Waiting For Superman
Brianna Schlupp
ENGL 102
Levin
1. A. What do you believe is the main argument presented in this documentary? B. Describe how at least one of the children’s personal stories illustrates his argument.
After watching this documentary I believe that the main argument is that our public school systems are failing. A great example from the documentary is Francisco. He is in a public school and his teacher told his mother he is at risk for repeated the grade because he can not read. But his mother strongly disagrees because she takes him to reading classes and the community college. Francisco’s reading teacher tells his mother he is on level. His mother tries to contact his teacher but receives no response. Francisco’s reading teacher told his mother to go above the teacher and go to the school district. I used this as an example because it is the teacher that does not care which is making the student fail because he isn’t getting the help he supposable needs.
2. A. Consider how the director uses special effects, distance from the subject, camera angles and point of view to persuade his audience of his message. B. Do the special effects, camera angles, the director’s point of view etc. contribute to emotional or ethical appeals in this documentary?
The director uses special effects to persuade his audience his message by using distance from the subject. He displays this when he is interviewing teachers is it a close up on the teacher to show that what they have to say is important. He also uses point of view, by having the camera outside the scene creating an objective effect. I believe the special effect contribute to an emotional appeal in this documentary because it is real life stories. The happy and sad moments are all captured to show it is not an easy life for these children.
ENGL 102
Levin
1. A. What do you believe is the main argument presented in this documentary? B. Describe how at least one of the children’s personal stories illustrates his argument.
After watching this documentary I believe that the main argument is that our public school systems are failing. A great example from the documentary is Francisco. He is in a public school and his teacher told his mother he is at risk for repeated the grade because he can not read. But his mother strongly disagrees because she takes him to reading classes and the community college. Francisco’s reading teacher tells his mother he is on level. His mother tries to contact his teacher but receives no response. Francisco’s reading teacher told his mother to go above the teacher and go to the school district. I used this as an example because it is the teacher that does not care which is making the student fail because he isn’t getting the help he supposable needs.
2. A. Consider how the director uses special effects, distance from the subject, camera angles and point of view to persuade his audience of his message. B. Do the special effects, camera angles, the director’s point of view etc. contribute to emotional or ethical appeals in this documentary?
The director uses special effects to persuade his audience his message by using distance from the subject. He displays this when he is interviewing teachers is it a close up on the teacher to show that what they have to say is important. He also uses point of view, by having the camera outside the scene creating an objective effect. I believe the special effect contribute to an emotional appeal in this documentary because it is real life stories. The happy and sad moments are all captured to show it is not an easy life for these children.