America Great Again Structure

The title “A Plan for Making America Great Again” borrows the rhetoric of the recent presidential election to immediately draw reader’s attention. Despite the title’s obvious ideological affiliation, the subtext makes it clear that the editorial is headed in a completely non-partisan direction. Thus, the title serves to pique the interest of the reader while the subtext ensures that those opposed to the candidate affiliation of the title are not immediately turned off. Simply put, the combined title and subtext effectively draws and retains attention.
The first paragraph serves a quick introduction to the premise of the editorial; however, the simple sentence at the end of the paragraph also acts as a brief but impactful call to action. The …show more content…
I discuss how the United States is the “foremost democratic nation of the modern world” and how it is the “greatest democratic nation in history.” The use of repetition here, particularly of the words “greatness” and “democratic,” appeals to the reader’s patriotic sentiment; it compels the reader to agree with the editorial for the sake of some higher cause. The entirety of the following paragraph is a call to action; indeed, the structure strongly echoes the famous “We Shall Fight on the Beaches” speech given by Winston Churchill. The editorial uses the phrase “we must” three times in four sentences for rhetorical effect. It is a compelling call to action grounded in ethos, a demand that people assist in the crusade for educational reform. However, it is important to note that the first two phrases state “we must put an end” while the last phrase states “we must raise standards.” The difference between the phrases is intentional. While the first two demand an end to the undesirable, negative status quo, the final phrase is future-oriented and instills hope. This seemingly minor detail is important as it fills the reader with confidence and makes them more likely to actually take