Assignment Instructions/ Description
This assignment is based on the Argumentation and Persuasion Essay: Bonnie Laing "An Ode to the User-Friendly Pencil".
Please answer each of the following questions in paragraph form with at least ONE hundred and Fifty words. Incorporate support for each of your responses in the form of properly-cited indirect and/or direct quotations.????
Questions:
1. Laing begins her whole essay of contrast with a series of shorter contrasts. In paragraph 2 identify each, and tell how it prepares us for the argument that follows. Also identity Laing's thesis statement.
2. In paragraph 2, Laing dismissed her computer as a $3000 "Piece of molded plastic." Point out five more images chosen to further her point of view.
3. In paragraph 4 Liang spends "a lot more time with an old friend, the pencil." Point out three other examples of personification in her essay.
4. In paragraph 8 Laing states, " I've never had to boot a pencil, interface with it or program it. I just write it."Point out all elements of repetition in this passage, and their effects. Are these effects accidental or deliberate?
5. Laing's essay is a comparison and contrast that is clearly organized and developed. How well does the pattern lend itself to her argumentative and persuasive purpose?
6. Laing's argument is inductive. Please point out five major pieces of evidence that lead to the conclusion.
7. To what extent is this essay based on argumentation? To what extent on persuasion? Defend your answer with examples.
8. Laing's tone is rich in irony. Point out every example of it in paragraph 15. What is the overall effect?
9. Are you a technophobe, like Laing? or do you rejoice in high technology? Defend your answer with examples