Text 1:

Does Suspending Students Work?

Claim:Suspension does not work because it does not address the underlying issues that caused the suspension and hurts the child academically. Also, suspension is assigned disproportionately.

Evidence: “As Pamela Fenning and her colleagues noted in the April 2012 Journal of School Violence, most school districts continue to use out-of-school suspensions even for minor disciplinary issues even though they tend to actually exacerbate problem behaviors and also may lead to academic problems.”

 “Further, out-of-school suspensions are not fairly applied with minority youth being assigned punitive suspensions at greater rates than non-minority youth according to a 2012 report by the US Department of Education.”

This type of evidence relies on expert opinion to strengthen the claim.

Text 2: Who is getting suspended and where?

The purpose of this article is to criticize current means of school discipline, show racial disparities regarding this issue, and advocate for reform that would create a more positive school climate.

The author uses an objective tone by refraining from words that draw emotions, choosing instead to rely on factual evidence. This is how the author uses the logos appeal, as his impartial tone and use of numbers and statistics causes you to be convinced by the article’s claim about school discipline.

Text 3: The Atlantic: How to Discipline without turning into a prison.

I was surprised at the prejudice Black and Latino students face regarding school discipline. I connected this to the other social justice issue of racial tension.

Issue 2: Water 

Text 1: KY counties without water

The claim being made is that Eastern Kentucky has weather shortages that negatively impact the community. 

“Jackson said about 1,500 Clay County residents have had water shortages over the past week because of broken water lines and a drain on the county water supply as many residents kept water flowing in their homes to prevent frozen pipes.”

“The city of Hazard, which supplies water to about 9,000 households in Perry County, declared a water emergency last Sunday, saying the city had repaired more than 10 major waterline breaks between Dec. 27 and Jan. 7.”

The evidence used includes numbers. The article relies on facts to back up its claim.

Text 2: What Went Wrong in Flint.

 The purpose of the text is to demonstrate the cause and effect of Flint’s water crisis from multiple perspectives. Most are residents of Flint, while some are scientists. This article uses parallel structure as each perspective is told in the same format, to give the sense that they are equally relevant. This is an example of ethos because the fact that they are either experiencing the crisis or are experts on it gives them credibility, which strengthens the reader’s trust in the article.

Text 3: 11 yo helping Flint Water Crisis

I was surprised by how much an 11 year old understood the conflict. This article helped me understand the science behind the cause and effect of the water crisis and how the girl’s invention worked. I wonder how she learned the science that allowed her to make the innovation at such a young age.

Issue 3: Opioid Crisis

Text 1: How Drugs Affect the Brain and Central Nervous System.

The claim being made is that drugs negatively affect your brain, body, and health.

“Long-term, chronic heroin use may also result in the deterioration of some of the brain’s white matter, which can negatively impact the way a person responds to stress, regulates emotions, and makes decisions, NIDA publishes. Lung complications and infections of the lining of the heart are additional long-term concerns surrounding perpetuated opioid drug abuse.”

“Regions of the brain are disrupted by drug abuse, as the National Institute on Drug Abuse(NIDA) reports that the brain stem, limbic system, and cerebral cortex are all affected. The brain stem controls life-sustaining functions, including sleeping, breathing, and heart rate, while the limbic system holds the brain’s reward circuitry and helps to control emotions and the ability to feel happiness. The cerebral cortex is considered the “thinking center” of the brain, managing problem-solving, planning, and decision-making abilities as well as helping people to process information provided by their senses.”

The article uses science for its evidence to prove the claim of the harmfulness of drugs on a user.

Text 2: KY: Heroin Epidemic

 The purpose of the article is to inform the reader of the heroin epidemic in Kentucky and what lawmakers are doing to combat the crisis.

The articles uses words with negative connotations such as “devastating”, “rampant”, “dangerous”, “ravage”, and “crisis.”

This article used pathos. The words with negative connotations are intended to worry the reader, having them believe that there is a dangerous epidemic harming their community.

Text 3: Fentanyl Crisis: Ohio Cop Accidentally Overdoses During Drug Call

I was surprised at how the drug was so potent that the cop overdosed by simply brushing his hand on it. This helps me understand the dangers of fentanyl. I wonder what steps the government and the community can take to lessen the crisis.

Visuals:

All of these are legitimate crises that desperately need reform. Contaminated water, opioid usage, and lack of effective school discipline are having a negative impact on our community. While it will be a long and difficult process to resolve these conflicts, we can work together as a community to take steps to combat these crises.