Rhetorical Analysis Of In A Defense Of Newspapers By Jonathan Choi

In Jonathan Choi’s article “In a Defense of Newspapers” Choi attempts to persuade his audience that newspapers need to be valued and protected as important news sources. Choi uses various rhetorical devices to increase the persuasiveness of his argument. Choi uses evidence in the form of data and examples, a humorous and entertaining tone, and ethos to convince his readers that newspapers need to be protected.
The first rhetorical device Choi uses is evidence. Chois uses evidence in paragraph 1, where he states “The corresponding numbers are 20 and 36 percent”. The evidence makes his argument valid because he proves that people are not trusting newspapers anymore. Choi also uses evidence in paragraph 8 where he said “...alerted the watergate

scandal...uncovered the Catholic church’s cover up in the priest scandal… exposed fraud in mayoral elections”. This evidence in the form of an example, shows the past victories that the past newspapers had. The contributions stated in paragraph 8 compels the audience that the newspaper is actually benefiting society and should be protected since the newspapers have been exposing the evils unseen by society.
The second device Choi uses is ethos. CHoi builds his credibility in paragraph 1, where he states percentages. The stating of evidence increases the trust that the audience has to his words, or his credibility. He also increases his credibility in paragraph 2, where he says”I regularly read three newspapers”. The quote increases his status as a credible writer because he himself has read newspapers so he has a great understanding of them. The increase of credibility increases the logic of his argument,
The third device Choi uses is his tone. He has a humorous tone that entertains the audience so they don’t lose focus on his argument. Choi uses his humorous tone in paragraph 5 where he states “after all, who wants to see a headline reading “Kennedy Announces plan to put Man on Moon”?”. The quote shows how Choi uses his tone because the Kennedy moon plan occurred over 40 years ago which is a hyperbole to how some perceive newspapers to give outdated information. His tone appeals to the audience’s emotion because they become happy at the funny remark and more focused on his argument. The increased focus the audience has on his claim increases the persuasiveness.
In conclusion, Choi uses 3 devices to increase the persuasiveness of his argument. Choi uses evidence, tone, and ethos to convince his audience that newspapers need to be protected.