English 101
9/2/22
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What is the main idea or assertion of the text?
School shootings are typically done by very disturbed people who
have suffered trauma and abuse- nor do they have a pattern.
•
Explain two different ways in which the author/speaker
supports the main idea.
The author uses examples such as Evan Ramsey and Eric Harris
as points of interest to show trauma while also showing a
counterclaim about a shooter who has a really good life.
•
How does the author/speaker establish ethos in the text?
The author uses ethos primarily in the segment where the author is
using a script to proclaim what happens during the interview
instead of writing it out as if it were a story. Using the raw script
makes it feel more emotional.
•
How does the author/speaker appeal to reason (logos)?
The author uses logos by siting multiple examples and using them
properly by saying how they corelate with his views- as well as
even making counterclaims to his own points.
•
How does the author/speaker appeal to emotion (pathos)?
Specifically segments where the author speaks about how
killer/shooter speaks about how he was planning to take out
family, as well as including the parts where he speaks about
victims. It wasn’t needed yet it surely pushes the emotion of
article.
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•
Is the evidence used to support the argument reliable?
Explain.
As the author states himself, It is very hard to find a certain pattern
as not all school shooters think the same. His argument is reliable
though, because he the sources he uses are relevant to the topic
and help support his claim.
•
How does the tone affect the author/speaker’s credibility?
The tone of the article is firm, assertive, and heartless- but I feel
that this played into the authority and credibility of the speaker. It
felt as if I were watching a documentation on a murder. Everything
was laid out as if it were a drama, yet it helps support his claim
while his tone keeps the feeling realistic and logical.
•
What is the tone at the beginning, middle, and end of the
text?
The tone at the beginning is narrative- it feels a little bland and
shows no emotion. Towards the middle, his tone becomes more
persuasive and pressing on the matter compared to the first part.
The last part feels more accusatory and directed towards killers in
a harsh tone. He states how the killers liked it and how they
meticulously planned out every detail, further pushing the point of
them being disgusting human beings.
•
What is one rhetorical device used in the text? Explain its
effectiveness.
The Author uses pathos when describing LeDue’s behavior while
comparing it to Eric’s behavior, saying that there must be a “dark
heart” below his benign behavior.
•
Identify one example of figurative language used in the text.
Explain its effectiveness.
The reader uses the phrase “Dark Heart” as a colloquialism, driving
the idea of pure evil and corruption.
•
Does the author/speaker reveal any prejudices against
people who might disagree? Explain.
In a sense, I’d say so. He consistently shows his distaste towards
those who commit these sorts of acts, giving the reader an idea of
just how passionate he is on the subject, further pushing the idea
to not disagree with him.
•
Was the author/speaker effective in achieving the purpose?
Explain.
Certainly. The author uses unique phrases and vocabulary to keep
the readers attention while also making great comparisons to
relevant topics like riots.
•
In your opinion, what is the strongest element/part of the
text/argument? Explain and provide evidence and reasoning.
That it’s a mistake to assume that most members of a group make
the same behavior decisions.
•
In your opinion, what is the weakest element/part of the
text/argument? Explain and provide evidence and reasoning.
The part where the reader compares LeDue to a psychopath
because of his tone and how he speaks about his victims- while I
do agree that it’s messed up, I believe it would be better to call him
mentally ill just based off his tone.
•
Do you believe the author/speaker achieved the purpose?
Explain your answer and provide evidence and reasoning in your
response.
Yes, I do. I think this way because the author shows many clear
cut examples and reasons behind his opinion as well as siting
multiple other authors.