Arjun Agrawal Essays

     In response to the decline in eligible voters who vote, Reginald Macdougall writes an article to persuade his audience that voting is a civic obligation. He does this by using repetition, appealing to nostalgia, and providing a strong and supporting example.      First of all, MacDougall uses repetition to emphasize on how few people voted. Throughout this piece, he will constantly mention "two-thirds" didn't vote. For example, when he speculates why many didn't vote, he words it as such, "When two-thirds of the electorate -- two-thirds of us --cannot be bothered to vote..." In the same sentence, he says "two thirds" twice. This helps catch his audiences' attention and create a sense of guilt about how most of them could've voted but they didn't. This guilt helps persuade his audience.      Secondly, MacDougall appeals to nostalgia. After mentioning how the vast majority of people don't vote, he talks the American Revolutio...

     In response to the increase in use of air-conditioners, Eric Klinenberg writes the article, "Viewpoint: Air-Conditioning Will Be the End of Us." In this, he persuades his audience to decrease their reliance of AC by first acknowledging the benefits of the AC to build his own credibility. Then he raises awareness of problems arising from rising expectations of AC comfort. Lastly, he emphasizes how the AC is only a temporary solution to comfort.      Firstly, Klinenberg acknowledges the benefits of the AC. He states how it can "help truly vulnerable people.." such as the elderly. He even mentions how the AC helps workplaces become more productive. He does this to build a mutual agreement between himself and his audience.  As a result, the audience is able to relate to Klinenberg, creating a sense of trust. And so, Klinenberg uses this ethos to support him in his fight to decrease reliance on the AC.      Secondly, Klinenberg talks...

     In response to the raised price of a first-class stamp, Orlando Huntington writes the article, "Return to sender." In his article, he addresses the issue of the lack of physical mail communication in society. He tries to persuade his audience preserve hand-writing letters by creating a sense of nostalgia, appealing to loss of expression, and rebutting any counterclaims.      First of all, Huntington creates a sense of nostalgia. He remembers experience of writing lengthy, thoughtful, and articulate physical letters and sending it very fondly. New generation, on the other hand, with short, instant, reactionary texts, will never experience this joy. This reminds audience a sense of loss in society. This loss of experience, is something that Huntington urges his readers not to give up.      Secondly, Huntington appeals to loss of expression. In paragraph three of his article, he recounts writing a letter is an emotional experience. Emot...

     In response to the propositions to industrialize the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, former U.S. president Jimmy Carter writes, "Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of Life and Land, A Photographic Journey." In his article, Carter persuades his audience to preserve the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge by using imagery, by referencing presidential credibility, and by proposing alternative solutions.      First of all, Carter uses appealing imagery to preserve. He describes his own visit to the wildlife refuge vividly. "During bright July days, we walked along ancient caribou trails and studied the brilliant mosaic of wildflowers, mosses, and lichens that hugged the tundra." The use of imagery with words like, "bright July days" or "lichens that hugged the tundra" paint a pleasant picture. For those who have been there will be reminded of the beauty the refuge has. And for those who have not, would feel compelled to experience this. Thi...

     On June 12, 2012, Zadie Smith writes an article addressing the closing of public libraries. In her article, "The North West London Blues," Smith tries to convince her audience that public libraries should stay open. She does this by appealing to variety of people, reminding people how rare these special environments are, and by appealing to nostalgia.      First of all, Smith appeals to a variety of people. Libraries can have the following amenities at varying degrees: books, microfilms, digitized material, a cafe in the basement, or a market out front. She argues that these things are meant for different types of people. For example, some sections of the libraries are primarily for children. They have many DVD's and picture books to help with early year development. Other parts cater towards college students. This section offer peaceful and quiet setting. Then there is the section of the libraries for the general public. This allow for get-together'...

On October 27, 2011, Bobby Braun writes about the  funding problem of NASA. He talks  about how advanced we are in space technology. The only thing limiting NASA is funding. Braun  persuades his audience that U.S. government should continue to invest in NASA, by inciting patriotism, showing the true potential of NASA, and showing the economic benefits of investing.        First, Braun tries to motivate his audience by inciting patriotism. He talks about how America is a strong leader in aerospace.  For example, Russia is investing heavily in aerospace, and they are close to taking our lead in aerospace. We need get enough funds to stay above Russia.  Thus, for the pride of our country the audience should invest in aerospace. With a s ense of competition and urgency is how Braun persuades his audience.        Secondly, Braun talks about the true potential of NASA.  He mentions how NASA was the ones who “defined ...

     In response to  decline in reading comprehension in society according to  2002 article, "Survey of Public Participation in the Arts", Dana Gioia writes the article, "Why Literature Matters." Throughout this article, he uses many different ways to convince his audience to read. Three most persuasive elements are that reading fosters artistic expression, relating readers to business success, and relating to civic success.        First of all, Gioia writes that reading fosters  artistic expression. Reading allows " artistic and emotional beauty, to detect patterns and opportunities, to craft a satisfying narrative." Avid readers  have a more creative/artistic expression. Creative and artistic expression leads to a happier life. She uses this to  motivate them to read.       Secondly, Gioia relates to the reader's business success. He explains how  avid readers know a lot more about the society. Th...

     Paul Bogard's "Let there be Dark," addresses the issues of light pollution and presents many arguments to fight against it. He believes that mankind shouldn't be trying to avoid darkness, instead we should be embracing it. Bogard persuades his audience by presenting side-affects of lack of darkness, instilling past nostalgia, and suggesting easy to adopt solutions.      Firstly, Bogard argues about the harmful side-affects from the lack of darkness. His description of melatonin affecting sleep cycle that ultimately leads to diabetes, obesity, depression, etc was very effective. With this, Bogard hopes to engrave fear into the readers mind. He wants them to see that too much light is going to result in deadly diseases, emotional distress, physical deformity etc. These all cover person's well being people will be completely unhappy.      Secondly, Bogard instills nostalgia into the audience's mind. He mentions how every night the am...

     December 10, 1950, William Faulkner gave his Nobel prize acceptance speech. World war II had just concluded. During this time, the cold war was going on. People's minds were filled with fear. William is afraid that the fear creeping into young authors were going to affect their writing (to foster negative victimhood sentiments). Faulkner persuades the young authors in his audience to write from their heart by referencing his success on the subject, gives excellent example of writing that comes out of heart, and creating a sense of duty to lead the society out of its despair.      First of all, Faulkner establishes his own credibility through his recognition of the Nobel Prize in literature. This establishes that he is successful and to be trusted. He addresses the young writes in the audience, and gives them a lesson about how to be a true and genuine writer. With this, Faulkner hopes that the young writers trust him and his works, and incorporate hi...

     Elisabeth Woodbridge Morris wrote an essay called, "The Tyranny of Things." In this essay, Morris talks about the want to possess, "things." She talks about how people's desire wanting to possess things, can usually become a problem; when someone gets something, the more they want. She is able to persuade her audience by exploring relatable situation like friendship and how it is overshadowed by things, using examples of diminished travel experiences, and costly time required for upkeep of things.     Firstly, Morris uses relatable situations to appeal to her audience. In the beginning of her speech, she gives a small anecdote about two girls who become friends because they both like "things." This situation is relatable as it is very common. The audience realize these type of relation ships are very shallow and fragile and wear out easily.  When people like friends for who they are, usually, it is much more interesting and everlasting.   ...

     On June 6th, 1966, Robert F. Kennedy gives a speech to the National Union of South African Students. In his speech , Kennedy talks about how the young African people of a western civilization must fight for equality. Kennedy is able to successfully persuade his audience by appealing to western values,  referencing current successes, and opportunity to an almost finished revolution,      First of all, Kennedy tells his audience about the values of western society. He says that being free and liberal is what sets the west apart from other places such as Nazi Germany and Persia. With this, the audience feels glad that they have it a lot better than others.  Then he talks why those values are under threat; there is call for action. He explains how his country being the major flag bearer of the West, has struggled to fight against the huge problem of prejudice and discrimination. Kennedy helps them realize that if they don't work to fight agains...