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  • Essay / Analysis of the rhetorical devices used by Diane Ravitch in The Essentials of a Good Education

    In current circumstances, students are still overwhelmed by unity and challenge. From the Preliminary English Test (PET) in elementary school to the SAT and GRE in universities, our lives are “tweaked” by all these standardized scores noted. The idea that, despite the indicator properties of standardized tests, they should be minimized has its roots in the goals of education, but the underlying reasons are often overlooked. In “The Essentials of a Good Education,” author Diane Ravitch makes a detailed argument for establishing a diverse, comprehensive, and individualized education. In doing so, she uses a variety of rhetorical elements to persuade her readers of the importance of a good education, including the use of facts, asking rhetorical questions, and appealing to pathos. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The author's skillful use of facts begins with discussions of a standardized test. Diane uses a synergistic reference to two distinct sources of information that serves to provide a more robust compilation of support for her concerns regarding the overemphasis of testing. Stating that “since all students were required to be proficient in math and literature due to the NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND law, schools increased the time devoted to these subjects. "As a result, they will receive more funding due to the excessive time spent on exercises. In this part, Diane uses her words as evidence to reinforce the unnecessary part of the tests, which not only shows that students and schools should not be judged solely on the basis of the tests, but also helps to dispel doubt about the reasonableness and effectiveness of its assertion since the laws have already identified its accuracy. She immediately goes on to state that during the economic recession, the courses which do not. were not included in the subjects were unfairly canceled first This dual use of facts from two separate sources gives the author's audience the feeling that students are gradually being transformed into robots specializing in calculation and words, which. helps logically lead the audience to the conclusion that it is crucial to reduce standardized testing and provide variety and versatility. Additionally, Diane touches the hearts of people who have much more sober brains. Noting that A-rank schools force students to practice every day, she creates an atmosphere where students, staying in test factories, are herded into rows and writing endless assignments. In doing so, the author, on the one hand, paints a sober picture of the current situation of students trained by test materials, and on the other hand, makes his urgency to eliminate standardized tests more credible. Looking back on my own story, I felt a sense of resonance with Diane's description of the problems brought about by unity and hardship. As an international student from Beijing, I almost suffered all the serious consequences caused by standards and tests. Starting in elementary school, I was trapped in a factorized, test-based education. When I got to class, I was asked to sit decently on the chair with my hands on my legs. The professor told us that to be right, we had to follow her even if she was wrong. Once I whispered with my friends, the teacher immediately threw chalk on my head and forced me to stand silently for the entire class. Furthermore, as.