Close Reading #1: "Is Algebra Necessary?"

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/29/opinion/sunday/is-algebra-necessary.html?smid=pl-share&_rmoc.semityn.www

       In this article, the author, Andrew Hacker, speculates if alegebra should be required for students to graduate high school. Hacker's choice of diction, syntax, and detail creates a well-written argumentive essay.
       The diction in this article is wisely chosen and adds to Hacker's persuasive tone and opinion. Readers can see from the diction that Hacker feels very strongly about the algebra's negative impact on the high school drop out rate and gradutation rate of students. For example, "Algebra is an onerous stumbling block for all kinds of students: disadvantaged and affluent, black and white" describes alegebra in a negative light and lets the readers know how Hacker feels about algebra (Hacker, "Is Algebra Necessary?"). Another pejorative comment about algebra is said in, "Mathematics is used as a hoop, a badge, a totem to impress outsiders and elevate a profession’s status" (Hacker, "Is Alebra Necessary?") By comparing math to, in a sense, unimportant objects, Hacker uses these words to show that he thinks math is also irrelevant and unnecessary.
           Hacker's use of syntax affects his tone. For instance, "How many college graduates remember what Fermat’s dilemma was all about?" is written as a question (Hacker, "Is Algebra Necessary?"). This question has a slight mocking tone to it, as Hacker is quite sure that not many college graduates actually remember small details of their algebra class. By writing this sentence in a question form, Hacker also creates a personal effect to the reader. The question causes the reader to think if he/she has remembered what Fermat's dilemma was. This personal effect is a very good technique that Hacker uses to persuade readers into agreeing that math is not necessary and important for many people.
            The detail in this article is a big part of the argumentive writing techniques that Hacker uses. It provides meaning to his argument. For example,  "Instead, it [citizen statistics] would familiarize students with the kinds of numbers that describe and delineate our personal and public lives" describes an alternative to algebra class (Hacker, "Is Algebra Necessary?"). Hacker includes this detail about citizen statistics to tell readers that there is a better way of learning math. By giving an detailed alternative option, Hacker has a better chance of persuading readers to adopt his stance on algebra and follow this alternative option to algebra.
           In conclusion, the diction, syntax, and detail that Hacker uses are important techniques to writing an argumentive essay and also impact Hacker's tone and meaning of his article. Readers are able to clearly see Hacker's point of view and can ask themselves if they think also think that algebra is unnecessary.