Analysis of "There Are No New Social Networks" by Molly McHugh
Social media has become routine worldwide. It connects those in North America to those in Eastern Asia, those in South America to those in Southern Africa, and those in Eastern Europe to those in the Middle East. Social media knows no limits. Because social media like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Snapchat have so successfully connected the globe, new social apps find it difficult to infiltrate their niche. McHugh uses parallelism and ethos to convince the audience of this ever-present issue. By framing the introductory paragraph so symmetrically, McHugh entrances the audience from the moment she presents the main idea. She leads with "Your iPhone used to be a digital laboratory — a place for experiments in the form of apps. Try this, sure. Download that, why not? Somewhere along the line, that interest in dabbling wore off." McHugh introduces a command-response idea with "Try this, sure. Download that, why not?" Additionally, she concludes the opening paragraph with similar structure to the first sentence, inserting a dash here and there as well. To create an effective argument, McHugh mentions reputable sources. She states, "According to a 2017 Pew report, more and more adults are using social networks, and though user growth is comparatively slowing for major social networks, it’s still growing." Pew research is widely known as well as widely drawn upon. Additionally, citing a 2017 report supports the topic's relevance. As another source, McHugh includes opinions from experts in the field: "Product Hunt’s social editor and writer, Niv Dror, says there’s something else keeping this market stagnant." By voicing others' sentiments, McHugh shows that her opinion is shared, and that what she's saying has backing. Reports, research, and reputable individuals strengthen McHugh's argument about the absence of recent social media apps. While the vacancy of new apps is a real phenomenon, it does not alter most people's daily ritual. McHugh successfully spreads awareness of the increasing trend, while maintaining a nonchalant tone, careful not to over-dramatize the situation. Because the topic is relatable, the audience is previously intrigued. McHugh holds their attention to entertain and educate, overall, providing a captivating article.
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Analysis of "Buying the Farm" by Alyssa Bereznak
Food is essential for mankind. However, with the growing population taking over more and more land, less is available for agricultural production. Bereznak investigates urban agricultural practices in Silicon Valley to raise awareness for the agricultural crisis and offers a healthy alternative to the problem. Bereznak's use of language, logos, and laudatory tone assist in providing insight into an increasingly problematic topic. Bereznak's use of diction portrays an image, rather than convinces the audience to take a side of the argument. She opens with: "The town of Kearny, New Jersey, is a small industrial desert, populated by warehouses, factories, and twisting freeways filled with hulking cargo trucks." "Populated" and "hulking" describe the city to be heavy industrialized with little natural elements. Instead of convincing the audience through her diction, she allows the words to paint a picture, ultimately manipulating the audience to see what she wants them to see. Overall in the agicultural debate, logic is essential. The argument that the world population is growing faster than a food population is unable to be countered. The root of urban farming is described when Bereznak says, "By the early 20th century, programs similar to Pingree’s began popping up at schools in urban areas, stoked by urban reformers who worried that kids would be ruined by growing up in industrial environments." The historical statement is factual, backing up her claim and argument with logic. Throughout the piece, Bereznak argues a call to action, praising the urban attempts to feed the population. By inserting statements that emphasize their organic and healthy processes, she implies the work the urban agricultural companies are doing serve the people, while offering a healthy and tasty alternative; "Fain has also coined the term “post-organic” to describe Bowery’s completely chemical-free produce and elevate its cachet in the competitive world of gourmet salad." Bereznak also mentions her tasting session of normally not-so-tasty food, and brags on the pure and delicious nature of the indoor alternative. Agriculture is mankind's attempt to feed a large population. Bereznak explains indoor, herbicide/pesticide free options are tasty, easy to care for, healthy, and an overall helpful practice when facing the problematic population increase. Although mostly fact-based, Bereznak skillfully educates the audience of the agriculture problems, and convinces them that alternatives, like the one explored, are practical. |
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