Even though Ms Smith employs the use of emotive language and facts to inform the school council her concern about truancy, and Tom Frost makes use of a personal anecdote to make the school council realise ‘school isn’t always (a) safe, happy place’, both create a sense of fear and responsibility through their messages. Ms Smith states how concerned she is at the ‘rising level of absenteeism among the Middle School students.’ By implying the level is ‘rising’, she encourages the school council to feel worried that the level is unstably high; her use of present tense suggesting that these levels are not yet under control and may continue to increase if immediate action isn’t taken. The council’s position of responsibility is exploited by Smith, as their role dictates that they support the school principal to ‘take a firm line to ensure...students are in school.’ Furthermore, Ms States reminds the council that ‘legally, all children up to 15