Running head: RHETORICAL APPEALS ANALYSIS 1

Rhetorical Appeals Analysis

Melissa White

University of Texas at El Paso

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Introduction

Overpopulation is a prominent issue today, in both the animal kingdom and the human

race. Through various studies, research, and observational methods, it has been concluded that

overpopulation in any species is detrimental to their resource supply, immunity, and overall

survival. In Marshall Marcus Connecting the Dots between Species Extinction, Overpopulation,

and the Use of Resources (2016), he touches on the natural consequences of overpopulation. In

order to educate the audience and present an argument, the author must address three rhetorical

appeals: ethos, pathos, and logos. The purpose of this paper is to identify ethos, pathos, and logos

in this article and analyze how the author exhibits rhetorical appeals.

The author argues that overpopulation is detrimental to all life on the planet, and that

humans are primarily to blame for the extinction of many species. Mass extinction is happening

all around us and shows no sign of declining if populations continue to rise. He argues that

biological diversity is crucial to our survival as it provides us raw materials to support our

economies, breaks down our waste, prevents erosion, and protects us from UV rays. Simply put,

Losing that diversity will reduce the earths carrying capacity to support Homo Sapiens

(Marcus, 2016, p. 28). The only way to reduce overpopulation and the negative effects it poses

is to control the birth rate and attempt to decrease our resource consumption rate.

Discussion

Marcus does not only appeal to a scholarly audience, but he uses language that can be

understood by a wide variety of readers. To make it relatable, Marcus suggests that, If we in the

U.S. take as a priority slowing and then stopping mass species extinction here and world-wide,

and accept that our increasing populations and habits of consumption are the main sources of the

problem, then the U.S. as a nation has a marvelous opportunity before it (Marcus, 2016, p. 31).

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In addition, he suggests that we educate our citizens from an elementary age about the issues of

overpopulation, overconsumption, and the consequences each pose to future generations and

existing species.

In summary, Marcus article presents the consequences of excessive consumption, human

overpopulation, and environmental destruction on other species. Though human overpopulation

may be rampant, it contributes to the permanent elimination of other living organisms that we

may or may not know exist. He stresses the importance biological diversity to our economies,

food supply, atmospheric protection, and the breakdown of wastes. That said, Scientists already

have preliminary data to show the connection between the world-wide increase in human

population and species extinction (Marcus, 2016, pg. 29). It is suggested that the only way to

reduce, or possibly even eliminate, the issue is to control population growth and be more mindful

about the amount of resources we as a society consume.

Marcus is effective when appealing to ethos. His article was published in Torch

Magazine, and it was mentioned that his paper was presented to the Richmond Torch Club on

April 1, 2014. Marcus earned a B.S. in chemistry at Memphis State College following two years

of oil exploration in Brazil, and afterwards an M.S. in chemistry from the University of

Kentucky (Marcus, 2016, p. 28). This article is a peer-reviewed academic journal, which is

indicates that it is a reliable, reputable, and scholarly source. His consistency and objectivity also

indicates that he is credible and reliable.

Marcus effectively appeals to pathos by using language that evokes an emotional

response. He presents factual evidence for his argument, but poses thought provoking questions

that could influence ones emotions. Marcus posed the question, What advantage does more

than doubling the population of the world from 3 billion in 1960 to over 7 billion in 2014 offer to

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the hope for avoiding depletion of resources, improving the quality of human life world-wide

and protecting the planets biodiversity? (Marcus, 2016, p. 30). When answering the question,

one may feel concern, fear, sadness, urgency, or maybe even all of the above. Though it does not

appear to be emotionally stimulating at the surface, it causes one to look within themselves and

contemplate a meaningful answer that reflects their own personal feelings.

Lastly, Marcus is effective when appealing to logos by providing multiple pieces of

evidence from multiple sources and arguing each point logically. Marcus (2016) uses India as an

example, referencing their declining birth rate and increased education. Not only that, they have

also experienced an increase in crop yields and upward movement into the middle class. Marcus

states that, Unfortunately, that example will fail as Indias biodiversity is destroyed. A growing

middle class is the tip-off: with the upward economic mobility of millions of Indians, there will

be the accompanying growth of consumption (Marcus, 2016, p. 31). In other words, there will

be other species that suffer as a result and face extinction due to the increase in consumption

rates. He also suggests that, There is a direct route to slowing population growth, but in many

countries it is a very difficult route to establish. That route involves the four common methods

used to control overpopulation around the world: contraceptives, abortion, voluntary tubal

ligation, and voluntary vasectomy (Marcus, 2016, p. 31). In simple terms, these avenues may

not be viable options as they can be too difficult, if not illegal, to obtain. Ultimately, though

population control is a major factor in the preservation of our planet, our amount of resource

consumption is just as crucial.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Marcus effectively uses rhetorical appeals. With the use of ethos, pathos,

and logos, he has created a clinical and objective article to address the issue of overpopulation in

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our world. The author appeals to ethos by establishing his credibility through previous

experiences and education, pathos by effectively balancing the presentation of facts while subtly

provoking an emotional response, and logos by constructing an argument through various pieces

of evidence that back his stance.

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References

Marcus, M. (2016). Connecting the dots between species extinction, overpopulation, and the use

of resources. Torch, 89(2), 28-31.