Arjun Agrawal Essays

     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's and for s

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 rocket science,” and made aerospace possible. They can create things

     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. They argue better. They are much more engaged in civ

     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 amount of light in t