In the article “Can Refugees Benefit the State?” by Karen Jacobsen, found in The Journal of Modern African Studies, the pros and cons of Refugee resettlement in America are shared in a relatively equal manner. Jacobsen guides the reader through how she finds a pro inside of each con, by doing this she shows the reader multiple perspectives which encourages critical thinking and takes the mind past the first argument. Although this is a benefit to the reader, her persuasive article is now an informational piece rather than persuasive. By clearly stating her opinion while expressing both sides of the argument she allows the reader to form their own opinion, which in the end may not be the same as Jacobsen’s. Through her professional tone, unbiased…show more content… She addresses the ups and downs of refugee resettlement by explaining to the reader not only her opinion but also an opinion, which she does not agree with. For example, when discussing resource and security problems with refugees entering the state her argument for and against refugees are the same length, with equally little evidence. Her word choice is mature and bold, allowing the reader to not be swayed by word choice but rather the actual content behind her argument. However, when Jacobsen uses phrases such as, “‘trickles out’” while supporting her own beliefs her argument begins to look weaker compared to her typical vocabulary choices (580). Jacobsen’s informational article allows the reader to shamelessly make their own decisions while having two different sides advertised and although Jacobsen encourages refugee resettlement, we are still given a fifty-fifty chance to agree with each side. Although this is a decent article when trying to gather facts on the topic, her own opinion is weakened to the point that her article is unconvincing of one side or the other. Without such a professional and informative tone Jacobsen would not have written such a factual article; her style and information make the reader secure in knowing that her article is more than just a blog post. However, the factors that make “Can Refugees Benefit the State?” so trustworthy…show more content… The way she answers the reader’s question by stating, “The counter-argument, presented below, is…” her article becomes more educational rather than a biased piece. By initially explaining a downside to refugee resettlement in America and then concluding the discussion with a positive perspective, the reader begins to critically think about each proposed perspective. Although this trigger helps the reader form their own opinions, it also leaves room for the reader to disagree with Jacobsen’s views. That ignition of this independent debate would not have been possible without her professional writing style and her way of proving both sides while personally supporting only one, which in the end harmed her
