Analysis Of Making The Grade Kurt Wiesenfeld

“Making the Grade”, an article by Georgia Tech physicist and teacher Kurt Wiesenfeld, argues that students of this age dangerously believe that they can beg their way into better final grade. Wiesenfeld’s thesis states, “In the last few years, however, some students have developed a disgruntled consumer approach… they go to the “return” counter to trade it in for something better.” The author points out the indifference students have towards grades as a measure of effort. In the article’s totality, the author requests that educators remain firm in their grading and truly test the students on their abilities.

Wiesenfeld presents an extraordinarily effective argument on this topic. His use of literary devices capture the reader’s attention. His use of applicable real-life examples give the reader an idea of the damage these “freebie” grades create. Wiesenfeld also offers a teacher point of view for the reader to consider. Each of these elements improve the author’s argument on how students make the grade.

Kurt Wiesenfeld strongly keeps the audience in tune with his thoughts when he uses literary devices in his article. A major part of his argument includes sarcasm. In response to one student claiming his or her life was over, he states, “This is tough stuff to deal with… I’m responsible for… deciding whether life has meaning.” He also uses metaphor when he compares an unearned bonus to a free t-shirt. In addition, he proposes a question for the reader halfway through the article. Each of these devices allow Wiesenfeld to keep the reader engaged so he is able to further explain his main