Analysis of a Sample Public Argument

http://math.arizona.edu/~tkloefkorn/images/university.jpg

     As I enter the University of Arizona website, the first thing I am drawn to is the big photograph that takes up most of my screen and its caption.  After a couple of seconds, the screen changes to a new photograph highlighting another commendable thing the U of A has done.  While the photographs are the largest part of the screen, the smallest part would be the calendar of events.  This is perhaps because the university wants to foremost press why they think they are the best university, so more people will apply, and not focus as much on all the events that are happening.  Even though the photographs are the largest thing on the page, they are not the only thing I am drawn to.  My eyes also go to the top tabs because of how the vibrant red is contrasted to the photographs directly below it.  The overall feel from the website is professional, yet also warm.  It boasts a lot of facts about the college that would entice prospective students, but it does it in a warm way with bright reds and blues, and plenty of pictures.   The U of A website does a nice job of showing its credibility on its home screen because it says that it is #1 because it is the only university in the continental U.S. with its own radio telescope and it has the largest collection of children's and adolescent literature in the world.  The front page's biggest links are to apply, visit, and give; three things the university wants to make the most convient for people to do.  

     I further explore the website by visiting the About the University webpage.  The page is clearly designed to entice prospective students to apply by boasting all the good things the University of Arizona has done.  It gives ten facts that promote the U of A and highlight the many accomplishments of the U of A.  Some of the most commonly used words are research, creativity, innovative, best, brightest, employable, thinkers, curiosity, discovers, and leading because they give a positive light to the U of A's academic reputation.  The page is clearly organized into ten facts with the colors red and blue.  The reader is more likely to read it because it is nicely organized with quick facts.  This page has fewer pictures and more words than the homepage because About the University webpage is for viewers who want to read more about the university.