do not contribute by paying taxes like a typical citizen. At the same time, there is the question of whether or not their children should benefit from the state. Recently, the Denver Post published an editorial that addressed this debate. The author claims, “Rewarding lawbreakers is not in our best interest, but children should not suffer for the actions of their parents.” This writer makes a bold statement but uses many rhetorical devices to strengthen his argument throughout the article.
The author argues that children who have graduated from Colorado high schools but are technically illegal immigrants should be able to receive in-state tuition from the state. The writer effectively uses kairos to intensify his argument. The issue of illegal immigrants is a hot topic in society right now, as well as the issues with our economy. The author argues that by giving in-state tuition to these students, it will ultimately benefit the country economically by generating intelligent and fully educated young men and women. This is a perfect use of kairos because the author recognizes the nation’s main concern for the economy and offers an unconventional solution. Normally many people might oppose this suggestion, but because of the timing of this situation, they may give a second thought to the writer’s proposed idea.
The author of this editorial also successfully uses ethos, pathos and logos to further strengthen his argument. Throughout the entire article, the writer’s voice seems to appeal to most people. His writing is casual and everyday which makes it easy to read and to understand. This ultimately benefits the author’s claim through the use of ethos by creating an implied character that is engaging to most readers. The author presents himself in such a way that he seems knowledgeable about the subject in a personable manner. He creates a persona that is relatable to many different types of people in order to effectively persuade his audience.
The debate of whether or not to allow illegal immigrants to receive in-state tuition is not an emotional argument by nature. However, the writer incorporates ideas that appeal to his audience emotionally in order to deepen his reasoning through the use of pathos. The writer uses moral ideas and premises to persuade his readers gradually throughout the article. He talks about how children ethically shouldn’t be responsible for their parent’s actions or punished for their parent’s mistakes. He creates an argument that has a moral basis yet is also strengthened with solid evidence and effective proposals. The author also strategically ends his editorial by leaving his audience with a moral dilemma. He states, “The situation is not ideal but morally, and economically, it makes sense for Colorado to help those who want to help themselves.” The author especially intensifies his argument by placing this last thought at the end of the editorial to leave his readers with something to think about. Clearly, this writer successfully incorporates the application of pathos into his argument.
To completely formulate an effective line of reasoning, the author integrates the use of logos throughout his article as well. Not only does he have a good sense of character and appeal to his audience’s emotion, he tops it off by including reasoning and extrinsic evidence. The writer includes factual evidence that creates a compelling debate. At one point, he references the Higher Education Access Alliance and conveys information about Colorado state funding. Throughout the other parts of the editorial, he constantly mentions evidence about the government and about bills regarding this issue. By using this reasoning and extrinsic evidence, the author makes a compelling argument. His readers are more likely to trust his opinions because his ideas are not solely based upon personal beliefs; they are backed up with actual facts and substantiation.
Throughout this entire editorial, the author makes use of rhetorical devices to completely formulate and support his opinions on such a controversial subject. The writer recognizes that most people don’t agree with his ideas. Therefore, he specifically addresses the counter points that most people would make against his argument. This writer proposes his position on the subject of illegal immigrants receiving in-state tuition successfully by using kairos, logos, pathos, and ethos lucratively throughout his editorial. By creating a credible and appealing persona, engaging readers by using emotion, and backing everything up with reliable factual information, this author forms a well-argued debate that has the potential to convince the public of his opinion.
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