Toulmin Model: Re-Read Virginia Heffernan's Calling Blue And
Toulmin Modelreread Virginia Heffernans Calling Blue And On That Fa
Toulmin Modelreread Virginia Heffernans "Calling Blue: And On That Farm He Had A Cellphone" on page 171 of your text. Next, complete the following: Apply the Toulmin model to Heffernan's argument. Provide Heffernan's claims, grounds, warrants, backing, and rebuttals. Analyze Heffernan's essay in your own terms. Consider the following questions in your analysis: Was the essay convincing? Explain, giving reasons. Was it argumentative enough? Explain. Discuss the evidence provided. Does she provide enough evidence? What would have improved the argument of Heffernan's essay? Submission Requirements: Submit your response to the assignment in a minimum of 300 words in a Microsoft Word document.
Paper For Above instruction
Virginia Heffernan’s essay, "Calling Blue: And On That Farm He Had A Cellphone," presents a compelling reflection on the unexpected presence of modern technology—specifically a cellphone—on a farm where it might seem out of place. Utilizing the Toulmin model to analyze her argument reveals how she constructs her reasoning and evaluates its effectiveness in persuading her audience.
Heffernan's primary claim is that cellphones have become ubiquitous, even in rural and traditionally disconnected settings like farms, challenging the notion that such environments are isolated from technological influence. Her grounds for this claim include vivid descriptions of farm life interrupted by the intrusion of cellphone signals and the prevalence of mobile technology across different demographics and locations. She supports her argument by citing personal anecdotes, observations, and general statistics about cellphone usage, thereby backing her claim with both experiential and empirical evidence.
The warrant underpinning her argument is that the pervasiveness of technology has transformed societal norms, compelling even rural communities to adapt to modern devices for communication, work, and social connection. This warrant presumes that technological integration is a natural progression aligned with societal development. Backing this warrant, Heffernan refers to broader cultural trends and the impact of technology on daily life, illustrating that the reach of cellphones extends beyond urban centers to rural landscapes.
In terms of rebuttals, Heffernan anticipates objections that rural areas might remain resistant to technological change or that the presence of cellphones does not necessarily signify cultural integration. She counters these by demonstrating that the adoption of mobile technology is widespread and often essential for rural inhabitants seeking connectivity for emergencies, business, or social reasons.
Assessing the convincingness of her essay, Heffernan effectively employs humor, anecdotal storytelling, and relatable examples, making her argument accessible and engaging. Her evidence, primarily anecdotal with some statistical references, suffices to support her claims, although more rigorous data could enhance her authority. The essay is sufficiently argumentative but could benefit from deeper exploration of counterarguments or counterexamples to strengthen her position.
To improve her argument, she might include more empirical data on cellphone penetration rates in rural areas, health or social studies examining the impact of technology on these communities, or expert opinions. Such enhancements could fortify her claims and diminish skepticism regarding the cultural significance of cellphones in rural settings.
In conclusion, Heffernan's essay is convincing and effectively illustrates the infiltration of technology into all facets of life, including rural farms. While her use of evidence is compelling, further data and consideration of counterarguments could elevate her argument's strength, making for a more rigorous and comprehensive analysis.
References
Heffernan, V. (2014). Calling Blue: And On That Farm He Had A Cellphone. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com