Argumentation
Introduction
Part two of your exam question asks you to analyse the way Tony Rao argues for his views in Text 2, “Millennials risk an addiction their parents never faced – social media” giving examples from the text.
Throughout the article, Rao uses direct argumentation to convey his views, but also different forms of appeal and various rhetorical devices which we will explore n…
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Forms of appeal
Forms of appeal are rhetorical strategies that help Tony Rao argue for his views by appealing to his readers’ emotions (pathos) and reason (logos), and to authority and credibility (ethos).
Logos
Logos is the dominant form of appeal Rao uses to argue that social media is causing addiction. Using logos means the writer uses logical reasoning and facts to argue for his views.
For example, he uses logical explanations to show readers why social media can cause addiction and how this addiction manifests itself: “…addiction refers to any behaviour that is pleasurable and is the only reason to get through the day.” (ll. 26-28); “Their addiction means spending an increasing amount of time online to produce the same pleasurable effect, and it means social media is the main activity…” (ll. 3…
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Language
The language Tony Rao uses to argue for his views is generally accessible, although there are a few sophisticated terms such as “maladaptive behaviour” (l. 76) or “mental disorder” (l. 91).
Consider also that to add emphasis and further explanations to his views, Rao often uses parenthesis or fragmented sentences: “While the older generation – those born in the baby boom…” (ll. 10-11); “A recent study found higher narcissism (an exaggerated self-image of intelligence, academic reputation …
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Rhetorical devices
Rhetorical devices are language tools writers use to make their arguments sound more convincing and memorable.
Allusions and direct references
Allusions are indirect, subtle references to people, events, media, and literature that are relevant for an argument. For example, Tony Rao alludes to the proven negative effects of alcohol and tobacco to draw a comparison between these addictions and social media addiction: “Millennials may not get liver damage or lung cancer from social media, but it can be damaging nonetheless.” (ll. 29-32)
He also makes direct references to studies and statistics that suggest social media is an addiction and can have negative consequences: “A recent study found higher narcissism (an exaggerated self-image of intelligence, academic reputation or attractiveness) in millennial college students…” (ll. 66-70)
Finally, as he compares addictions in different generations, he refers to them directly: “the baby boom period shortly after World War II” (ll. 11-12) and “the so-called millenials” (l. 14).
Analogy
An analogy is a comparison between two things, used…
