Topic
The overall topic of Jeremy Clarkson’s article “Binge Drinking is Good for You” is the issue of drinking. However, the writer divides this general topic into smaller themes connected to i…
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Social norms towards drinking
Clarkson begins his article by describing how attitudes and social norms towards drinking have changed over time, up to the point when all types of drinking are seen as harmful:
Over the years we've been told that we can't drive a car if we've had a wine and that we should avoid alcohol if we're pregnant. But now they seem to be saying that all people must steer clear of all drinks always. (p. 106, ll. 1-4)
The text is about authorities and media outlets who try to impose social norms and rules, without focusing on those who really ne…
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Argumentation
Jeremy Clarkson uses a combination of direct and indirect argumentation in the article “Binge Drinking is Good for You”. Indirect argumentation means using example, facts, or case studies to suggest an argument without stating it openly.
For example, Clarkson never says explicitly that the media and authorities are exaggerating their campaigns against drinking, but he suggests it through sarcastic examples:
Only last week we were shown photographs of a stick-thin man with a massive stomach who had died at the age of 36 because he'd had too many sherry trif…