Annoying Ways People Use Sources Analysis

Ethos, Examples, and Tone:
Critical Analysis of Stedman’s “Annoying Ways People Use Sources”
In “Annoying Ways People Use Sources,” Kyle D. Stedman (2011), an assistant professor of English at Rockford University, argues about how writers often fail to utilize sources properly by using quotations, citations, and references in an inappropriate manner which might displease readers, and also states several ways to rectify such mistakes. Stedman says that if a writer does not follow the standard conventions of manipulating information and other materials from external sources into his work, it could cause his readers to become frustrated with his writing approach. Next, he proceeds to give examples of six methods of mishandling sources employed
Taking into account that the primary, or intended, audience of the text is university students, and that this work is meant to provide beneficial information and knowledge about a specific aspect of writing, the author manipulates the tone in such a way that it satisfies the requirements of the rhetorical situation. Moreover, he crafts the tone with impressive skill in order to attract the readers’ attention and grip their interests so that they can better grasp the subject matter being examined. The tone, which expresses the author’s attitude towards the topic at hand, switches back and forth between being humorous and informative. At certain times, it is comic and light-hearted, which helps to create an entertaining and lively atmosphere. This, in turn, causes the readers to become engrossed in the material they are reading since the tone induces an enjoyable mood. Once the author manages to lure them in, he shifts to a more serious, informative tone. This type of instructive tone is better suited for educational purposes and allows the readers to learn and gain knowledge. Consequently, the fusion of the two tones proves to be an effective combination since the author not only manages to entertain his readers, but at the same time, also ensures that they learn something from his work. In “Children as Consumers: Advertising and Marketing,” Sandra L. Calvert, a professor of psychology at Georgetown University, talks about the different ways in which businesses and companies use advertising and marketing strategies to persuade children into becoming consumers of their goods. She also explains that the reason many corporations practise this approach is because, since they are immature and naïve, children are easily influenced. Unlike Stedman’s work, Calvert’s article has a solemn tone which triggers a serious atmosphere. Since the article is found in a scholarly