Grade Inflation Gone Wild Rhetorical Analysis

Imagine blowing up a balloon, with every exhale of breath the balloon gets bigger. Similar to a balloon, with every year that passes grades inflate. In “Grade Inflation Gone Wild” by Stuart Rojstaczer, he discusses how the grading system has changed over the years. Rojstaczer’s overall purpose is to increase awareness of grade inflation and persuade his audience to take action. He argues that “changes in grading have had a profound influence on college life and learning” (2). He utilizes tools such as rhetorical situations and rhetorical appeals to persuade his audience. Overall, Rojstaczer is effective in utilizing rhetorical situations, ethos, and pathos in his article. However, he is ineffective in using logos to persuade his audience on why grade inflation is wrong and is need of their participation to initiate change.
The main topic of the article is how grade inflation is not helping students and is a detriment to their future. In the beginning of Rojstaczer’s article, he provides background information leading back to the 1960s to provide context as

He states, “Most college kids spend more time drinking than studying. And they still get mostly A’s” (1). In other words, college students are spending their time developing a habit of drinking versus studying or learning. He also argues that the only way to solve this issue is by “implementing policies or guidelines” (2). It has taken a lot of effort from faculty and students to get rid of grade inflation, but schools such as Wellesley College and Reed College have been successful. In conclusion, Rojstaczer is effective in utilizing rhetorical situations, ethos, and pathos in his article. However, he is ineffective in using logos to persuade his audience on why grade inflation is wrong and is need of their participation to initiate