy, spend time with friends and family, and be bold. He gives readers useful information during these two lines. The word ‘be’ acts as a statement for what those struggling with happiness must have in order to achieve it. 

    Another example of these language elements is shown in paragraph eight with the leading word ‘it’s.’ Branson uses this lexis when supplying examples of how to be present according to his personal life. He says that holding his grandchild’s hand, looking up at the stars, family dinners, similes on strangers' faces, the first snowfall, and last winter storm, and the sunrise and sunset. By using this phrase – it is – he is amplifying the meaning each event holds for him. By seeing how Branson takes some of the smallest things into consideration, the audience can figure out things that help them become present easily. 

    Not only were anaphoras used but so were compelling adjectives. The use of these descriptive words helped add depth to the letter. Some examples of this were biggest, used when discussing fears, extraordinary, used when talking about life, and successful/wealthy, used when consulting achievements. Branson uses these words to add to the importance. 

    Repetition was also a highlight in this letter. Branson continued to mention happiness throughout the text. Almost every paragraph contains this emotion and additional advice on how to achieve it. By repeating this word, Branson is shedding light on the main topic.

    Richard Branson’s letter about happiness and how to achieve it contained a solid form, structure, and language and included multiple lexical features. He used the form of a letter when conveying his ideas and made to address the readers at hand throughout. His letter contains multiple paragraphs to easily separate his ideas and messages. Along with this Branson formed language features such as anaphoras, adjectives, and repetition.