SWA #10

Title: A Growing Problem; A Rhetorical Analysis on Mark Bittman’s “Bad Food? Tax It.”

Thesis: By examining Mark Bittman’s “Bad Food? Tax it,” we can see that Bittman effectively argues for a tax on unhealthy food by using strategies such as addressing both sides of the issue, using statistics, providing examples of how it would work, and providing examples of why it is necessary.

                            I.     Bittman addresses both sides of the issue

A.   When comparing the issue with the tobacco industry he recognizes that food is a necessity and tobacco is not.

1.     Offers counterpoint that you don’t need sugary drinks

2.     Provides examples of risks that are similar to that of smoking

B.    Addresses claim about enhanced drinks

1.     Agrees that drinks with vitamins are a little better

2.     Says they would be better off just consuming less of these

                          II.     Bittman uses statistics

A.   Average American consumes 44.7 gallons of soft drinks annually

B.    American consumed 278 additional calories per day between 1977 and 2001 and more than 40 percent came from soda and other sugary drinks

C.    Talks about how obesity cost are projected to reach 344 billion by 2018

D.   Talks about how the tax could save cities billions of dollars

E.    Mentions the food advertisements children see and how 86 percent of them are for unhealthy foods.

                        III.     Bittman provides examples of how it could work

A.   Talks about how sweetened drinks should be taxed at 2 cents per ounce

1.     Pepsi would cost a 1.44 more

2.     This shows readers it wouldn’t be a significant price change but it still could make a difference

B.    Tobacco example

1.     Shows similarities

2.     Talks about how if that can work so can this

C.    Gives examples of it working in other countries

1.     Demark

2.     Romania

3.     Hungary

4.     Brazil

                        IV.     Bittman provides examples of why it is necessary

A.   Talks about how it would save America money

1.     Save the government around 30 billion in health related costs

2.     New York State example

B.    Save lives

1.     Prevent 1.5 million Americans from becoming obese

2.     Prevent 400,000 cases of diabetes.

Conclusion Point: This is an effective argument because it addresses both sides of the issue, provides examples of how and why a tax is necessary, and it contains strong statistics to drive his point home.