The Credit Card Company Made Me Do It
Make an argument about the persuasiveness of a written argument and offer evidence from the text to support your evaluation of its persuasiveness. To analyze an argument, you have to be a rhetorical reader—that is, an active and critical reader who can explain not just what an author says but how persuasive the author is or isn’t and why. You should focus not on the issue but on what choices an author has made and how those choices affect the audience’s response to the argument.
Use this articles for Writing Arguments for your rhetorical analysis:
Carlos Macias, “‘The Credit Card Company Made Me Do It!’—The Credit Card Industry’s Role in Causing Student Debt” (pp. 275-78)
Sample Solution
In Carlos Macias' article, "The Credit Card Company Made Me Do It!—The Credit Card Industry's Role in Causing Student Debt," he presents a persuasive argument that the credit card industry is largely responsible for causing the problem of student debt. To further bolster his argument, Macias provides evidence to support his claims such as citing studies showing that students with credit cards are more likely to default on their loans and have higher levels of debt than those without. He also introduces anecdotal examples from college-aged individuals who have gotten into trouble with their credit cards and are now struggling financially as a result. Through this combination of statistical data and real-life stories, Macias creates an effective argument that effectively proves his point about the culpability of the credit card industry in creating student debt. By clearly identifying his target audience (college students) and providing specific examples to back up his thesis statement, he creates an airtight case for why the industry should be held accountable for its role in fueling student debt. Overall, Macias does a great job demonstrating how persuasive writing can draw on research and personal accounts alike to create compelling arguments that leave readers convinced.