Why Literature Matters Essay PDF

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Thesis of why literature matters...

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In response to the decline of reading in America, writer Dana Gioia argues that at this rate, the deficiency of reading will have a negative effect on society in her article “Why Literature Matters.” She effectively builds her argument by using statistics from important organizations, diction, and logos by referencing an important author. Gioia supports her argument by providing an example of the negative effect caused by the decline of reading. Based on a poll in 2001 on skill deficiency, “poor reading skills ranked second, and 38 percent of employers complained that local schools inadequately taught reading comprehension.” (Paragraph 6) From a worker’s perspective, the lack of reading had a significant impact on the skills of people that could have assisted them throughout their daily lives. The information gathered by a prominent organization strengthened her argument because it supplied a more explicit presentation of the problems caused by the withdrawal of reading.

After including information from a population study, Gioia furthered her argument by including diction to describe the results of the study. It is essential that we continue reading otherwise the lack of historical knowledge will tie in with the future opportunities in life. She included words such as “worrisome” and “severe” to narrate the gradual decline of arts participation of Americans showing her opinions on how society is headed onto the wrong path, adding more weight to her words. Finally, Gioia continued to build up her argument by stating a credible author, Daniel Pinks. Daniel is a highly admirable individual who states that character is not defined by “linear, logical, analytical talents,” but “the ability to create artistic and emotional beauty, to detect patterns and opportunities, to craft a satisfying narrative.” (Paragraph 5) By including a credible author with the same opinion as to her, she is more likely to gain the attention of many others that agree with Daniel Pinks....