Article "The Alpha Effect"

Name of Student: Anne H


Chosen Article: “The Alpha Effect”;
assessing how boys and girls influence each other.

Newsweek online article authored by Evan Thomas: Mr. Thomas, an instructor of narrative writing at Princeton.


The fact that Evan Thomas is a writing instructor at Princeton and offers a number of citations by authors/instructors of the similar caliber; primarily, author Dan Kindlon of Harvard also Carol Gilligan, a Harvard graduate in gender studies. These facts establish his authoritative position which leads me to inform and emulate rather than argue. I chose this article because it draws me into the subject matter more readily in comparison to the others.

Mr. Thomas’ introductory paragraph more clearly defines through example the “alpha” effect of boys upon girls and visa-versa by reflecting upon the Deans overheard thoughts that lead to the decision of Dartmouth College to go co-ed and written as "she had hoped that the women would civilize the men. Insead the opposite happened: the men made ruffians of the women." The author refers back to this reflection several times within his writing, possibly to create a more insightful meaning to its introduction.

He strategically contrasts his position through repeated citations of Dan Kindlons’ and Carol Gilligans’ writings immediately followed by his personal insights and opinions within each of the next three paragraphs. His repetitive use of “quotation” marks of phrases and words create emphasis in his use of their terms/meanings. Paraphrasing is another methodology he uses for analysis. A combination of each strategy persuades the reader to agree and reflect further upon his closing argument/opinions.
It seems the blog postings, due to space and medium, require writings that are more briefly summarized for posting..is this an accurate assumption?