This assignment is designed to help you apply your knowledge of argumentation concepts (claim, reasons, appeals, and more) to an existing written argument and practice identifying elements of argument in a written argumentative text.

Objective:

Analyze written arguments for appeals and structure
Instructions:
To complete this assignment, first review the information on argument structure and appeals on pages 14-21 and watch the attached Power Point presentation Argument Structure and Types.pptx Argument Structure and Types.pptx – Alternative Formats

(Source: Montgomery College English Faculty) to review the key concepts.
Next, re-read the Los Angeles Times editorial “It’s Time to Phase Out Single-Use Plastic”
and answer the following questions: article link https://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-plastic-plan-20180220-story.html

1. What is the claim of the presented argument? Restate it in your own words.

2. What reasons are given to support and explain the claim? Formulate reasons as statements that logically support or explain the claim.

3. What kind of information is used as evidence to back up the reasons?

4. What arguments against the editorial’s position are identified? How are they refuted?

5. Point out an example of logos used in the article. Where does the argument rely on logical reasoning/ rational thinking?

6. Point out an example of pathos used in the article. Where does the editorial appeal to the readers’ emotions? What emotions does it appeal to?

7. Do you consider the source (Los Angeles Times) credible (strong ethos) or no

ANSWER

Phasing out all single-use Plastics

The article argues that it is time to phase out all single-use plastic. With the tons of soda bottles, chip bags, and takeaway containers, there have been many disposable plastic items that are flowing into the waters and landfills and eventually affecting drinking water, wildlife, and food. Considering the magnitude of the problem being caused by disposable plastics, the policymakers need to begin planning on offering a broader response to phase out all the single-use plastic.

Plastic bags have been problematic since they not only affect the landfills but also waterbodies and wildlife. Relatively, the use of single-use plastic bags has been one of the greatest issues that humans are encountering in the contemporary world. Therefore, plastic bags have led to a high cost on the environment and negatively influences human health. Most cities and states have begun banning plastic bags due to the negative effects of their usage.

The article has shown implemented rules that have been used for an effective approach for tackling the environmental threat. The article has highlighted major leaders who have played a big role in attempting to ban the use of single-use plastics. For instance, British Prime Minister Theresa May highlighted a plan to eliminate plastic waste while Queen Elizabeth II also focused on banning plastic bottles and straws from royal estates.

The plastic makers have argued that the efforts to eliminate single-use plastics will mean a lot of work. This will also translate to more people being unemployed. However, it is important to consider curbing plastic waste and encourage more recycling. Additionally, when the door for single-use plastic, will open for biodegradable alternatives and cardboard thus creating more jobs due to increased production and demand.

The single-use plastic bags are harmful to the environment and there is a need to reduce the volume of plastic trash on the earth. Considerably, the single-use plastics slowly break down into microplastics that take a thousand years to decompose thus contaminating the water and soil in the process. For instance, non-consumers can give up on convenient bio-plastic alternatives and biodegradable sources.

The article states that the local and state rules have created public awareness about the issue. According to the article, the volume of single use plastics has been impossible to ignore. Policymakers can’t assume that the waste in the water bodies is naturally stirring. The article has stated a plan by British Prime Minister Theresa May and Queen Elizabeth II on how to eliminate the use of single-use plastic bags.

Los Angeles Times is a credible source since it is among the leading source of news and updates that offer major contributions to the development of the world. It offers great community influence and positive social contribution. The article has indicated the importance of banning single use plastics since they are a great threat to humans and the environment generally.

References

Los Angeles Times. (2018). Grocery bags and takeout containers aren’t enough. It’s time to phase out all single-use plastic. Available at: https://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-plastic-plan-20180220-story.html