Academic Analysis: “Natural Gas Fracking Addresses All of Our Major Problems”
In his essay, “Natural Gas Fracking Addresses All of our Major Problems,” Richard Pierce argues that drilling for natural gas by using horizontal drilling and fracturing of shale formations will solve many of our nation’s issues. He cites that our abundant supply of natural gas has the ability to improve our economy, the environment, and geopolitical conditions as well provide a constant, dependable, global energy supply for at least a century. He backs these claims by listing examples of recently discovered natural gas basins in the United States and abroad and by showing that the current gas supply has already put downward pressure on oil prices. The result of lower oil prices makes many products more affordable and improves the global economy. He posits that by switching from “dirty” coal to cleaner burning natural gas to generate electricity, the environment will improve by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45%. Another benefit from …show more content…
Pierce’s framing of the argument, choice of words, use of logos, and focus on the positive aspects of natural gas are meant to persuade the reader to embrace the idea of fracking. He believes that fracking can solve many of the problems facing the world today. His article provides an example of why the reader must carefully consider the motivations of a writer and why it is important for the writer to include counterarguments when writing a persuasive piece. Pierce proves with this work that he is a gifted rhetorical writer. He discusses economic, environmental and geopolitical points that are not often included in the fracking debate. However, in the end, he forfeits a great opportunity to strengthen his argument by leaving the controversial aspects of fracking out of the
In his essay, “Natural Gas Fracking Addresses All of our Major Problems,” Richard Pierce argues that drilling for natural gas by using horizontal drilling and fracturing of shale formations will solve many of our nation’s issues. He cites that our abundant supply of natural gas has the ability to improve our economy, the environment, and geopolitical conditions as well provide a constant, dependable, global energy supply for at least a century. He backs these claims by listing examples of recently discovered natural gas basins in the United States and abroad and by showing that the current gas supply has already put downward pressure on oil prices. The result of lower oil prices makes many products more affordable and improves the global economy. He posits that by switching from “dirty” coal to cleaner burning natural gas to generate electricity, the environment will improve by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45%. Another benefit from …show more content…
Pierce’s framing of the argument, choice of words, use of logos, and focus on the positive aspects of natural gas are meant to persuade the reader to embrace the idea of fracking. He believes that fracking can solve many of the problems facing the world today. His article provides an example of why the reader must carefully consider the motivations of a writer and why it is important for the writer to include counterarguments when writing a persuasive piece. Pierce proves with this work that he is a gifted rhetorical writer. He discusses economic, environmental and geopolitical points that are not often included in the fracking debate. However, in the end, he forfeits a great opportunity to strengthen his argument by leaving the controversial aspects of fracking out of the