This text is an example of the social purposes of language

This text uses a sarcastic and ironic tone to suggest that despite what the title “ten reasons against gay marriage” and first clause of each "reason" infers,the most popular arguments against gay marriage are hypocritical and without substance.

The author this tone to highlight the hypocrisies within American (though it can easily be extrapolated to the majority of the word) society regarding the contentious issue of gay marriage. The comedic tone achieved through the cynical nature of the language enables the author to convey their opinion rhetorically without being explicitly abrupt or rude in order to cater for those who are actually against gay marriage. This cautiousness acts as both a politeness strategy and a hedge so as to not actually directly insult anyone or their beliefs, but rather present an alternative perspective in a way that is humorous and intelligent to facilitate room for people to actually reconsider their stance on the issue.

The audience's ability to pick up on the author's inference is imperative to the text achieving its actual function (rather than be taken literally from the title). They have catered for this by italicising certain clauses to draw the reader's attention to the required places. For example : "That's why we as a society expressly forbid single parents to raise children".