This assignment will allow you to analyze how well Lanier constructed and disseminated his argument. In other words, you will identify the purpose(s) of the text and the rhetorical appeals (ethos, logos, and pathos) used to support the claim(s).
Prompt:
• Choose one or more chapters from Jaron Lanier’s Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now and analyze how well the argument is constructed. In other words, is the argument effective or not?
For this essay, you should do the following:
• In the introduction, briefly summarize the text.
• Develop a specific thesis statement that demonstrates whether the work is effective or not.
• In the first body paragraph (or first few paragraphs), explain the purpose(s) of the text, the kairos, and who the audience is and why you think that is the purpose, kairos, and audience. Remember to use specific examples from the text.
• In the following paragraphs, explain how well the work uses rhetorical appeals (ethos, logos, and pathos) to prove its point or to convince its audience. In other words, is the work appropriate for its time? Were rhetorical appeals used effectively? Why or why not? Remember to use specific examples from the work and to look closely at the words/phrases, decorum (style), and possible citations that the work employs.
• In the conclusion, briefly explain what could have made the argument’s effectiveness better, or, if you think the argument is good as is, briefly explain why that is the case.
• Remember, you are not stating whether you are agreeing or disagreeing with the text; instead, you are analyzing how well the argument in the text is constructed.
The essay should be at least 4 pages in length, free of grammar mistakes, and written in proper MLA essay format. You must also have a Works Cited page at the end of your essay; this page does not count toward the 4-page requirement.
