Standardized Testing

Everyone dreads standardized testing at the end of the year. It's a big source of stress and worry for both teachers and students alike. But while it may not be the most enjoyable time of year, it is basically unavoidable.


These tests are not perfectly indicative of teaching ability or a student's capacity to learn because many students are simply not good test-takers and may not perform up to their ability. However, standardized tests do give as good a proof as any as to whether or not a student is ready to move up a grade level. Even if a student is smarter than what their test scores show, if they cannot pass the minimum score required, they're not ready to advance to a higher grade. For this reason, standardized testing is a proven, necessary method.

Analysis: Dress Irresponsibly

      In PacSun's new series of "Dress Irresponsibly" ads, a fairly common depiction of teenagers is seen. The youth of today want to live it up while they're young; be carefree and irresponsible before they are forced to grow up. In this particular ad, appeals are made subtly through a simple picture and motto.

     The use of ethos is seen through the young woman in the ad, who seems to be delivering the message of dressing irresponsibly. This girl, wearing a content smirk and showing a generally relaxed demeanor, is laying in a large pool of PacSun clothes, which are carelessly strewn about. She is basically saying, "Be like me and have no worries." She is being used as an example for what teens should aspire to be. By putting her in this position (someone better than the average kid), she has the authority to give advice on how to dress and how to live your life.
     As for emotional appeals, look at the obvious grin on the model's face. She is content and carefree, which hardly any teens are. She seems to have come home from a night out partying, and is now basking in the sunlight with not a care in the world. It's all thanks to her choice in clothing. The picture emphasizes that the clothes are the reason for the joy seen in this PacSun customer.
     While the background image of the ad is the main source of ethos and pathos, the slogan stamped across it is full of logical appeal. At first the words seem provocative. "Dress irresponsibly." However, it doesn't mean to dress in a vulgar way, but rather to dress freely. Wear whatever you want. This is logical because teens do not have freedom in a lot of areas, and just like the ad implies, freedom is something teens are craving. So thankfully, they have PacSun, where the clothes express individuality, freedom, and carelessness.