Identifying the Elements of Deductive Argument: Why Bambi Must Go

Paraphrase this essay’s thesis:
-The deer population needs to be controlled to protect various bird species from extinction.

What arguments does the writer present as evidence to support his thesis? Which do you think is the strongest argument? Which is the weakest?

-Deer are eating every leaf in sight in the forests of the eastern US.
-Many of the food sources for these birds are being consumed by deer
-Some of these birds hide their nests in the dense vegetation which is now being threatened by deer.
I think the strongest argument is that the deer are consuming a large amount of the vegetation in the forests and the weakest is when the author mentions their nests (since itonly applies to some of these birds).

What opposing arguments does the writer address? What other opposing arguments could he have addressed?
-The clearing of forests
-Predation from cats
-Poisoning from toxic byproducts of farms and factories.
The author could’ve mentioned climate changes affecting migratory birds as well.

What points does the conclusion emphasize? Do you think that any other points should be emphasized?
The conclusion emphasizes various solutions to the deer population problem:
-Bringing back predatory animals (which he explains isn’t practical near human populations)
-Hunting (which he states is on the decline in popularity with younger people)
-Fencing off sections of woods to keep deer out
-Stop managing the deer population and let it run its course
The last two points are particularly strong in comparison to the first two. I think he could’ve brought up ways to allow hunters more tags per year to lower the deer population rather than just dismiss hunting as a viable option to reduce the population.

Construct a syllogism that expresses the essay’s argument. Then, check your syllogism to make sure it is sound.
-Migratory birds make their nests in the dense vegetation on the ground of the forest
-Deer are eating through our forests
-Deer are eating the dense vegetation where birds make their nests.

I selected this set of questions because it seemed to fit the essay better than the ones on page 112.