Rhetorical Analysis Of Not Going To College

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In the article, Not Going to College is a Viable Option, the author, Lawrence B. Schlack, argues that college is not the only option for seniors after high school and there may be better options for them. The author supports his argument and persuades his audience effectively by using ethos, pathos, and logos, helping the reader open their eyes and understand why deferring college can be a good option. The author establishes credibility with his audience on two occasions. In the beginning of the article, he exclaims, “Any retired superintendent...better explain himself” which helps him introduce himself to his audience. This example of ethos is effective since the reader now knows that Schlack has held a high status in the education system, making him credible. The author’s credibility is confirmed once more at the end of the article, when the footnote explains that he is not only a former superintendent, but a “consultant at Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency”, showing that Schlack is very experienced within the education field and knows what he is talking about. Since the topic that he is discussing and what he is proposing can be seen as controversial, the credibility that the author establishes is important because it heavily persuades the reader and influences the way the reader interprets the article. In the sixth paragraph of the article, Schlack states his claim that college “is not always the logical next step …show more content…

Schlack, Schlack argues that college is not always the best option for high school graduates. While the author presents his argument and supports it using logical, emotional, and credible statements, he is able to effectively persuade his audience that deferring college is an honorable, and in some situations, the best choice for some to avoid becoming misguided students, with no idea as to what they want to do or why they are in college in the first