Analysis of an Argument
While browsing the Internet, I ran across a Web site named Life planning for Women. There I found an article titled, "Majority of Baby Boomers Face Serious Retirement Crisis: A Psychological Breakthrough is Recommended." The article, written by Christopher L. Hayes, Ph.D., is an informative essay touting the writer's opinion of the financial dilemma Baby Boomers will face at retirement age because of poor and lackadaisical planning throughout their lifetimes. Dr. Hayes also goes on to give suggestions to his readers of how to prevent this crisis in their own lives. I found the article interesting because it deals with a topic that affects a good share of my generation, as well as me.
The purpose of this article is to inform readers of the urgency of saving their money now in order to provide financial security for themselves when they reach retirement age. The writer sounds professional, educated, and knowledgeable about the topic, yet he uses language the intended audience can easily understand. Dr. Hayes uses a tone that expresses concern and seriousness, but he is not so serious as to predict certain doom. Rather, Dr Hayes seems dismayed by the poor planning and non-chalance of Baby Boomers, yet he is genuinely concerned and enthusiastic about having a plan they can employ to help insure their own financial security. He is adamant that they can help themselves if they will just use his plan. He believes that readers want to save money but need to be able to consider the ultimate goal is attainable.
This article appears in a Web site that is directed at middle-aged Baby Boomers. It is fairly short and the writer's opinion is stated concisely. The target audience would be interested in the subject matter because it directly affects them; they are facing retirement and old age soon. The first half of the report describes the problem and the second half suggests a solution. The writer keeps the paper interesting and doesn't weigh it down with too many facts or statistics, using just enough to make his point and maintain the reader's attention. The writer is probably a Baby Boomer himself with an active interest in the subject.
Readers of this article would be looking for information helpful to them in the future with advice on financial planning for retirement. An attracted reader would probably have a busy lifestyle would be looking for a quick fix to her financial situation. The reader wouldn't be interested in spending a lot of time researching and reading. The writer's choice to keep the article short and to the point was a wise decision. According to Hayes' survey, Baby Boomers already know they aren't saving enough, but they feel the goal needed is unattainable so they don't bother saving at all. Hayes gives women a plan to help get them started and points out that it is possible.
Dr. Hayes appeals to the reader's self-esteem by calling Baby Boomers the most educated and publicized generation. He says it makes sense to have enough money to retire comfortably and it makes sense to save money in a way that is somewhat painless (with payroll deductions).
Dr. Hayes appears to be believable because he is a professor of psychology and gerontology. He is also Executive Director of the National Center for Women and Retirement Research at a university. He cites statistics from a survey and gives facts and information pertinent to the subject. Dr, Hayes also names a well-known investment firm as a sponsor of the survey that he conducted.
The writer appeals to the reader's emotions with lines like these: