Activity 3: Analysis of Letter by Mikhael Tyebally (21)

For the first paragraph, the writer first uses ethos when he compliments the congressman, which may make the congressman more willing to listen to what he has to say. Secondly, he uses pathos when he shares about the loss of a child during a gun accident.

In the next paragraph, the writer starts off with logos by using facts and statistics to show how dangerous guns can be.

In the third paragraph, he again uses logos to prove the danger in guns when misused with supporting facts and statistics.

For the fourth paragraph, he starts off with ethos in the first sentence and then moves on to logos for the rest of the paragraph, stating different facts and statistics.

In the fifth paragraph, he uses logos, stating statistics about the deaths caused by guns.

In the sixth paragraph, he uses ethos, asking the congressman emotional questions.

And in the last paragraph, He uses pathos when he asks emotional questions again.

Activity 3: Analysis of Letter by Heo Yub (08)

In the first paragraph, pathos is used. Pathos is used when he says he is a concerned parent who lost a child due to a gun accident and also compliments the congressman who he was talking to.

In the second, third, fourth and fifth paragraph, he uses logos and talks about data and statistics to convince the congressman on is knowledge in the field.

In the sixth paragraph, he uses pathos once again as he tries to explain his interest in the topic which was the fact that he lost his child due to a gun accident and asks a rhetorical question that might make the congressman think twice on supporting the legislation. 

In the last paragraph, he uses ethos and logos by talking about deaths due to the fact that guns were readily available.

Activity 3: Analysis of Letter (by Jonathan Phang (12))

Dear Congressman

I have been so impressed with your past voting record, and I am hoping that you will continue to make excellent decisions on behalf of your state. As a concerned parent who lost a child to a gun accident, I am writing to urge you to support the gun control legislation that will be on the November ballot.

The author uses ethos and pathos here. He uses ethos such that he compliments the Congressman and that they might be interested to here what he has to say. The author then uses pathos such that he talks a little bit emotionally about the loss of his child due to a gun accident.

The problem with guns is fairly straightforward: they make it easy to kill or injure a person. Did you know that, according to the F.B.I., approximately 60 percent of all murder victims in the United States in 1994 (about 16,000 people) were killed with firearms? According to estimates, firearm attacks injured another 70,000 victims, some of whom were left permanently disabled. In 1985 (the latest year for which this particular data is available), the cost of shootings--either by others, through self-inflicted wounds, or in accidents--was estimated to be more than $14 billion nationwide for medical care, long-term disability, and premature death. It is much higher now.

The author uses logos here, by using statistics to prove his point. He uses this to show how easily it is to attained a gun.

One of the problems with making it easier for citizens to have handguns is that in robberies and assaults, victims are far more likely to die when the perpetrator is armed with a gun than when he or she has another weapon or is unarmed. Opponents of gun control will say that this does not matter because most criminals buy their guns on the black market. However, not only do a number of criminals purchase guns legally, but the majority of those that do purchase them on the black market are buying guns that were purchased legally and then stolen—ones that would therefore not be on the black market if our gun control laws were more strict to begin with. Did you know that residents of homes where a gun is present are 5 times more likely to experience a suicide than residents of homes without? The fact remains that a gun makes it easier to commit suicide in a fit of rage, depression, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

In the third paragraph, he uses logos to prove how dangerous guns can be. He also gives facts supporting his point about guns.

Self-defense is commonly cited as a reason to own a gun. This is the explanation given by 20 percent of all gun owners and 40 percent of all handgun owners contacted for a household survey conducted in 1999. However research has shown that a gun kept in the home is 43 times more likely to kill a member of the household, or friend, than an intruder. Furthermore, when a civilian tries to use a firearm to resist a violent assault, it actually increases the victim's (civilian’s) risk of injury and death.

The author uses both ethos and logos in the fourth paragraph. He says the first sentence such that it seems he understands why people own guns, which places this under ethos. The rest of the paragraph is facts and statistics again, placing it under logos.

A study of 743 gunshot deaths by Dr. Arthur Kellermann and Dr. Donald Reay published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that 84% of these homicides occurred during fights in the home. Only 2 of the 743 gunshot deaths occurring in the home involved an intruder killed during an attempted entry. The evidence revealed in the Kellermann study is consistent with data reported by the FBI. In 1993, there were 24,526 people murdered, 13,980 with handguns, yet only 251 justifiable homicides by civilians using handguns.

In the fifth paragraph, the author uses logos again to give facts that he attained from doctors.

The reason that I have such an intense interest in this topic is that my son was killed by a gun (not my own) that belonged to a person who only wanted to protect his household, but it fell into the hands of a child by mistake. Do you want to be responsible for supporting legislation that would make more such incidents occur?

He uses pathos here by asking a emotional question to the congressman. This question is such that it is questioning the congressman's own feelings.

Knowing all this, do you really think we can continue to allow citizens to buy guns so easily? If we continue making it so easy, our nation will continue to have gun-related domestic fatalities. I believe in our rights as citizens of the United States, especially the right to LIFE, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These rights are unquestionably threatened by making it easy for the common citizen to buy a gun. Please, please vote for stricter laws.

He uses pathos here asking the feelings and emotions of being a citizen of the United States.

Yours sincerely

John Simmons

Activity 3: Analysis of Letter by Tan Siah Wei (19)

Dear Congressman

I have been so impressed with your past voting record, and I am hoping that you will continue to make excellent decisions on behalf of your state.  As a concerned parent who lost a child to a gun accident, I am writing to urge you to support the gun control legislation that will be on the November ballot.

The first paragraph is partially ethos and pathos. Firstly, he states clearly that he admires the politician, appealing to the politicians emotions, who would be more likely to read if he were being praised in the letter rather than one that only addresses the problem directly. Sure, the president could do that, but John is only a citizen. By showing that he has lost a child, he does not need to express much of his feelings at the start as the politician should know or be able to imagine the citizen's feelings. This is another show of pathos. Also, at the same time, by showing your child had died because of a gun accident, the parent shows to the congressman that he has enough knowledge and experience to talk about such issues.

The problem with guns is fairly straightforward: they make it easy to kill or injure a person. Did you know that, according to the F.B.I., approximately 60 percent of all murder victims in the United States in 1994 (about 16,000 people) were killed with firearms? According to estimates, firearm attacks injured another 70,000 victims, some of whom were left permanently disabled. In 1985 (the latest year for which this particular data is available), the cost of shootings--either by others, through self-inflicted wounds, or in accidents--was estimated to be more than $14 billion nationwide for medical care, long-term disability, and premature death. It is much higher now.

In the second paragraph, he talks about the obvious use of guns to reinforce the reasons as to why his child was killed accidentally, using logos as an introduction. Next, using ethos, he provides extremely detailed facts and figures about fatalities and disabilities by firearms to show his knowledge in the field. By also stating that the cost of treating gun wounds is higher than the cost of a gun indirectly, he uses logos to encourage the congressman to join the gun control legislation to reduce costs from death.

One of the problems with making it easier for citizens to have handguns is that in robberies and assaults, victims are far more likely to die when the perpetrator is armed with a gun than when he or she has another weapon or is unarmed.  Opponents of gun control will say that this does not matter because most criminals buy their guns on the black market.  However, not only do a number of criminals purchase guns legally, but the majority of those that do purchase them on the black market are buying guns that were purchased legally and then stolen—ones that would therefore not be on the black market if our gun control laws were more strict to begin with. Did you know that residents of homes where a gun is present are 5 times more likely to experience a suicide than residents of homes without?  The fact remains that a gun makes it easier to commit suicide in a fit of rage, depression, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

As for the third paragraph, he tries to imply to the politician the danger of a gun compared to other weapons and the risk of death. This is using more ethos. He even uses other's knowledge to add to his own, like the black market actually steals guns to sell, and uses logos and ethos combined to show that if they did not sell guns, then there would be no black market, once again putting all the blame on gun retailers. Using some pathos and logos, he states that having a gun in a home is more dangerous when a person is under mental influence and may just commit suicide with a gun.

Self-defense is commonly cited as a reason to own a gun. This is the explanation given by 20 percent of all gun owners and 40 percent of all handgun owners contacted for a household survey conducted in 1999.  However research has shown that a gun kept in the home is 43 times more likely to kill a member of the household, or friend, than an intruder.  Furthermore, when a civilian tries to use a firearm to resist a violent assault, it actually increases the victim's (civilian’s) risk of injury and death.

He uses mostly logos and ethos in this paragraph. It is true and logical that most people give self-defence as an excuse for owning guns, and the percentage of answers is yet another show of knowledge. By showing the increase in the risk of hurt and death, he repeats his process of ethos (its really getting too much).

A study of 743 gunshot deaths by Dr. Arthur Kellermann and Dr. Donald Reay published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that 84% of these homicides occurred during fights in the home. Only 2 of the 743 gunshot deaths occurring in the home involved an intruder killed during an attempted entry.  The evidence revealed in the Kellermann study is consistent with data reported by the FBI.  In 1993, there were 24,526 people murdered, 13,980 with handguns, yet only 251 justifiable homicides by civilians using handguns.

Names. Big names and numbers for the fifth paragraph. By scrutinizing a study of gunshot deaths by two doctors, then showing that it coordinates with current data from the FBI, he goes into a lot of ethos to once again convince the congressman. While this impressive spread of information would have impressed the recipient at first, the whole show of ethos is starting to get very repetitive.

The reason that I have such an intense interest in this topic is that my son was killed by a gun (not my own) that belonged to a person who only wanted to protect his household, but it fell into the hands of a child by mistake.  Do you want to be responsible for supporting legislation that would make more such incidents occur?

In the sixth paragraph, however, he explains his obsession with gun deaths more clearly, as the reader would probable have forgotten the reason for this letter in the first place. He implies pathos here, which was lacking in the first five paragraphs. He explains his son's death in detail, and even asks a rhetorical question, which implies to the politician that the citizen was indirectly blaming him for his son's death.

Knowing all this, do you really think we can continue to allow citizens to buy guns so easily?  If we continue making it so easy, our nation will continue to have gun-related domestic fatalities.  I believe in our rights as citizens of the United States, especially the right to LIFE, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  These rights are unquestionably threatened by making it easy for the common citizen to buy a gun. Please, please vote for stricter laws.

After making his point, he asks another rhetorical question to enforce the many points that he made earlier. Here, he uses a combination of ethos, pathos and logos. After talking about his son's death, it is logical that he would expect the congressman to say no to his rhetorical question. Next is another pinch of ethos/logos, talking about more deaths because guns are so readily available. He uses pathos when he talks about the citizen's right to LIFE, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, even capitalizing life to emphasize the disrespect a gun wielder has for life. Lastly, by pleading for stricter laws, one can almost imagine him going down on his knees and pleading. This is short sentence of pathos, full of impact.

Yours sincerely

John Simmons

Analysis of Letter by Brendon Goh ( 07 )

Dear Congressman

I have been so impressed with your past voting record, and I am hoping that you will continue to make excellent decisions on behalf of your state.

( Pathos is used to make the congressman happy to judge better and hopefully listen to you )

As a concerned parent who lost a child to a gun accident, I am writing to urge you to support the gun control legislation that will be on the November ballot.

( Ethos to show that you know what you are persuading )

The problem with guns is fairly straightforward: they make it easy to kill or injure a person. Did you know that, according to the F.B.I., approximately 60 percent of all murder victims in the United States in 1994 (about 16,000 people) were killed with firearms? According to estimates, firearm attacks injured another 70,000 victims, some of whom were left permanently disabled. In 1985 (the latest year for which this particular data is available), the cost of shootings--either by others, through self-inflicted wounds, or in accidents--was estimated to be more than $14 billion nationwide for medical care, long-term disability, and premature death. It is much higher now.

( Ethos to show that you know and understand the facts well and give you more credibility as well. It is also Logos as he uses facts to try and persuade and argue to show that the congressman should listen to him based on the facts. Pathos as well to make the congressman feel shocked so as to feel that something is not right and needs to be changed. )

One of the problems with making it easier for citizens to have handguns is that in robberies and assaults, victims are far more likely to die when the perpetrator is armed with a gun than when he or she has another weapon or is unarmed. Opponents of gun control will say that this does not matter because most criminals buy their guns on the black market. However, not only do a number of criminals purchase guns legally, but the majority of those that do purchase them on the black market are buying guns that were purchased legally and then stolen—ones that would therefore not be on the black market if our gun control laws were more strict to begin with.

( Logos as it is more information and facts about the argument and also Ethos to show that the author has known the facts well, done research before and know about this. )

Did you know that residents of homes where a gun is present are 5 times more likely to experience a suicide than residents of homes without? The fact remains that a gun makes it easier to commit suicide in a fit of rage, depression, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

( Pathos to make the congressman feel shocked about the facts )

Self-defense is commonly cited as a reason to own a gun. This is the explanation given by 20 percent of all gun owners and 40 percent of all handgun owners contacted for a household survey conducted in 1999. However research has shown that a gun kept in the home is 43 times more likely to kill a member of the household, or friend, than an intruder. Furthermore, when a civilian tries to use a firearm to resist a violent assault, it actually increases the victim's (civilian’s) risk of injury and death.

( Ethos to show your facts well and Logos to show that this is part of your persuasion to get the congressman to help to change.)

A study of 743 gunshot deaths by Dr. Arthur Kellermann and Dr. Donald Reay published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that 84% of these homicides occurred during fights in the home. Only 2 of the 743 gunshot deaths occurring in the home involved an intruder killed during an attempted entry. The evidence revealed in the Kellermann study is consistent with data reported by the FBI. In 1993, there were 24,526 people murdered, 13,980 with handguns, yet only 251 justifiable homicides by civilians using handguns.

( Ethos to show that you know your facts quite well and that you have done a lot of research before, thus making yourself look credible, and also Pathos to make the congressman realize about this and feel shocked and also thinks that a change should be made. )

The reason that I have such an intense interest in this topic is that my son was killed by a gun (not my own) that belonged to a person who only wanted to protect his household, but it fell into the hands of a child by mistake. Do you want to be responsible for supporting legislation that would make more such incidents occur?

( Ethos to show why you are actually doing this and Pathos to let the congressman feel that this should not happen again. )

Knowing all this, do you really think we can continue to allow citizens to buy guns so easily? If we continue making it so easy, our nation will continue to have gun-related domestic fatalities. I believe in our rights as citizens of the United States, especially the right to LIFE, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These rights are unquestionably threatened by making it easy for the common citizen to buy a gun. Please, please vote for stricter laws.

( Pathos to make the congressman feel that he should vote to change the laws of buying a gun. )

Yours sincerely

John Simmons

Activity 3: Analysis of Letter by Izzat Syahmi (09)

Dear Congressman

I have been so impressed with your past voting record, and I am hoping that you will continue to make excellent decisions on behalf of your state. As a concerned parent who lost a child to a gun accident, I am writing to urge you to support the gun control legislation that will be on the November ballot.

In the first paragraph, the author uses ethos for the first sentence as he had used language which made him seem of a higher status so as to make himself someone who is worth listening to by the Congressman. As for the second sentence, he had used pathos by stating that he lost his child to a gun accident so as to make it more emotional.

The problem with guns is fairly straightforward: they make it easy to kill or injure a person. Did you know that, according to the F.B.I., approximately 60 percent of all murder victims in the United States in 1994 (about 16,000 people) were killed with firearms? According to estimates, firearm attacks injured another 70,000 victims, some of whom were left permanently disabled. In 1985 (the latest year for which this particular data is available), the cost of shootings--either by others, through self-inflicted wounds, or in accidents--was estimated to be more than $14 billion nationwide for medical care, long-term disability, and premature death. It is much higher now.

For the second paragraph, the author had used logos as he had given data and statistics to explain his point even further.

One of the problems with making it easier for citizens to have handguns is that in robberies and assaults, victims are far more likely to die when the perpetrator is armed with a gun than when he or she has another weapon or is unarmed. Opponents of gun control will say that this does not matter because most criminals buy their guns on the black market. However, not only do a number of criminals purchase guns legally, but the majority of those that do purchase them on the black market are buying guns that were purchased legally and then stolen—ones that would therefore not be on the black market if our gun control laws were more strict to begin with. Did you know that residents of homes where a gun is present are 5 times more likely to experience a suicide than residents of homes without? The fact remains that a gun makes it easier to commit suicide in a fit of rage, depression, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

He had used logos for the third paragraph as he had continued giving facts about firearms and why they are so dangerous.

Self-defense is commonly cited as a reason to own a gun. This is the explanation given by 20 percent of all gun owners and 40 percent of all handgun owners contacted for a household survey conducted in 1999. However research has shown that a gun kept in the home is 43 times more likely to kill a member of the household, or friend, than an intruder. Furthermore, when a civilian tries to use a firearm to resist a violent assault, it actually increases the victim's (civilian’s) risk of injury and death.

For the fourth paragraph, the author had used ethos for first sentence and logos for the rest of the paragraph. He had used ethos for the first sentence as he is trying to give respect to firearm-owners. He had used logos for the rest of the sentences by providing more statistical data.

A study of 743 gunshot deaths by Dr. Arthur Kellermann and Dr. Donald Reay published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that 84% of these homicides occurred during fights in the home. Only 2 of the 743 gunshot deaths occurring in the home involved an intruder killed during an attempted entry. The evidence revealed in the Kellermann study is consistent with data reported by the FBI. In 1993, there were 24,526 people murdered, 13,980 with handguns, yet only 251 justifiable homicides by civilians using handguns.

As for the fifth paragraph, he had used ethos and logos by providing information from respectable doctors and also more statistical data.

The reason that I have such an intense interest in this topic is that my son was killed by a gun (not my own) that belonged to a person who only wanted to protect his household, but it fell into the hands of a child by mistake. Do you want to be responsible for supporting legislation that would make more such incidents occur?

He uses pathos for the whole of the sixth paragraph as he tries to reason with the Congressman emotionally by mentioning his son so as to instill pity into the congressman's heart.

Knowing all this, do you really think we can continue to allow citizens to buy guns so easily? If we continue making it so easy, our nation will continue to have gun-related domestic fatalities. I believe in our rights as citizens of the United States, especially the right to LIFE, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These rights are unquestionably threatened by making it easy for the common citizen to buy a gun. Please, please vote for stricter laws.

He had used a bit of pathos in the last paragraph as he had explained how he felt as a citizen of the United States,

Yours sincerely

John Simmons

The Author signs off using ethos by respecting the congressman for reading.

EL elearning Daniel Tan 20

Dear Congressman

I have been so impressed with your past voting record, and I am hoping that you will continue to make excellent decisions on behalf of your state. As a concerned parent who lost a child to a gun accident, I am writing to urge you to support the gun control legislation that will be on the November ballot.

The problem with guns is fairly straightforward: they make it easy to kill or injure a person. Did you know that, according to the F.B.I., approximately 60 percent of all murder victims in the United States in 1994 (about 16,000 people) were killed with firearms? According to estimates, firearm attacks injured another 70,000 victims, some of whom were left permanently disabled. In 1985 (the latest year for which this particular data is available), the cost of shootings--either by others, through self-inflicted wounds, or in accidents--was estimated to be more than $14 billion nationwide for medical care, long-term disability, and premature death. It is much higher now.

One of the problems with making it easier for citizens to have handguns is that in robberies and assaults, victims are far more likely to die when the perpetrator is armed with a gun than when he or she has another weapon or is unarmed. Opponents of gun control will say that this does not matter because most criminals buy their guns on the black market. However, not only do a number of criminals purchase guns legally, but the majority of those that do purchase them on the black market are buying guns that were purchased legally and then stolen—ones that would therefore not be on the black market if our gun control laws were more strict to begin with. Did you know that residents of homes where a gun is present are 5 times more likely to experience a suicide than residents of homes without? The fact remains that a gun makes it easier to commit suicide in a fit of rage, depression, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Self-defense is commonly cited as a reason to own a gun. This is the explanation given by 20 percent of all gun owners and 40 percent of all handgun owners contacted for a household survey conducted in 1999. However research has shown that a gun kept in the home is 43 times more likely to kill a member of the household, or friend, than an intruder. Furthermore, when a civilian tries to use a firearm to resist a violent assault, it actually increases the victim's (civilian’s) risk of injury and death.

A study of 743 gunshot deaths by Dr. Arthur Kellermann and Dr. Donald Reay published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that 84% of these homicides occurred during fights in the home. Only 2 of the 743 gunshot deaths occurring in the home involved an intruder killed during an attempted entry. The evidence revealed in the Kellermann study is consistent with data reported by the FBI. In 1993, there were 24,526 people murdered, 13,980 with handguns, yet only 251 justifiable homicides by civilians using handguns.

The reason that I have such an intense interest in this topic is that my son was killed by a gun (not my own) that belonged to a person who only wanted to protect his household, but it fell into the hands of a child by mistake. Do you want to be responsible for supporting legislation that would make more such incidents occur?

Knowing all this, do you really think we can continue to allow citizens to buy guns so easily? If we continue making it so easy, our nation will continue to have gun-related domestic fatalities. I believe in our rights as citizens of the United States, especially the right to LIFE, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These rights are unquestionably threatened by making it easy for the common citizen to buy a gun. Please, please vote for stricter laws.

Yours sincerely

John Simmons

Ans: In the first paragraph. We can see that the writer uses both pathos and ethos. He uses pathos through saying that he is a concerned parent who lost a child due to a gun accident and also compliments the congressman who he was talking to. He uses ethos by expressing his goodwill by telling the reader that he is a concerned parent and that he wants the reader to support gun control legislation.
In the second and third,fourth and fifth paragraph, he uses logos by stating facts on what guns could do and did in the past. For example he stated that residents of homes where a gun is present are 5 times more likely to experience a suicide than residents of homes without guns.
In the sixth paragraph, he again uses pathos by saying that his intense interest in the topic was in fact because of losing his child due to a gun accident. This makes the reader empathise with the writer and sympathise with him. He then uses a question rhetorical question to produce an effect on the statement which would further persuade the congressman to support the gun control legislation.
In the last paragraph, he uses again uses ethos by showing his goodwill by stating that he believe that rights as citizens of the United States, especially the right to LIFE, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. He also uses a bit of pathos by writing please twice to show that he is kind of desperate

Activity 3: Analysis of Letter by Jake Wee (10)

The use of ethos, pathos and logos is evident in the letter written.

The use of Pathos was evident in the first paragraph where the writer compliments the congressman of his past voting records. In the second part of the paragraph, he appeals to the congressman as a concerned parent who lost his child, so he's appealing to the congressman's emotion of worry.

In the second paragraph, the writer uses Logos as he states statistics of the number of people dying every year due to gun shots. At the last part, the writer says "it is much higher now" giving the congressman the impression that the number has shot up to an extraordinary number which gives him a reason to fear. Here the writer uses Pathos again.

In the third paragraph, The writer once again uses Logos by presenting facts about the use of guns and where there are bought from, whether there are legally or illegally bought. Through this, he also shows Ethos, showing the congressman his knowledge of guns in the black market.

In the fourth and fifth paragraph, the writer uses Logos again and presents the data. He also uses Ethos to show how much he knows about the subject.

In the sixth paragraph, he uses Pathos by asking the congressman rhetorical and emotional questions. "Do you want to be responsible for supporting legislation that would make more such incidents occur?" These questions, although rhetorical, questions the congressman decisions.

In the last paragraph, he questions the congressman's decision again and says what he's doing will have an impact on the whole country.

How Ethos, Pathos and Logos is used in this letter.

Dear Congressman

 

I have been so impressed with your past voting record, and I am hoping that you will continue to make excellent decisions on behalf of your state.  As a concerned parent who lost a child to a gun accident, I am writing to urge you to support the gun control legislation that will be on the November ballot.

He uses Pathos here as he used his own life experience (i.e : Losing a child in a gun accident). He also sets a good tone in the first few lines, Making his status seem higher than it actually might be and thus using Ethos as well.

The problem with guns is fairly straightforward: they make it easy to kill or injure a person. Did you know that, according to the F.B.I., approximately 60 percent of all murder victims in the United States in 1994 (about 16,000 people) were killed with firearms? According to estimates, firearm attacks injured another 70,000 victims, some of whom were left permanently disabled. In 1985 (the latest year for which this particular data is available), the cost of shootings--either by others, through self-inflicted wounds, or in accidents--was estimated to be more than $14 billion nationwide for medical care, long-term disability, and premature death. It is much higher now.

He uses Logos here as he provides details and statistical data to prove his point and make the congressman understand where he is coming from.

One of the problems with making it easier for citizens to have handguns is that in robberies and assaults, victims are far more likely to die when the perpetrator is armed with a gun than when he or she has another weapon or is unarmed.  Opponents of gun control will say that this does not matter because most criminals buy their guns on the black market.  However, not only do a number of criminals purchase guns legally, but the majority of those that do purchase them on the black market are buying guns that were purchased legally and then stolen—ones that would therefore not be on the black market if our gun control laws were more strict to begin with. Did you know that residents of homes where a gun is present are 5 times more likely to experience a suicide than residents of homes without?  The fact remains that a gun makes it easier to commit suicide in a fit of rage, depression, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

He uses Logos again in this paragraph until the last line, wherein he uses Pathos. He did this to give more flavour to his text, and appeal to the congressman in more ways than just logic.

Self-defense is commonly cited as a reason to own a gun. This is the explanation given by 20 percent of all gun owners and 40 percent of all handgun owners contacted for a household survey conducted in 1999.  However research has shown that a gun kept in the home is 43 times more likely to kill a member of the household, or friend, than an intruder.  Furthermore, when a civilian tries to use a firearm to resist a violent assault, it actually increases the victim's (civilian’s) risk of injury and death.

He uses Logos again here by giving more statistical data, But I noticed that he might have used Ethos again, because with all the data he has given, the congressman was likely to believe him already and he gave a point which is not so clear in the first line. "Self-defense is commonly cited as a reason to own a gun."

A study of 743 gunshot deaths by Dr. Arthur Kellermann and Dr. Donald Reay published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that 84% of these homicides occurred during fights in the home. Only 2 of the 743 gunshot deaths occurring in the home involved an intruder killed during an attempted entry.  The evidence revealed in the Kellermann study is consistent with data reported by the FBI.  In 1993, there were 24,526 people murdered, 13,980 with handguns, yet only 251 justifiable homicides by civilians using handguns.

He uses Logos and Ethos again by getting information from people who had Doctorates and providing statistical information.

The reason that I have such an intense interest in this topic is that my son was killed by a gun (not my own) that belonged to a person who only wanted to protect his household, but it fell into the hands of a child by mistake.  Do you want to be responsible for supporting legislation that would make more such incidents occur?

He uses purely Pathos here. Again, he mentions his son and he can make the reader feel further pity for him.

Knowing all this, do you really think we can continue to allow citizens to buy guns so easily?  If we continue making it so easy, our nation will continue to have gun-related domestic fatalities.  I believe in our rights as citizens of the United States, especially the right to LIFE, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  These rights are unquestionably threatened by making it easy for the common citizen to buy a gun. Please, please vote for stricter laws.

He states his expected outcome from writing the letter and uses no theory of rhetoric in the last paragraph, to end the letter.

Yours sincerely

John Simmons

I feel that signing off sincerely makes the use of Ethos to give the reader an impression that you are of high status.

Chapter 6 - What's Happening Out There? (Ronak)

Essay Question

The following are description of three types of teenagers who cope with disastrous or changing world and local events, and they can be natural and human made disasters:

Type A: Teenagers who are affected by the things out there in the world. World, local, natural disasters and human made ones, political changes, issues like religious disharmony, racial prejudice affect them. However, they know and feel that they have power to make a change and will take the opportunity to exercise that power whenever possible. In doing so, they know that they actually help to make small or huge changes to their world.

Type B: Teenagers who tend to take a passive approach even though they feel disheartened by what is going on in the world. They are interested in making a difference but don’t seem to know how or where to begin. They wouldn’t mind getting involved in something that interests them.

Type C: Teenagers who prefer to avoid all these issues that plaque the world and their own countries because they feel powerless to make any difference so do not do anything about them. However, if they were given the chance to pick a cause and get really involved in it, it might actually empower them.

Which type of teenager are you closest to? Support your answer with reasons and examples. Share how you dealt/ deal/would deal with some of the local or/and world issues that could be natural or/and human-made problems.

I am closest to a Type A Teenager because it is very close what my traits are and it resembles closely to me. In times of danger and difficulty I always face it with my right attitude. Not getting too stressed and being calm in any situation is the key that enables your mind to react with a more decent and focused mind against any situation. Having your mind is the first step, but while executing the step going out of plan gives a shock and sense of worry and facing that is the biggest test of your mind. Tranquility solves it all.

My mind is reactant in such a way that is something happens , something bad like bad things around the world. No matter where, it always gives me a shock followed by a thoughtful process. What are the possibilities to avoid this? What do I have to do to protect me and my family? These questions don’t stop buzzing through my mind till I answer them with satisfaction. I have dealt with situations like this before. But in any situation I was in I kept my mind cool, relaxed, calm ready to take any turn or twist that time will take in the next few moments. Due to my relaxed mind, could easily face any situation with a smile on my face and a victorious flashback. I know the basic key to this so I tell the people around me to do the same and gain confidence and courage to support me in my doing. Once again tranquility does it all. I take any opportunities I have right then to be successful in what I main to achieve, as I think I have the limited yet perfect amount of power needed to help, lead and make a difference.

I want people to realise that a small part, a small role can make big difference if it is carried out as intended. I never think small of what I can do. Not like ‘How will my little help give others a difference?. That basically is a negative minded remark. Positive focus and you have everything you need to do perfectly planned with perfection in your mind. Mind is one think that reacts the way different people look at things, the way they look at it and react. If you train your mind to work in an efficient manner anytime, there you have it, a perfectly cooperative and well thought mind. Ready to solve any situation anytime in any environment. So the main thing I have to help me anytime is my presence of tranquility. Lose that and nothing would be able to handle. One thing I have to mainly improve in my way of thinking and reacting to stuff is to be patient. I lose my patience very often and go out of control. That is a waste to a person who has the perfect tranquility and ability to lead. I have to improve these things and I will be able to handle any situation anytime.

07 Brendon Goh Chapter 6 compre questions

1. Living in a World of Fear

Pre-Reading

• Do you feel safe in school? You can consider safety from either physical abuse or verbal abuse or both.
• I feel safe most of the time in school as there as safety measures in place at school to protect us. I am also quite friendly and I feel that not much people are bullies and the learning environment is very safe.

During-Reading

• Why did a stranger deem Kelly ‘the crazy girl’ in Basha High school?
• She wanted to shoot or kill the people in her school.
• Why did Sarah, the author of the article, respond with anger by correcting her that it was ‘Kelly’ and not ‘the crazy girl’?
• Kelly is her friend and she thinks that she will not shoot or kill her teachers and friends.
• What was the school’s reaction to the plans made for a school shooting and anything related to it? Why do you think they reacted so?
• The school was shocked as she had planned to kill her teachers and friends, which is something almost everyone would not do.
• Do you think Kelly was fairly treated? Give reasons to support your answer.
• No, as she had family problems and learning problems, so she might feel as though she is the odd one out and she may not like it, and maybe she cannot cope with the stress.

Post-Reading

• When people have fear of what they don’t know or don’t understand, they tend to over react or at least make decisions. Is this a justifiable reaction?
• It is what sometimes people do not know, as they want to find out, but is afraid something bad might happen to them or someone else, so they rather not find it.
• Students snap under pressure and sometimes they act this out violently against other students and teachers. In Singapore, there is little possibility for carrying a gun to school but there are other acts of violence that happen. What are some of them and how can you prevent them?

We can prevent them by counseling everyone, and make sure they are feeling alright, and have meetings with parents to find out how are they cooping at home. The moment someone changes his or her attitude, it will be weird and so must consult him or her and try to correct the situation immediately.

1. The Day We Lost So Much

Pre-Reading

• Do you have any fears? What are they if you have them? If you don’t have any fears, what are some fears you know your friends or other people have?
• People have common fears of insects, people behavior and attitude, heavy work load, things that are difficult to do.

During-Reading

- What were the reactions of the following people mentioned in the article when the Twin Towers were attacked and then when it later collapsed and during the aftermath:

Jane; the author of the article; her parents; students in school in general; the girl in her school whose mother was in New York then; the teachers in school; and some other people in general.

Jane was confused, she feels that that should not have happened, and many people lost family members and loved ones.

Jane parents were shocked and were looking at the television, and that people had loss their lives, loved ones, family members and more.

Students keep talking about it, and even someone whose parents were in New York also got worried. They made a huge deal out of it, and when it collapsed, it stunned everyone.

The teachers tried to keep calm and calm everyone, but actually they know that something very bad and wrong has happened in New York City.

Everyone was in the state of shocked as it is very bad for someone to attack the twin towers and killed hundreds or people.

Post-Reading

• Towards the end of the article, Jane suggested that we should not spend our energy looking for people to blame for something bad that had happened. She instead, suggested a proactive approach to help people affected by the bad incident, remember the good in their glorious moments and smile in the face of despair. She believes this might change the future. What do you think of Jane’s stand? Give reasons to support your stand.
• To get people to help the families which had loss lives and people, loved ones, to donate and help them recover, get on with life to be happy.

1. Looking Back

Pre-Reading

• Have you ever thought of or have been involved in raising funds or helping out in any voluntary situations for disaster relief?
• I have not been involved in such things yet, but I have been ask by the school to donate items like clothing. I feel that we should all help everyone else, the less fortunate and those who are unlucky to suffer from natural disasters, help should be provided to them. W should all do out part and maybe contribute somehow, like maybe donate money, food, clothings or other items.

During-Reading

• How is the author of this article, Paulina, different in her reaction to the 9/11 tragedy from the Jane, the author of the previous article? In particular, what sort of feelings does she have?
• She is feeling very scared that such things might happen again, and also angry about the war I the middle east. So many lives had been lost in the attacks and the war.
• Why is it that every time an airplane passes by, Paulina’s mood changes as quickly as the plane passes?
• She is afraid the airplane might crash into another building or crash somewhere and she had not taken a plane for a long time already.

Post-Reading

Do you think Paulina’s fears are rational? Why or why not?

Yes, her fears are rational as anyone who most likely suffer such an incident would most likely feel and think the same, be afraid that it might just happen again, and kill so many lives.

1. Recovering from My Own Epidemic

Pre-Reading

• What do you remember (you were probably 6 or 7 years old then) or know about the SARS (Avian bird flu pandemic) scare?
• It was a serious sickness, people were quarantined, schools were closed to prevent the spreading of it. It was dangerous and people had died from it and it spread very fast and taking many lives.

During-Reading

• What were the steps taken by the teachers and school for the prevention and the spread of SARS?
• They teach students to wear Mask, washing hands, do not touch each other.
• How did the SARS epidemic change the author of this article, Eri’s life?
• The author had to cope with the stresses, and all the work and things happening around her.
• What were the thoughts that motivated this change?
• He felt very different, a lot of things had change and he had to adapt very quickly.

Post-Reading

• How appropriate do you think the title of this article ‘Recovering from my own epidemic’ is? Give a reason(s) to support your answer.
• It is appropriate as it talks about him recovering from the effects of SARS had on him, which is quite a lot of trouble for him to deal with.

6. Prejudice

Pre-Reading

-Why do you think students are constantly asked to recite the Singapore pledge? We the citizens of Singapore, pledge ourselves as one united people, regardless of race, language or religion, to build democratic society so as to achieve happiness, prosperity for our nation.

This is to let everyone and remind everyone that we are part of the country and each and every single one of us represent it.

During-Reading

• What is meant by ‘Difference is the brother of inferiority’?
• It means different of race and culture, religion, or group. Both of us are different somehow and some way.
• Why is it that when the dark skinned girl is saying the same words that came out the author, Brooke’s mouth yesterday, it will be disregarded?
• The author does not like her has she is of different culture from her, and will think that she is not a friend and will not like her.

Post-Reading

• Universities and educational institutes with a global focus strive to have a 10-20% percentage of foreign students. What are some of the advantages of having classmates from different races and different countries?
• They will learn to help each other and interact together and will not be particular to one religion or race.

Done By: Brendon Goh

07 Brendon Goh Chapter 5 compre questions

1. Joey’s Pain

Pre-Reading

Turn to page 146, do the ‘Where do you stand’ quiz.

Yes because I have seen my friends teasing other friends but I did not do anything to stop them, but just look. I feel that it is not right, but sometimes it is hard, because we also sometimes joke around and have fun about other people.

During-Reading

• Why should Joey feel ashamed when he came back to school?
• He tried to kill himself, which is not what a normal person to do, he had too much stress, difficulty and problems, and he could not take it anymore.
• The author of the article said ‘ I don’t know whatever happened to him’. What do you think happened to Joey?
• He got too stressed and feel that he is odd one out, and had learning problems, mental problems and feel that he does not belong here and want to kill himself to try and end all this problems and suffering.

Post-Reading

• If you were Maggie Jo Kundla who wrote this article, and you felt so strongly that you have to contact Joey to try say you were sorry, what are the possible things you could you do to find him?
• I would go to the police and ask if I could visit him or ask for information about him, as the police would have a record. I will go and visit him and have a chat and apologize, or maybe talk to him over the phone or through e mail.

1. Memoirs of a Ganger

Pre-Reading

• Why do you think people join a clique or group or gang?
• People are curious, or want to be in a group to be better, and there will be people to help you, while others is for fun and some is they want to know what is gang about.

During-Reading

• How long was Jessie in the group before she realized she was really not welcomed and wanted by the rest of the girls?
• It took her quite a while to know that she was not welcomed.
• List three ways in this article that showed that the author of this article, Terry, was a bully or unkind and disrespectful to her peers.
• She did not do anything while others are bullying other people, talk bad about other people when they are not present and did nothing to help her friend and stop other people from saying bad things about her friend.

Post-Reading

• Why didn’t Terry leave the clique when she knew it was not a very healthy one?
• She did not want to leave as she feels that is her only friends and she needs to do something and find more friends to socialize with.

1. Hung Out to Dry

Pre-Reading

• Consider the friends /classmates or people you spend time with. Do you think that they are healthy for you?
• Some are healthy as we do work together, play sports and we do not do wrong or bad things. We have fun and do our work. Other might not be so healthy as they like to talk bad about people and a little mischievous, but I have fun playing sports with them.

During-Reading

• In your own words, say what you think ‘five finger discounted’ means.
• It means discounted 50 percent as there are 5 fingers and each finger represents ten percent, and half prices is a lot in terms or expensive goods.
• Lindsey ‘was speechless’ when her two ‘best friends’ didn’t say a word to help me her out and left the store in the clear. Why was she reacting this way?
• Her friends was the one who gave her the items and they did not help her get out of trouble and did not care about her.
• Although it was her mom who forbade Lindsey to talk to K.C. and Sarah, why would she be ashamed to talk to her two friends even if she could?
• She had to take the blame for doing something very wrong, like stealing when it is not her fault, and she would be shy to interact with them or be afraid of them knowing that they are capable of such things.

Post-Reading

• What would be some possible warning signs that your friends may not be good for you?
• When they suddenly change the way that we interact, that means something is not very right as people personality do not change overnight, and we must watch out for everyone.

1. Forgiving the Unforgivable

Pre-Reading

• What would you deem to be one thing that you would never expect a good friend would do to you?
• It would be that a good friend put be in a bad or embarrassing situation without helping me, and making me take the blame when it is not my fault because I did not do anything wrong.

During-Reading

• How was Alison different from Andi?
• Alison can forgive people and let go, but Andi could not.

Post-Reading

• Do you think it was acceptable that Alison ‘hooked up’ with Andi’s ex-boy friend? Give reason(s) to support your answer.
• Yes, it is acceptable as it is a different person and Andi might not like him, but he has to adapt because it is Alison’s and andi cannot make any decision about it.
• Andi ‘decided to forgive’ her friend? What are you thoughts about this decision?
• It is good that she managed to forgive as we should all forgive and not keep all the anger in us, and it will not be good for our body, then we will feel stress and pressurized and cannot perform that well and become less efficient and cannot concentrate that much about your daily life and work.

1. You to Blame

Pre-Reading

• Do you believe that the first love you’ll ever have would always be the only true love? Give a reason(s) for your answer.
• It might not always be, as sometime later an incident happen and you might not like the person anymore.

During-Reading

• What were the possible questions or words said before the responses of

1) “I’m not ready for a relationship’ and

2)“ I’m not feeling for you the same way”?

1. When do you want to get married?
2. I like you but do you like me?

• When ‘something plays like a record in a broken dream’, what does that imply about the thoughts of the person involved?
• It is very important and you cannot really let go of it, and you keep on thinking about it.

Post-Reading

• What would be some healthy and useful thoughts to help deal with being rejected or dumped by a boyfriend or girlfriend or a close friend?
• You just remain as friends but not that close relationship, and tell yourself you will be able to find a better partner.

1. Thunder Still Roars

Pre-Reading

• Do you think it is okay to have pre-marital sex or are you one who advocates sex only after marriage?
• I think it is not right to do that, as what if the sex cause the girl to have a baby then you have to bear responsibility which is very difficult when you are not an adult, still young and still studying and coping with your work.

During-Reading

• What were the things Madison and her boyfriend used to do together?
• They will hang out, have fun and watch movies together and enjoy time and have fun together.
• What were the signs to show that Madison’s boyfriend had changed his attitude towards her?
• The boyfriend change his habits and do not really care for the girlfriend anymore.
• Why do you think Madison’s boyfriend dumped her the night after he had sex with her?
• He learned from his mistake and knew it is wrong to do that, but he did it and it changed his life, and do not want to be with the girl anymore.

Post-Reading

• Why do you think ‘Thunder Still Roars’ was chosen as the title for this article?
• It is because no matter what happens, the girl still have feelings, just like thunder will still roar, and the boy did not taught about her feelings when he dumped her.

1. Standing Short

Pre-Reading

• Have you been or witnessed someone being humiliated by a teacher? How did you handle it or feel?
• Yes, I have seen the teachers make fun of the students in class by asking them funny or silly questions and I feel that it is not right for the teachers to do this as the teachers is supposed to teach so we learn not make this kind of jokes to humiliate a person.

During-Reading

• After the humiliation, how did Allyssa deal with the incident initially?
• She got very angry and told a lot of people about it to vent her anger.
• What did Allyssa finally take away from that same incident?
• She learnt that it was the wrong thing to do and she learn that she should just bare with it.

Post-Reading

• What would be one thing you wished your teachers would do better in their treatment of students. Why?
• I wish they would understand the students better, sometime we have a lot of work and stress to do, with tests coming up and CCAs training very tiring, they still give quite a number of homework to do, which makes me feel very stress and pressurized, then I cannot fully concentrate and give my 100 percent.
• If you had the good fortune of only meeting teachers who treated you well all these years, what would be the one thing you would want your teachers to keep doing?
• I would want them to know and students well and help them out as much as possible so that we can learn better.

By: Brendon Goh