WPA essay

Notes for Final Exam

Strategies

Sharkey- 

1. Evidence from experts/ previous research—a study on monkey’s that shows that attachment to inanimate objects led to social dysfunction (paragraph 6). This strategy allows the reader to make a logical connection because of the genetic similarity between monkey’s and humans. They will be more likely to believe that attachment to robots will lead to social dysfunction in humans. Because this is published research it’s a credible source.

2. Emotional appeal- Sharkey’s discussion of leaving elderly in the care of robots. The audience feels sympathy for the elderly people who are left alone with robots and are more likely to be persuaded that leaving our elderly relatives in the care of robots will lead to isolation.

3. Refutation of opposing views- Sharkey points out that robots can help elders maintain independence in their own homes (paragraph 8), but then refutes it by saying that even if this is true, the elders need human contact that can only be given to them by humans, not robots.

4. Statistics in the introduction show that the use of robots is growing very fast, and they are being used for various tasks. This creates a logical response in the reader because they realize that robots are becoming increasingly important in their lives, and because of this they might be more worried about the negative consequences, and they will be more willing to be persuaded by Sharkey’s argument.

Brown-

1. Emotional appeal- empathy through an anecdote about Lexie Brown. Brown uses this strategy to manipulate people’s feelings. Used in paragraph 2 when Brown discusses Lexie Brown’s chronic heart disorder. Because people will feel sympathetic/ empathetic towards Lexie they will be more likely to believe the author’s claim. 

2. Logical appeal through the use of facts and statistics about how many robots are being used, cost of the robots, how many students are homebound, etc. Readers can see that this is more common than they thought, that many students will be able to use these robots to avoid becoming socially awkward or falling behind academically.  

3. Refutation of opposing argument- Brown describes why people shouldn’t worry about this technology. 

4. Anecdotal examples/ anecdotes- stories about Connor, Lexie, etc. that show how these robots are helpful in increasing social interaction for sick children.

Organization— 

Sharkey- Sharkey provides a clear organization that is easy for his readers to follow.

1. gives background about robots and their various uses.

2. Child care robots

3. Elder care robots

4. Military robots

5. Statement of claim/ call to action

This organization is persuasive because the introduction is full of facts and statistics that allow readers to see that robots are an important issue in their lives. Then, each section allows the readers to see the ethical problems with each type of robot. Then in the conclusion he leaves his readers with a strong statement of his claim and a call to action.