Analyzing an Argument

Bela's Paper

1. What is the claim?
The main point is that social media effects people in ways they don't see and its bad. There is not an explicit statement explaining this, it is implied throughout the entire essay. Mostly, the statement is in the beginning in the first couple paragraphs.
2. What support does the writer offer for this claim?
The writer gives reasons such as time consumption, self esteem, confidence degrading, mood ruining, etc.  She uses multiple sources, along with statistics and examples. The reasons seem understandable and likely.
3. How evenhandedly does the writer present the issue?
There is slight mentioning of the other side of the argument. But for the most part it is generalized as a way to communicate. The author does not directly address these arguments. She acknowledges them and briefly explains. The other side is treated respectively, given it is the common belief and routine, included herself. Her argument seems qualified and backed up with good sources.
4. What authorities or sources of outside information does the writer use?
Each source is used to give opinions and reasons on why social media has effects. There is a lot of good examples and information provided by the sources. They are used in support of the authors argument. All the sources seemed credible. Given the topic, I believe the sources are pretty current.
5. How does the writer address you as the reader?
The author does assume the reader knows something about the topic, not a lot but something. There are refrences to current social media cites and what they are used for. I feel very included in the essay, I understand exactly what she is talking about and can relate. Her belief seems to be people need to be less focused on social media.