Analyzing Arguments

1. Identify the claim and supporting reasons in the essay "The Internet Should Be Free"

2. Evaluate how the essay "The Internet Should Be Free" uses evidence to back up its supporting reasons and respond to a counterargument. Are some pieces of evidence more effective than other pieces of evidence? Is any of the evidence weak or ineffective? Why or why not?

3. Between the essay, "The Internet Should Be Free," and the two political ads which do you think is the most convincing?

4. Identify at least one logical fallacy from the essay, "The Internet Should Be Free," or either of the two political ads you examined earlier. Explain why the example is a fallacy and how it affects the persuasiveness of the text.

The Internet Should Be Free

The internet as we know it was invented around 40 years ago. Back then, few people used it. Now, many people access the internet multiple times a day and can find the answer there to just about any question. It's hard to imagine life without internet access because it is such a basic part of people's ability to get through the day. However, some people cannot get the benefits of the internet because they cannot afford it or because it is not available where they live. Since internet access is so important to the success of both children and adults, it should be free of charge to everyone. Yes, free internet will cost taxpayers, but the benefits outweigh the costs.

More and more, the internet is required for students to complete their schoolwork. Schools and teachers expect students to be able to search the internet to do research, access school materials, and communicate with them. According to a study by the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 6 percent of students say they never use the internet at home for homework (Auxier and Anderson). That means 94 percent of students use the internet at least some of the time to complete assignments. This puts students without internet access at a disadvantage. They would have to access it at the library or at a friend's house, which would require them to find transportation as well. If teachers and schools expect students to use the internet to complete work, then it should be free for everyone.

The internet is just as important for adults as well. Even though employers usually provide internet access when it is needed to do a job, the internet is an important tool for getting a job in the first place. In 2019, online job boards were "the most popular for posting job openings," with 69 percent of job seekers using websites such as LinkedIn or company websites to find postings ("2019 Job Seeker"). Also, people often post jobs for their own companies on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. If people do not have access to those platforms, they miss out on important information. The ability to find a job is important to all adults so they can provide for their families, which is another reason the internet should be free of charge.

One argument against providing free internet to everyone is the cost. People worry their taxes will increase and internet service will actually decline as more people get online. However, free internet does not need to use the latest technology. According to Merten Reglitz, a professor at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, "Blogging, obtaining information, joining virtual groups, or sending and receiving emails does not require the latest information technology" (Nield). Even a slow, basic connection that does not use a lot of bandwidth opens up a world of opportunity, and the overall cost would be minimal.

In summary, because internet access is important in people's daily lives, it should be a free service. Students who cannot access the internet do not have the same opportunities as their peers, and adults without internet access cannot easily find jobs. There is an expectation in our society that people have internet access, the same as there is an expectation that people have access to running water and electricity. Cost should not be a barrier.

Transcript: Highway Robbery: Harvey Jones for Senator

Andrea Smithson wants you to think she's good for this country. Andrea Smithson wants you to believe that she cares about the roads, bridges, and railways of America. Andrea Smithson is trying to convince you that she has what it takes to move Americans in the right direction. But what she really has is her hand in the pockets of every American voter. She claims that she pushed the repairs of the Camdentown Bridge in record time, but at a cost to taxpayers of over $100 million, that project was nothing short of highway robbery.

Americans, you work hard. You are the engines that keep this country moving. You probably want to keep a few of your hard-earned dollars in your pockets. If you don't need money, go ahead and vote for Andrea Smithson; she's a crook who'll take your money and leave you with nothing but pocket lint and hopelessness.

But if you're one of the hardworking Americans who like to keep and spend the money they earn, give your vote to Harvey Jones. Harvey Jones is the candidate who can protect you from money grabbers like Andrea Smithson. You'll be glad you gave your vote to Harvey Jones.

Transcript: Keep America Moving: Andrea Smithson for Senator

This country is built on land and determination. Our people are connected by the shared values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, just as our coasts are connected by roads, bridges, and rails. Andrea Smithson wants to make sure those connections are strong. Like the men and women who forge the steel that forms the backbone of our nation, Andrea Smithson wants to forge legislation that keeps America moving. That's why she's running for Senate.

In the past seven years, Smithson has worked to improve our nation's transportation infrastructure, raising a total of over $300 million. Because of her herculean efforts, funding for the Camdentown Bridge was raised in record time, allowing this lifeline to our city to be repaired and making new opportunities for every single person in this state.

Endorsed by the governor, Andrea Smithson is the right choice for senator. So get out there and pave a path to prosperity for all America. Cast your vote for Andrea Smithson to keep America moving.