Rhetorical Analysis

A large number of college graduates argue that their loan debt is comparable to a life sentence. In the article “A Lifetime of Debt? Not Likely” by Robin Wilson, argues that the college loan debt is not always as severe as some say and it almost always pays off in the long run. The article by Robin Wilson is effective in convincing the audience that taking out college loans in beneficial in the long run because she uses specific examples, logos and pathos appeals, structure and style to convince the reader to agree with her argument. Wilson uses specific examples to enhance her argument that not all college graduates leave drowning in debt, and that most pay off loans quietly and without complaint. She tells several stories of real people who graduated college with substantial debt but were able to adjust and manage their debt and move on with their lives. When Wilson tells the story of the outspoken lawyer that accumulated over $100,000 in loan debt and his argument to have the government relieve him of his debt, she is using him as an example to lead into her argument. The lawyer is one of many college graduates that argue that the system is flawed and unfair to those who have to pay them off for the rest of their lives. Wilson disagrees with these people and uses several examples to prove her opinion. She quotes Michael S. McPherson as saying “There are some really poignant, painful stories… But they aren’t the typical American experience” (257). Wilson also tells the story of Jill McCusker, who graduated with $30,000 in debt. She says that McCusker simply adjusted her plan and lived at home for a while longer while paying off her loans. She is proving her point that it is possible to pay off your debt and continue with your life. Lastly, Wilson points out the huge difference between undergraduate debt and professional-school debt. She says that professional-school debt is “typically much, much higher” (259). Wilson does well at supporting