A Stylistic Analysis Of 'The Terrible Teens'

Irrational Adolescents: A Stylistic Analysis of “The Terrible Teens”
Does Elizabeth Kolbert adequately portray her point in a persuasive manner? Elizabeth Kolbert’s viewpoint is that neurology can help us understand why teenagers act the way they do. But there is still confusion about how to deal with it. Throughout the article, Kolbert uses a number of devices such as statistics, metaphors, hyperboles to reinforce her argument. Elizabeth Kolbert’s “The Terrible Teens” effectively makes use of statistics and rhetorical devices to enhance the quality and meaning of the text.

To start, there's an effective use of statistics throughout the essay which gives us a better understanding of the argument being presented. “A 2006 study by the Government

It catches the reader’s attention and makes them interested in your topic.Through the examination of the quotation “You need to be your teens’ frontal lobes until their brains are fully wired” (J), we can conclude that parents aren’t literally going to be acting as their teen’s frontal lobes, but this is more effective than just saying “You need to make decisions for your teens.” This hyperbole helps Kolbert to communicate her message to the readers by over exaggerating her point. This will cause the potential reader to seriously doubt the mental capability of teenagers. Using an hyperbole will create more concern for readers who are parents and would be more likely to play an active parenting role. Kolbert uses another example of a hyperbole by stating “In a sense, they live in a world in which all the water bottles are spiked” (Z). None of us live a world where all water bottles are spiked. The author is saying that the way teen’s brains are wired make almost everything they do pleasurable. This hyperbole helps the readers understand why teens act the way they do. It enhances her thesis, if it’s so easy for teens to gain pleasure, it explains why teenagers do dangerous things.

Clearly, the use of various rhetorical devices and statistics in Elizabeth Kolbert’s “The Terrible Teens”, lets her successfully express her thesis throughout the text. Throughout the essay, Kolbert incorporates the use of devices such as statistics, metaphors, and hyperboles. The devices used in Kolbert’s article enhance the persuasiveness of her text, but is it enough to change people’s minds about teens