Centennial College COMM 171: Analytical Essay on Dewolf's Article

This analytical essay, submitted for a COMM 171 midterm assignment at Centennial College, examines Christopher DeWolf's article, 'Hit the Brakes.' The essay critically analyzes DeWolf's writing techniques, focusing on how he strengthens his argument that people should prioritize enjoying life over excessive work. The essay highlights DeWolf's use of factual evidence, first-person perspective, and imagery to persuade readers. It also includes an introduction with a thesis statement, body paragraphs with supporting evidence, and a conclusion. The student's response demonstrates a thorough understanding of the article's persuasive strategies, referencing specific examples and rhetorical devices employed by DeWolf to encourage readers to adopt a slower, more balanced lifestyle. The analysis also provides suggestions for improvement, focusing on the effectiveness of the essay's structure, content, and critical analysis of the article's persuasive elements. The assignment aims to assess the student's ability to analyze and critique persuasive writing, as well as their understanding of essay organization and grammar.

Running head: ANALYTICAL ESSAY RESPONDING TO TOPIC 1 1
Analytical essay Responding to Topic 1
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation

ANALYTICAL ESSAY RESPONDING TO TOPIC 1 2
It is coming to many people’s attention that ‘our society puts too much emphasis on work
compared to enjoying life’ (Drake, 2009, p.33). It is always important to slow down on our
regular busy schedules and invest quality time in some social activities. It is the advice from
Christopher Dewolf to his readers who could be having a different opinion to his. Dewolf is a
renowned author, an expert in writing persuasive articles and books. Individuals ought to work
less and enjoy life more. Thus, the author insists that a slower way of life is a better life for any
individual that aspires to hit the brakes. In using evidence, imagery, persuasion and the first
person, Dewolf demonstrates that people ought to enjoy life more than work always, something
that most people have no idea.
To begin with, Dewolf (2005) provides exemplary factual evidence to support his claims
throughout the text entirely. He countlessly gives several stories that depict a real-life experience
to show us that indeed what he claims is a fact. For instance, Dewolf states that “In 2003, while I
was working on a newspaper story about talented English-Canadians moving here after decades
of brain drain, many of the people I interviewed pointed to Montreal’s relaxed lifestyle as one of
its biggest draws” (Dewolf, 2005). He also provides some relevant examples and leaves the
reader to answer on their own as they read through the text. All these suggests that he is indeed
factual in whatever he says.
Additionally, Dewolf (2005) uses the first-person point of view to enhance personalization. In
other words, the reader can read the article in the first person and become part of the story. As a
result, he achieves his aim of persuasion. Also, it makes the author’s claims true since he has
possessed them. He gives personal examples to help the reader understand that whatever he
claims has happened to him at a personal level.

ANALYTICAL ESSAY RESPONDING TO TOPIC 1 3
Moreover, Dewolf (2005) uses imagery to create a lyrical emotion and similes to compare the
advantages of working less and enjoying more compared to working much and enjoying less. For
instance, he uses a figurative language to describe 'living a busy life' as being associated with a
monster (Dewolf, 2005). He also uses figurative language to describe individuals who work less
like a bunch of ambitious overachievers (Dewolf, 2005). As a result, he can relate what he is
describing with the real-life object for better understanding. Also, use of similes ad figurative
language increases the level of persuasion.
Dewolf achieved his purpose of persuading the reader that there is nothing good in keeping
yourself busy the rest of your life. He has effectively convinced the reader with adequate
evidence supporting his claims that indeed people need to enjoy life more than they work. He has
done this by effectively integrating similes, imagery, persuasion and use of the first person in
demonstrating the need for enjoying life more than work. Most importantly, he helps individuals
understand that if you work more hard than you enjoy your life, you dig your own grave
untimely

ANALYTICAL ESSAY RESPONDING TO TOPIC 1 4
References
DeWolf, C. (2005, September 15). Hit the brakes. Retrieved from
Maisonneuve. https://maisonneuve.org/article/2005/09/15/hit-brakes/
Drake, J. D. (2009). Downshifting: How to Work Less and Enjoy Life More: Easyread Super
Large 24pt Edition. ReadHowYouWant. com.