Blog Entry #1

Rhetoric is the way we use language and images to persuade (Carroll, 46). As explained in the article, “Backpacks vs. Briefcases” there are many components that go into a good argument that captivates the audience. One of those components is rhetorical appeals, such as Aristotle’s pathos, ethos, and logos. Another is the rhetorical triangle, consisting of the writer, reader, and purpose. Most texts, media, and advertisements use rhetorical appeals and the rhetorical triangle as the foundation of their arguments to persuade the reader to the purpose of the text, such as convincing them to purchase a product. The article “‘Screen’ Lets Parents Control Kids’ Devices From Anywhere” is a good example concerning a rhetorical analysis.

Just by reading the first few paragraphs the rhetorical triangle can be established. The writer/speaker is Dan Tynan from the modern family section of Tech apart of the Yahoo news. The intended audience for this piece would be adults with children who use technology frequently. The purpose of the article is to persuade these parents that the device “screen” is something they should invest in for the protection/ well-being of their kids and to be able to control their activities/time on their electronic devices.

In the article, it says, “According to research firm Childwise, children age 5 to 16 spend an average of 6.5 hours a day glued to computers, phones, tablets, and televisions — often viewing multiple screens at the same time” (Tynan,1). This quote uses logos, meaning logic/statistics/facts in the opening paragraph to present the audience how much time their children spend on electronic devices to hopefully persuade them that this needs to be controlled.

It also says, “The phone app allows parents to adjust schedules on the fly as needed — if, say, your child needs an extra 15 minutes to complete a homework assignment. Want to get everyone’s attention in a hurry? Launch the Screen app and just shake your phone; all of the devices it controls will shut off instantly” (Tynan,1). This excerpt also demonstrates logos by explaining that the product can be used to control the activity of a screen in seconds and that parents should buy the device because it is easily accessible and much needed when it comes to monitoring kids and devices. The quote also appeals to pathos, which is defined as emotion. This can be seen in the diction used in the quote, such as “ want to get everyone’s attention in a hurry”. For it suggest that parents are not always able to get control of their children’s attention due to the distraction of their device, and this device, the “screen” will enable parents to have the full attention of their children.

Works Cited:

Bolin, Laura Carroll. “Backpacks vs. Briefcases: Steps Toward Rhetorical Analysis.” Writing Spaces: Readings on Writing. Ed. Charles Lowe and Pavel Zemliansky. Vol. 1. West Lafayette, IN: Parlor P, 2010. 45-58. Writing Spaces. Web. 29 Jan. 2016.

Tynan, D. (n.d.). ‘Screen’ Lets Parents Control Kids’ Devices From Anywhere. Retrieved February 03, 2016, from https://www.yahoo.com/tech/39-screen-39-lets-parents-control-kids-1356166166388790.html