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Rhetorical Analysis Of Charles Murray What's Wrong With Vocational School

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Rhetorical Strategies in Murray’s “What’s wrong with Wrong with Vocational School?” The topic of college and secondary education is important and relevant today. Many urge every high school senior to attend a four-year university, however in Charles Murray’s article, “What’s wrong with Vocational School?” found in the second edition Practical Argument textbook, Murray argues that a four-year university is just not ideal for everyone. He argues society shouldn’t think of vocational school as second class. He begins by stating average intelligence IQ numbers, convincing reasoning, and emotional appeal. Overall, by the end of the article, Murray has successfully used logical reasoning, credible facts, statistics, and appeals to emotion, making …show more content…

He explains the disadvantage many are at when they pursue a certain degree for four years with the mindset that they will have a guaranteed job when they receive their diploma. Murray portrays how that idea is false when he says, “A bachelor’s degree in a field such as sociology, psychology, economics, history, or literature certifies nothing.” (678) His use of pathos appeals to his audience emotions, being that his audience is most likely students in this predicament. No matter who his audience is, however, anyone can understand the relevancy of college graduates investing their life into this four- year school with nothing but a degree to show for it. Anyone in this situation or one who knows someone in this situation can understand the anger and many other feelings that graduate is left with.
Moving on, Murray positively suggests that society will adapt to the reality of things like cost, time of education, and job market. Using ethos, Murray presents Bill Gates and Steve Jobs being “exemplars” of success with their skill, rather than a college degree. He goes on to say “Every time that happens, the false premium attached to the college degree will diminish.” (679) His use of ethos is very effective here, being that he uses two highly successful, famous, rich men to make his point. This builds the credibility of Murray’s argument even more so, making it that much more

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