TOW #9 “China’s New Agenda” by David C. Unger

Everyone knows of the harsh laws in China that limit the entire population’s lives, however David C. Unger has new major information about these policies. China has outlined some of their plans to change the one child policy and help reduce the pollution. In his editorial “China’s New Agenda,” Unger uses powerful diction and quotes from important Chinese officials to explain the new reforms in China while sharing his opinion about all of the effects.  

            Unger uses powerful diction throughout his essay to weave his own opinions into the facts. To express his own idea he writes with many descriptive words. To open his editorial and share what reforms will be made he adds extra expressive language, “In one of several surprising and potentially welcome shifts in policy, China’s leaders announced Friday that they would… end its brutal ‘re-education through labor’ camps” (Paragraph 1). By including the word “surprising” Unger explains the context to the situation. When describing the re-education camps he uses the adjective “brutal” which leads the reader to understand that he is in favor of the reforms China is making. Through the use of his diction Unger can say a lot and send a message to his readers without outright saying his thoughts. He adds his judgment secretly and smoothly so the facts become the implicit understanding and only people who want to read into the article fully understand his opinion.

            In the essay Unger quotes the president of China. The comments from Xi Jinping help the reader feel like more of an insider in China learning about the changes. “‘We must certainly have the courage and conviction to renew ourselves,’” (Paragraph 3). Unger is able to present different views on the reforms through the use of these quotes. He not only expresses his ideas but the thoughts of the person adjusting them. The presidents ideas woven into the essay create even more of an informative tone.

            Unger’s uses of these devices help him create an article that is explanatory and expresses his opinions.