vocabulary
sophisticated
cosmopolitan; smart; worldly; worldly-wise
after parents, television has become perhaps the most potent influence on the beliefs, values, and behavior of the young. ”
comma rule 4 and 1
For example, a University of Southern California research team exposed 250 elementary students to three weeks of intensive viewing.
illustrative examples
contemplative
broody; cogitative; meditative
spectatorship
bystander
"In defense, broadcasting officials maintain that the jury is still out on whether video violence is guilty of producing aggressive behavior.”
comma rule 4
“Do you know where your children are tonight?” “What are they watching and with whom?”
rhetorical question
“TV violence is both a mental-health problem and an environmental issue,” explained Dr. Richard E. Palmer, president of the AMA.
appeal to authority
tolerance
patience
The question has become: “What are they watching---and with whom?”
Colon rule 3
According to television survey-taker A.C. Nielsen, children under five watch an average of 23.5 hours of TV a week.
Use of facts, statistics
“His parents are beginning to discuss their apprehensions---when they are not too busy watching television.”
dash rule 2
Gratuitously
complimentary; costless; free; gratis
“They want everything to be easy---like watching the tube.”
Dash rule 1
“You don’t see kids making their own toys out of crummy things like we used to,” says University of Virginia psychology professor Stephen Worchel.
Anecdotes
What's the tone of the essay
Serious Sarcastic.
preempt
appropriate; arrogate; commandeer; convert; expropriate.
“Frye’s brood rebelled at first, but today 14-year-old Mark fills his afternoons with tap dancing lessons, scout meetings, and work in a gas station. ”
comma rule 2
“Of all the attractions in New York,” recalls Dr. Benjamin Spock, “they seemed to find the TV set the most fascinating.”
Quotation
What's the style of the essay?
Argumentative essay.