Introduction
In his article, “Wolves in Yellowstone”, Cutts focuses on discussing the various positive and negative effects that the wolf reintroduction will have on the ecosystem. He clearly points out the various views different people from different occupations have on this issue of wolf reintroduction into the ecosystem. This topic addressed by Cutts is fascinating and ground-breaking in the world of science especially environmental science. Cutts has utilized various writing techniques to put his message across regarding the reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone National Park. This essay will focus on discussing some of the techniques.
Purpose
The aim of this writer is to inform the reader about the findings of a study that affects one of the most beloved parks in America. This article informs the public and the field of science professionals about the consequences that the return the wolves could have on the ecosystem and hence enables them to give their feedback on the issue or come up with new ways to extend the research carried out on the issue (Schullery 67). His purpose is both obvious and inconspicuous since he utilizes evidence from some studies to support his claims. Simultaneously, he addresses all sides of the matter as if he were giving the readers the chance to make their own assumptions and judgments.
Use your promo and get a custom paper on
"Rhetorical Analysis: Wolves in Yellowstone".
Language
The language used by the author of the article is one that could be understood by nearly anyone who is interested in science and the topic of discussion. He utilizes common phrases and words to discuss the issue of the wolves being reintroduced to the national park. The tone of the article is casual hence making the article more engaging and friendly to anyone who comes across it. The writer selects his words carefully to avert confusing the audience by overwhelming them with a complicated language.
Audience
The anticipated audience for the article would be individuals who have an interest in current innovative research, scientists, and individuals who have an interest in learning more about the environment.
Ethos
The author makes it clear that there is need to reintroduce the wolves into the ecosystem since it is human intervention that led to their disappearance which then led to the creation of an ecological void. It is, therefore, part of human responsibility to return the animal to its original habitat. This makes people aware that the wolves need to be protected not only by the government, but also by the citizens. The author stresses the importance of protecting the wolves as well as the environment they live in and the advantages the wolves have on the ecosystem (Hayward & Michael 92). He goes on to give credible evidence on how wolves positively contribute to the ecosystem. For instance, he refers to the findings of the study carried out by biologists who revealed that the absence of the wolves led to an ecological imbalance whereby the population of the bison and the deer increased which in turn caused overgrazing and eventual scarcity of food. The presence of the wolves would have ensured that the population of these animals remained balanced and hence avoided such consequences.
Pathos
The author succeeds in appealing to human emotions. In order to convince the reader the advantage of reintroducing the wolves to the ecological system, he appeals to people who are concerned about the wolves to take part in protecting them. This is so as to ensure that they continue to contribute to bringing a balance to the ecosystem. However, the author also states that humans have a right to protect themselves from the wolves if they feel they are endangered by them. Therefore, the author uses the word “protect” to appeal to individuals who have more wolf encounters and gives them a sense of security since they have the right to protect themselves from the animals if they pose a direct threat to them or their livestock.
Logos
Logos refers to the ability to appeal to logic (Gunderson 14). The author successfully uses reasoning to try and persuade the reader about the issue. The author reiterates the fact that wolves help to maintain healthy populations of the deer, elk, and bison and prevents them from overpopulating. The wolves achieve this by preying on these animals and hence keeping their populations in check. Anyone reading this statement is convinced that wolves help maintain a balance in the ecosystem since the author has provided a clear, logical explanation. In presenting the views of other people concerning the reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone, the author succeeds in helping the reader understand these people’s way of reasoning. For instance, the author explains that the hunters are opposed to the idea of reintroduction of wolves because they will prey on the deer and the elk, which the hunters hunt thus reducing their source of food.
Kairos
Kairos refers to the ability to appeal to timeliness (Sipiora & James 11). Cutts’ article is presented at an opportune time whereby there is more reason to return the wolves to the ecosystem. This is because their absence has resulted in devastating consequences such as imbalance in the ecosystem. Therefore, by giving the advantages that the return of the wolves will have on the ecosystem, the author succeeds in address the problem of the imbalance in the ecosystem.
- Gunderson, Erik. The Cambridge Companion to Ancient Rhetoric. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge
University Press, 2009. Print. - Hayward, Matt, and Michael J. Somers. Reintroduction of Top-Order Predators. Chichester,
UK: Wiley-Blackwell, 2009. Internet resource. - Schullery, Paul. The Yellowstone Wolf: A Guide and Sourcebook. Norman: University of
Oklahoma Press, 2003. Print. - Sipiora, Phillip, and James S. Baumlin. Rhetoric and Kairos: Essays in History, Theory, and Praxis. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 2002. Internet resource.
