Saturday, March 30, 2013

essay three proposal


Essay Three Proposal

My topic for essay two was about unhealthy America and the different factors that led to obesity. It encompassed the majority of the aspects relating to Unhealthy America, however for essay three I will narrow in on one or two particular aspects. This will allow me to create a more urgent exigence for the situation and create my own stance or argument on the topic. In addition, I will be able to use some on the research I already have found and will use some strategies in the articles to craft my own appeals to the audience for my argument. From this point I will decide on a particular topic or affected age group. For my essay I will focus on the role of unhealthy foods on college students particularly those found on most meal plans at college campuses. I can state the problems associated with unhealthy foods to this age group and also mention the long-term effects. This is a important topic moving forward as a nation and when these students are learning to change the world, they can be the role model for other age groups. I will then mention my person plan moving forward with how to control obesity and promote healthy behaviors. 

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

SWA #4 - Ethos March 20


Michael Walsh
March 19, 2013
SWA  #4


Ethos refers to the creditability of the author and how he or she establishes the trustworthiness of their argument. My Facebook page is my personal place to voice my opinion on any topic while connecting to all of my friends. Typically I just use Facebook as a place to share photos and post information about news events. I do not post much however most of my status updates include recent and quickly updated information that was recently released. Most information comes from reputable news sources however I do not always list the source therefore the information can seem less credible. In addition posts from my friends can also contribute to the lack of credibility.
            In the article “Heat are on a Path of Little Resistance” by Harvey Araton, he establishes his ethos by stating the source of the information, The New York Times that is a reputable source. In addition he implements lots of quotes from players and coaches about the Miami Heat’s basketball 23 game winning streak. He stresses the credibility of his argument by providing a bunch of background information and statistical information. In addition, he creates the ethos of the article by providing a history of events in the sequence of the winning streak and also presents information regarding the continuation of the winning streak. It lists the upcoming schedule and a brief tidbit of information regarding strategy in each game and chances and difficulty in winning each game to surpass the current record of 33 games.
            The article of the topic I usually would not read comes from Chuck Schilken of the Los Angles Times. It is about the relationship between pro golfer Tiger Woods and professional downhill skier Lindsey Vonn. They began dating recently however, during the Tiger Woods Sex Scandal, Lindsey Vonn publicly mocked Tiger Woods. Typically I wouldn’t read an article regarding celebrity news or tabloids because it is not that typically appealing to me. The ethos of the article comes from the source of the information the Los Angles Times and the direct quotes from Tiger Wood’s and Lindsey Vonn’s social media outlets. As a tabloid or type of news source that covers celebrities and instant new information, therefore the information can be less credible sometimes because of rumors.
            Each of the articles share common strategies of establishing the ethos of the article however, each author takes different ways to prove their credibility, which helps the audience believe the arguments of the article.  

Sunday, March 3, 2013

ILP 7- Essay 2 -Logos


Michael Walsh


Situated Logos

After analyzing the article the main message is the problem of obesity in America and the forecasted future statistical data regarding America’s population that is affected by obesity. It also states that something must be done or else the cost of healthcare in America will have to drastically increase. The article lists that obesity may rise to 42% by the year 2030, (the percentage is currently at 36%) , in addition severe obesity would increase from 6% to 11%. The article also lists statistics from the CDC or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stating that 147 billion dollars would be spent to treat obesity each year.  It also lists that even if the obesity level remained the same, the United States would save 549.5 million dollars from now until the year 2030. It also addresses the history of obesity in the United States using a bar graph to represent each decade and the percentage of the American population that was obese. In addition, the article lists a plan to prevent the rise in obesity.

Invented Logos

The text uses this evidence in many different ways to address the logos of the situation to create the need for a solution. The article primarily uses the evidence to appeal to the finical aspects of obesity. It first discusses how the percentage of obesity is on the rise and then addresses the costs associated with the problem. Then it also changes its approach to show how this is a new problem to the United States as obesity hasn’t been a problem in the past. Therefore, this presentation of the logos appeals to the values of America and how it is changing. For example, this is stating how previously it wasn’t a problem however with the increase of technology and availability it has now become a major issue. The logic of the arguments made in the text craft the author’s ethos because it is making appeals to the audience by using the evidence to reinforce the writer’s claims. It backs up his argument and provides the statistical information to become more credible. Also, using information provided from the CDC confirms the credibility of the statistical evidence.


Invention

For my final research project, I am discussing the need for change to the problem of obesity in America. Obviously, this is a very pertinent topic because it affects a large percentage of our population and is a very current issue that demands a solution before it gets too serious. The evidence I will need to create my own claims on this topic will have to be statistical information on the cause and widespread severity. In addition, I will need information on how to address the problem and the potential solutions to the issue. Obviously there is no direct solution or else it would have been implemented, therefore increased research is also necessary on new ideas. Several possible claims of logos that could support a possible hypothesis for my research paper include the information from this article from the CDC on how the issue is a recent problem and what happened in America to create the problem. Also I will address the psychological influence on obesity that allows the problem to continue. I need to do future research, however there is a wide amount of information because it is such an important topic in the United States in the current time period.  

Hellmich, Nanci. "USA TODAY." USATODAY.COM. N.p., 08 May 2012. Web. 03 Mar. 2013.