Question

Read the opinion essay “Pay Your Own Way! (Then Thank Mom)” which was written by Audrey Rock-Richardson and published in Newsweek in 2000. By writing one or two double-spaced paragraphs, explain the article’s overall issue, the author’s position, and the reasons she provides. Be sure to also address what makes her arguments provided in the article successful as well as identify weaknesses, if any, in her claims. Next, use the information and ideas from your responses and write three to four “reasonable,” “responsible,” “respectful,” and double-spaced, paragraphs arguing against a claim the essay makes.

Answer 1

The issue addressed in the article is that when we grow up and become adults, we should find some part-time jobs so that we do not put the tuition burden on our parents. The author strongly stands by this point and is strictly against those who depend on their parents for education and tuition fee associated with the same. The reason for this stand is that the author feels that having part-time jobs and earning money during the age of college education will help us to get stronger in managing tasks and getting us mentally prepared to face challenges of varying degrees.

The argument which states that the author herself had paid all her tuition fees by herself and did not depend on anyone is an excellent proof of the overall point she tries to explain. Almost all claims made by the author are 100% genuine and worthy. However, one claim which I would like to highlight is the fact that there are many parents who still pay for their children's education as children feel they are entitled to the same. This claim is seen as a negative one as per the author which is the argument I would like to address. As far as western culture is concerned, the statement is true but is not applicable across other cultures. This is because readers from different cultural background, especially the Asian and middle eastern countries always find the role of parents in giving education to children a crucial part of their role to be played and will do so until their children are graduated so that they can get a good job of their choice. This tradition is deep-rooted and cannot be abolished easily. The author could have expressed the same idea in a more sophisticated and diplomatic manner so that it suits a wide range of audience tastes.