The Strategies of an Effective Argument

In the 2020 Arak Journal article “Women in Sports: Pay Up & Pay Attention,” Sawyer argues that women’s sports deserve more equality and credit than they are receiving. The author captures several viewpoints in which women's sports are downplayed in regard to entertainment, popularity, and salary. Sawyer’s article displays clear points using multiple pieces of evidence through rhetorical approaches and strategies. As a result, the author’s points are extremely effective in conveying her argument.

The article is about a woman who grew up playing sports, but realizes that women in sports are very downgraded. Sawyer talks about how there is less production put into streaming women's sports; quality, replays, etc., which actually leads to these games being less popular than men’s sports events. Also, she mentions that women actually receive less sponsorship and income than men. There isn’t as much popularity in women's sports because of the disrespect and inequality they are facing.

Throughout the article, the author makes arguments to prove that there is inequality in sports. Using clear evidence and organization, along with rhetorical devices, she effectively conveys her argument. One example of a strategy she used is connecting with emotions of the audience. She uses the phrases, “oppression and media slander” (page 19), and “discrimination and unequal treatment” (page 19), which connects to the audience by bringing out their emotions and making them feel sensitive.

With the use of credibility, logic, and emotions, the author effectively conveys her argument. Sawyer’s clear points and organization provide an appealing article which compels her audience to agree with her stance on inequality in sports.