Why Alcohol Is Good for You - Essay Example

Why Alcohol Is Good for You Introduction Writing is an activity of anticipation, courageousness and requirement. Writing not only just deals with words, arrangement and languages, but also about doubts and beliefs. In order to develop writing, it needs to be planned effectively. Effective writing requires adopting risks. It can be stated that if an author worry much about the reaction of the readers while composing an article, the writing can be doomed. Every author must take the opportunity to develop their personal viewpoint in writing. Effective article writing requires flexibility, confidence, courage and concern for readers (Tepper, “The Risk-Taking Writer is the Successful Writer”). Thesis Statement The major objective of this paper is to explore the type of risks that are taken by the writer while composing the article. The discussion intends to produce an effective critical summary of the article with respect to management of risks and languages. Analysis of Article The writers require taking risks in order to make any writing more effective. Unless and until a writer takes risk, the writing can become boring and weak. The aspect of risk taking can result in discovering new subjects and broadening opportunities towards learning the reality. One of the major types of risks in writing is avoiding the sense of safety. However, safety is not a preferred component in writing. In relation to the article, it can be observed that the author i.e. Jonah Lehrer has taken the risk of revealing the beneficiaries of alcohol consumption in human life where most of the people know the evil aspects of the same (Centrinity Inc., “Newspaper Article Expectation Sheet”). Risk can appear in the form of choosing highly controversial topic or subject. Writing on controversial topic can raise significant risks in terms of raising arguments from the readers on any opinion or oversight of the writer. The author also undertakes this risk of writing on a highly debatable topic and dared his viewpoint about how alcohol can provide benefits to people. Biasness is the other aspect of writing which can generate risk in writing. Any sort of writing must demonstrate both positive as well as negative aspects of a chosen issue or subject so that it can avoid any misperception or prejudice. In the article of Jonah Lehrer, it can be observed that the author has described both favorable and unfavorable aspects of consuming alcohol. He also described alternative approaches for improving the lifestyle of the people. A good article demonstrates both aspects of a subject without making a final judgment. Hence, it has been observed in the article, that the author did not provide any judgment and delivered impartial standpoint about the merits and demerits of alcohol consumption (Centrinity Inc., “Newspaper Article Expectation Sheet”). There exists significant difference in written language and oral language (Ferraro and Palmer, “Differences Between Oral and Written Communication”). Since 19th century, there has been comprehensive change in language both in written as well as in verbal communication modes. In 21st century, as several new social classes begin to utilize written mode and their requirement for reading and writing increased, the demand of written language has been increased at large. There are several language norms which are related with different societal layers prevailing in a culture. In this regard it can be said that there pertain three language norms namely standard language, regional language and local language. Among these three languages, standard languages are directly associated with ordinary written standard. The execution of standard language has strengthened throughout the period of 20th century. The local languages had lost their importance during this period because of increasing standardization in schools and universities. Furthermore, the rising geographical and social movement is also considered to be a chief reason for loss of local language (Bandle and Widmark 1682-1685). The writer has successfully managed the traditional as well as contemporary writing by maintaining transparency in using standard language. In order to grab the attention of audience, the author used unusual contemporary topic. The risk of taking unusual topic has impacted on the selection of language because the topic is a contemporary and controversial issue where using regional or local language would have been unsuitable. The expectations of target audience for this type of article are quite different from other academic articles. The audience would expect to find fact and opinion of authors. Hence, it can be observed that the author had successfully developed differences between his opinions and real facts on the basis of evidences (Centrinity Inc., “Newspaper Article Expectation Sheet”). Discussion on Analysis Therefore, from the above analysis it can be stated that the writer initiated moderate risks in terms of choosing a controversial topic relating to the article and affirming an unusual opinion on consumption of alcohol. The author has managed the risk effectively by showing evidences of study published in several journals like “Journal of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research” and “Journal of Personality and Social Psychology”. These risks were worth taking due to the reason that the risks made the article an effective one by representing the positive aspects of alcohol consumption. The topic is quite divisive in nature as there are certain audiences which differed on the perception of author relating to the subject. The overall effect of taking the risk is to contribute a new insight on alcoholism by revealing certain infrequent facts (Lehrer, “Why Alcohol Is Good for You”). Conclusion On the basis of the above discussion, it can be stated that taking risks can make an article effective by a considerable level. However, the various risks which are involved in writing must be managed carefully by providing proper evidence and making logical sense. Initiating risks can encourage creativity in writing. From the analysis of the article, it can be observed that the writer has tried to manage the risks by providing various evidences. Yet, the author had taken the opportunities to make the readers think about the positive aspects of alcohol consumption by making certain crucial points which cannot be denied. The author successfully used standard language and adequate layout in order to describe the topic and also fulfilled the expectations of the readers. Works Cited Bandle, Oskar and Gun Widmark. The Nordic Languages: An International Handbook of the History of the North Germanic Languages, Volume 2. Germany: Walter de Gruyter, 2005. Print. Centrinity Inc. Newspaper Article Expectation Sheet, No Date. Web. 30 Oct. 2012. Ferraro, Vincent and Kathryn C. Palmer. Differences between Oral and Written Communication. Mount Holyoke College, No Date. Web. 30 Oct. 2012. Lehrer, Jonah. Why Alcohol Is Good for You. Condé Nast, 07 Sep. 2010. Web. 30 Oct. 2012. Tepper, Susan. The Risk-Taking Writer is the Successful Writer. Publishing Tips, No Date. Web. 30 Oct. 2012. Read More