Rhetorical Analysis: The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

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Jimmy Carter, a former US president effectively incorporates logos – facts and evidence, pathos – appealing word choice and emotion, and ethos – credibility to build his persuasive argument. Carter strives to contend that the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge should not be developed for industry. First, throughout the article, there are many situations where Jimmy Carter incorporates facts and examples. For example, he states, “The Arctic Refuge might provide 1 to 2 percent of the oil our country consumes each day.” By using such numbers, Carter forces the reader to evaluate the situation by recognizing the difference between an insignificant financial income and enormous damage to the territory. Furthermore, Carter mentions that “there are few places on earth as wild and fierce as the Arctic Refuge” to prove to the audience that the refuge is distinctive, rare, and does not …show more content…

Word choice not only helps to visualize the situation better, but also to touch the minds and hearts of his audience. Carter uses phrases such as “most unforgettable and humbling experience,” “flooded with life,” and “once-in-a-lifetime wild life spectacle” to describe the true beauty of nature for which the reader can relate to. His sorrow and melancholy mood towards the possible destruction of the stunning ecosystem is obvious: “I was saddened to think of the tragedy that might occur if this great wilderness was consumed by a web of roads and pipelines, drilling rigs and industrial facilities.” Additionally, Carter appeals to the nation by choosing words such as, ‘tremendous opposition by the American people,” “symbol of our national heritage,” and “it will be a grand triumph for America” to give the reader a feeling of importance towards this problem. He shows that every contribution is part of the whole nation’s power by which a difference in history can be

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