Short Answer 
Orwell’s “Politics and the English Language” critiques the deterioration of language, arguing that contemporary writing is unoriginal and unclear, which hampers communication. He uses a pamphlet as evidence to demonstrate the prevalence of clich‚àö¬©d expressions, reinforcing his idea that poor language quality reflects wider societal and communication issues.
Step 1: Identify the Claim
In the excerpt from George Orwell’s “Politics and the English Language,” the main focus is on the degradation of language over time. Orwell asserts that contemporary writing lacks originality and clarity, leading to a decline in effective communication. This claim serves as a guide for understanding the points he makes throughout his analysis.
Step 2: Analyze the Use of Evidence
Orwell strengthens his argument by incorporating evidence from a pamphlet he received regarding conditions in Germany. By quoting this pamphlet, he highlights specific examples of the unoriginal language used. This evidence illustrates the widespread problem of dull and clichéd expressions, reinforcing his point about the decline in the quality of language.
Step 3: Understand the Conclusion
The use of the pamphlet serves as a concrete example to validate Orwell’s claim that language has degraded compared to previous years. He underscores that such dreary language not only reflects poor writing standards but also contributes to a broader issue in communication. By showcasing this example, Orwell effectively illustrates the impact of language on thought and society.