The following email is addressed to a group of students collaborating on a science class
project by one of the group members.
Hi everyone, I'm just verifying that you are all doing what you promised to do for the
assignment that's due next week. Since no one else seems to have stepped up, I've
taken the initiative to assess our current progress and provide leadership. Can I offer
some advice? In a group project, integrity and keeping your word is key to success, both
in school and in life. Remember, if you don't do your part, you'll be letting all of us down
because a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
How do the author's tone and word choice undermine her apparent purpose?
1 Her condescending tone and subtly accusatory language will insult or
offend the group members rather than motivating them.
2 Her aggressive tone in asserting leadership will cause conflict because
the group desires to work collaboratively and reach consensus.
Because her tone of concern rings false, trust in her authority will be
weakened and her ability to control the project will be lost.