Blog Post 10.1, Rhetorical Analysis of Project 3

Project 3 will be both a hard but interesting Project to do. For one, it will require a great deal of research and writing/filming/recording. However, we also have the opportunity to write about something that we are passionate about. Before the Rough Draft is even started, however, I must look at the Rhetorical Situation behind Project 3.

Author:

1.

My major, Geosciences, and my interest in it has a huge effect on what kind of issue I am going to research. I plan on writing about hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking", for oil and the pros/cons surrounding it.

I feel as if the issue of fracking is actually a rather hot button topic with very passionate camps either in support of, or opposing. As well, it is an issue that ties directly in to my major of Geosciences. Many Geology majors chose to go into the oil and gas business. It will be interesting to see if this project affects my career aspirations at all.

2.

Some preconceptions and bias does come into this project. I tend to lean conservative on some issues. One issue that I feel I am passionate about is energy. I hold mixed views on the topic, however. I do think that greener energy sources are the wave of the future. However, I also believe that if the United States is to be energy independent (that is, producing most of, if not all, of our energy without outside sources), we must tap into our huge reserves of oil and natural gas. Fracking has certainly expanded that field. Though, I do have concerns over the safety and environmental effects of fracking.

Audience:

1.

I am going to make this project for myself (to test my values) and for those who are interested in energy controversy. These people could be environmentalists or business professionals trying to get both sides of the issue.

2.

Environmentalists might see fracking as unnecessary, dangerous and polluting.

Those in the field or in business, however, might see fracking as a booming industry that will improve itself over time.

3.

For this project, I am thinking of identifying a new way that fracking is being done and identify how that idea is a great idea.

That argument might upset some who think of fracking as bad. However, it could also open their eyes to see that, with significant changes, fracking might be a viable way to tap into oil and gas.

Some in the industry might scoff at the idea that change is even necessary in the business. However, many more environmentally friendly ways of doing industry also tend to increase output (e.g Germany using wind turbines to generate huge amounts of electricity).

Overall I expect a mixed reaction from both sides.

4.

To connect with those in the industry, I might mention that I am in the field of Geosciences.

For those opposed to fracking, I might write a short section detailing some cons of fracking as it stands now.

In order for both sides to agree with me, I would need to create a "win-win" situation for both sides: cleaner, safer versions of fracking that also keep output where it is now or even increase output.

5.

I know of two people from both sides that I could try to write this paper for.

One of them is a friend from high school that is involved with Environmental Studies here at the University of Arizona. I could write the paper to try and convince her about safer forms of fracking.

As well, I know of a family friend that it interested in Geology and the oil and gas industry. I could write to convince him that new forms of fracking do not cut down on output and actually help the business overall.

Purpose:

1.

I want to show that fracking, despite the bad reputation it has amongst many critics, is still a viable form of energy procurement. Also, I want to illustrate the advances made in the field of fracking and how they will impact the future of the industry.

2.

What needs to be accomplished is, as I mentioned in the Audience section, a "win-win" situation for fracking and those concerned about the environment. It is true that fracking has some negative consequences on the environment. Those need to be addressed.

However, fracking can also be an incredibly useful tool for securing more energy independence for the U.S.

Context:

What genre?

1.

I will be writing a Standard College Essay for this project.

2.

The audience expects to see a plethora of sources and large blocks of texts. No images and no fuss.

3.

I have written many papers in high school (especially in MLA format!). As well, I have written a couple of papers so far at the University of Arizona in a Geography class.

4.

I feel somewhat comfortable writing an essay. I've done it dozens of times before so I know what, generally, to expect. I am worried that my sources or explanations might fall a bit short.

5.

Use of many sources because it establishes that the writer knows what he/she is talking about and is invested in the issue.

Also, MLA or APA formatting because it keeps the text clean, tidy and easy to read.

When?

1.

Congress, I am sure, has debated and voted on issues surrounding fracking. Such debates and information will not be hard to find and may prove useful in the project.

2.

Oil Milestone, CNN

Waterless Fracking, Fox

Fracking: The Pros and Cons, BBC

Fracking Fact-Finding, Australian Broadcasting Corporation

3.

Fracking is dangerous because it creates earthquakes.

Fracking pollutes groundwater.

The fracking industry hasn't been following correct laws and regulations.