Rhetorical Analysis
Argumentative Based Research-112
January 31, 2013 Safer With or Without New Gun Laws Bang!! Bang!!! Bang!!!!…goes the semiautomatic assault rifle! As we listen to the ever so familiar story of a senseless killing or a massacre unfold, we often wonder to ourselves, discuss amongst friends, or question the news reporter. “ What happened? Where did it happen? How many were killed this time? Who could do such a thing?” The final question is always, “What made them do it?” I chose this article because it speaks to the never ending debate regarding the need (or not) for stricter gun control laws. Erich Pratt’s, “Stricter Gun Control Laws Will Only Make Citizens Less Safe” appeared in the online news forum US News.com on December 19, 2012. Pratt’s aim, in this article, is to convince the audience that stricter gun control laws will not protect innocent people from the untimely deaths that follow senseless shootings or massacres….. “all of the mass shootings that have occurred in this country—with the exception of one—have taken place in gun-free zones”. The author uses general data, statistics, editorial cartoons, rhetorical questions, comparison and contrast to present his stance on gun control and the safety of American citizens.
Pratt begins his article with an anecdote that opposes the behavior and beliefs of members of Congress and unifies himself with his audience by saying, “if they get their way, we will see even more of these horrific tragedies.” This technique establishes the article as informal and personal. It is a great way to peak the reader's interest and capture their attention. In the next paragraph, Erich makes statistical reference by noting Connecticut ranked 5th in the United States for having the toughest gun control laws. By referring to The Brady Campaign as his source of information, Pratt proves his
January 31, 2013 Safer With or Without New Gun Laws Bang!! Bang!!! Bang!!!!…goes the semiautomatic assault rifle! As we listen to the ever so familiar story of a senseless killing or a massacre unfold, we often wonder to ourselves, discuss amongst friends, or question the news reporter. “ What happened? Where did it happen? How many were killed this time? Who could do such a thing?” The final question is always, “What made them do it?” I chose this article because it speaks to the never ending debate regarding the need (or not) for stricter gun control laws. Erich Pratt’s, “Stricter Gun Control Laws Will Only Make Citizens Less Safe” appeared in the online news forum US News.com on December 19, 2012. Pratt’s aim, in this article, is to convince the audience that stricter gun control laws will not protect innocent people from the untimely deaths that follow senseless shootings or massacres….. “all of the mass shootings that have occurred in this country—with the exception of one—have taken place in gun-free zones”. The author uses general data, statistics, editorial cartoons, rhetorical questions, comparison and contrast to present his stance on gun control and the safety of American citizens.
Pratt begins his article with an anecdote that opposes the behavior and beliefs of members of Congress and unifies himself with his audience by saying, “if they get their way, we will see even more of these horrific tragedies.” This technique establishes the article as informal and personal. It is a great way to peak the reader's interest and capture their attention. In the next paragraph, Erich makes statistical reference by noting Connecticut ranked 5th in the United States for having the toughest gun control laws. By referring to The Brady Campaign as his source of information, Pratt proves his