Argumentation and language

Your exam question asks you to focus on the argumentation used in Sarah Boseley’s article “How Britain got so fat”. The text combines open and closed argumentation to explore the topic of obesity in Britain. The writer’s argumentation is supported by rhetorical devices such as allusions, metaphors, repetition, and sarcasm, along with appeals to pathos, logos, and ethos.

Open and closed argumentation

Open argumentation means the writer is explicit about her views and arguments. Conversely, closed argumentation means the writer uses examples and cases stories to suggest her view to readers.

For example, Boseley begins her article with closed argumentation. She uses Georgia Davis’ story to illustrate how severe obesity can become and how Georgia is a victim of a society that encourages unhealthy living: “In May 2012, fire engines, police and an ambulance were called to the family home of a teenager called Georgia Davis in Aberdare, south Wales, in order to get her out of it.” (ll. 1-5); “Georgia sold her story to the tabloids and TV to get the money to go to a weight-loss camp in North Carolina...” (ll. 104-106).

However, the writer also uses open argumentation, particularly when she wants to express criticism towards different segments of society which encourage unhealthy living. Here are a few examples of open argumentation:  “Georgia is the extreme marker of a massive problem that has its roots in the way we live today and affects all of us.” (ll. 33-36); “We are ill-served by many o...