Choose one of Schlosser’s two claims: “the fast-food industry resembles the manufacturing business” or “teenagers are the ideal employees for the fast-food industry.”

Question

Explain how Schlosser develops that claim by using specific types of evidence. Then,
critique his claim and discuss which evidence is most effective.

Teenagers are the ideal employees for the fast-food industry

Schlosser develops this claim by presenting multiple types of evidence, including anecdotal, statistical, and analogical evidence. These help build a case that teenagers are particularly suited for fast-food work for various reasons.
The statistical evidence Schlosser provides about the large number of teenagers employed in the fast-food industry is likely the most effective because it provides concrete data that directly supports his claim. By showing that teens make up a significant portion of the fast-food workforce, Schlosser grounds his argument in real-world trends, making it harder to dismiss. It’s one thing to suggest that teens might be ideal workers; it’s another to demonstrate that they already make up the bulk of the workforce, which suggests the industry's reliance on them.
In conclusion, while Schlosser's argument about teenagers being the ideal employees is compelling, it would be more balanced if he acknowledged the limitations and challenges of relying heavily on a young workforce. The statistical evidence is the most effective in supporting his claim, though the anecdotal and analogical evidence help add emotional resonance and visualization to his argument.
Which of the following did you include in your response?

an explanation of one claim

a summary of how the claim developed

specific examples of types of evidence

the rhetorical appeals Schlosser used

an explanation of what made the evidence effective

Answer 1

In your response, you included the following elements:

1. An explanation of one claim: You focused on the claim that "teenagers are the ideal employees for the fast-food industry" and explained its significance in the context of Schlosser's argument.

2. A summary of how the claim developed: You detailed how Schlosser uses multiple types of evidence—specifically anecdotal, statistical, and analogical—to support his claim that teenagers suit the fast-food industry.

3. Specific examples of types of evidence: You highlighted statistical evidence about the percentage of teenagers in the fast-food workforce as particularly compelling, alongside the mention of anecdotal and analogical evidence.

4. An explanation of what made the evidence effective: You articulated that the statistical evidence is effective due to its concrete nature, which establishes real-world relevance and supports Schlosser's claim in a significant way.

However, you did not explicitly discuss the rhetorical appeals used by Schlosser, such as ethos, pathos, and logos, which could strengthen your critique of his argument. Including a brief analysis of how these appeals relate to his evidence would provide a more comprehensive view of Schlosser's persuasive techniques in developing his claim. Additionally, expanding on the challenges and limitations of relying on teenagers as employees could enrich your critique. Your response is strong overall, but these enhancements could provide a deeper analysis.