Questions on Kristof's "Do We Have the Courage to Stop This?"

"Do We Have the Courage to Stop This?"

What do you think are Kristof's main claims?

One of Kristof's main claims is that he believes that there should be stricter regulations on gun purchases. Also, since people vouche for safety regulations on cars he sees gun control as the same necessity and it needs to be addressed to cut down the mortality rate.

List the main types of evidence you saw in the text.

 One of the most prominent types of evidence Kristof utilizes throughout his text is the use of statistics. He frequently inserts data through his piece to make the reader realize the significance of each situation, especially the concerning numbers surrounding deaths. The statistics that deal with death were inserted to reveal how weak gun control is or how many lives could be saved annually.

Identify a strategy Kristof uses to persuade his audience (see the reader). Do you think this is effective? Why/why not?

The most likely effect strategy Kristof uses throughout his piece is the use of logos. For example, he states how if children are protected with, "building codes," they they should also be protected against mass shootings by putting more regulations on guns to make it harder for unstable people to get them. This assumption evokes the readers logic and also ethics to make them realize how important it truly is to enforce more regulations on guns.

About Me

About Me

 What is your prospective major?

 I am currently undeclared but I am leaning towards majoring in History, so I can become a high school history teacher.

 What do you plan to do when you graduate?

When I graduate I would like to begin my job search for being a teacher at any high school meanwhile, I would be enrolling in a masters program.

 Describe a couple of interests or experiences that help describe who you are. 

 One major personal interest that helped me become who I am today is playing football when I was in high school. Playing the sport taught me to be resilient, persistent, and most importantly it taught me how to manage my time. Also, my current job of being an AVID tutor enabled me to see my true talents and helped me make my decision on wanting to become a teacher due to the satisfaction I receive when I help someone.

What writing activities do you engage in outside of school (blogging, tweeting, journaling, etc.)?

 I usually do not write outside of school. The only reason why I do write is because I realize that writing is a necessity in the major I am trying to get into.

 What do you write about and how often do you do it?

When I do write, I usually analyze arguments in texts that the professor assigns, which is usually two papers a month for all my classes.

How do you feel about yourself as a writer?   

I personally feel that I am an above average writer because I know how to find effective devices and strategies that help the author's argument become effective, which leads to me understanding many difficult readings.