HW (Aug 29)

Jelani Pritchard

RWS 100

29 Aug. 2014

Rifkin Response

            In the article, “A Change of Heart about Animals,” Jeremy Rifkin claims that humans are more similar to animals than they think they are, animals actually having self-awareness and emotion, and how humans should treat animals. Rifkin uses evidence such as data and statistics, comparing and contrasting, and also examples. The author uses the strategy of pathos by trying to connect the audience to the subject of the matter. The strategy is effective because Rifkin engages the audience with the idea of animals and humans sharing similar emotions. Rifkin does so by giving information and examples on how animals are similar to humans. 

Kristof Response (HW-Aug 27)

Jelani Pritchard

RWS 100

27 Aug. 2014

Kristof Response

            In the article, “Do We Have the Courage to Stop This?,” Nicholas Kristof presents a series of claims that addresses the issue of gun possession in the United States. Kristof first stated that children in America are more likely to be murdered with guns than children in other industrialized countries. After, he then follows up with evidence from a health specialist from Harvard.  Kristof’s main claims shared the same theme through the article. It was emphasized by Kristof that the United States of America needs to enforce more regulation on gun possession. Although it is addressed several times that the ban of possessing a gun in the United States is unrealistic, it is stressed that more restriction of gun possession will allow gun related deaths to decline greatly. The types of evidence that Kristof provided in the article consisted of statistics, comparison with other countries, few examples, one personal experience, facts, and a few statements by sources with credentials.  Several strategies the author, Nicholas Kristof, uses in the article to persuade the audience was repetition of stating a claim, use of personal experience and statistical evidence, and the style and tone of engaging with the audience. I personally think the strategies the author uses are fairly effective. They force the audience to absorb information and claims and to think about the issue. The engagement of the audience Kristof uses plays to his advantage in getting his point across. 

Bio Sketch (HW - Aug 27)

Bio Sketch

What is your prospective major?  

-          I am currently undeclared, but I have some interest in the business field.

Have you ever used the terms “claims” and “evidence” in a class?  If so, what was the class and how did you use them? 

-          I have used the terms “claims” and “evidence” in a class a class before. The classes I have used them in were in my English classes through my junior year of high school and then my Expository Reading and Writing course I took senior year.

What writing activities do you enjoy outside of school (blogging, tweeting, journaling, etc.)?  

-          I have little to no writing activity outside of school. I would probably say that I Tweet a lot but that’s pretty much it.

What do you write about and how often do you do it? 

-          I often write about what is on my mind or how I feel every day on Twitter.

How do you feel about yourself as a writer? 

-          I honestly have very little confidence in myself as a writer but I think I have somewhat of a creative mind.