Analysis Of Our Schools Must Do Better By Bob Herbert

How Can We Do Better?

“Our Schools Must Do Better” written by author Bob Herbert attempts to persuade the audience that the public education system is falling behind the times and needs a complete overhaul in order to keep up with the rapidly changing times and technology. He accomplishes this by employing anecdotes and using emotional appeal to capture the audience 's attention as well as an authoritative tone throughout the essay. Although the introduction was eye catching and some might argue persuasive the disorganization and lack of supporting detail left much to be desired.

Herbert begins his essay with a false cause fallacy when he shares an experience he had with a high school aged student. The student could not answer the question “who is the sitting vice president of the United States?” Herbert argued that because the child could not answer this question the public education system is failing. It’s worth noting that Herbert does not reveal how he knows where, and in what manner, this particular child was educated. Furthermore, the author provides no logical relationship between this single student 's response and how it is indicative of every other publicly educated child in the United

Herbert offered an educated and applicable professional opinion. Both the author and Professor Kane used professional language and an authoritative tone. From the student not knowing the vice president 's name to declaring “They need something better than a post-World War II system in a post 9/11 world.” Herbert relied heavily on emotional appeal and fallacies to make key points that ultimately weakened his argument and damaged his credibility. Furthermore, it would have been a beneficial addition to the essay for Herbert to recognize that whilst teachers and administration play an important role in the education system, students are also responsible, and should be held accountable for their