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Rhetorical Analysis

In his article, "International students deserve to be treated as more than just a revenue stream,"

Scott Stirrett, CEO of Venture for Canada, uses various rhetorical strategies to argue for the

improved treatment of international students in Canada. Stirrett's main argument is that Canada's

education infrastructure needs to catch up with the rapid growth of international students, who

are often viewed as cash cows rather than valuable contributors to the country's economy and

workforce. Stirrett employs logos, pathos, and ethos to convey his argument effectively and

appeal to his audience. This paper examines how Stirrett uses rhetorical strategies in this piece to

convey his argument effectively and appeal to his audience.

Stirrett first establishes credibility with his audience through his use of ethos. As the CEO of

Venture for Canada, Stirrett's background in entrepreneurship and education gives him

credibility and expertise in the subject matter. He draws on this ethos to establish himself as a

credible source of information and convince readers of his argument's importance. Additionally,

Stirrett uses logos by citing statistics and research studies to back up his claims. For example, he

notes that international students contribute approximately $21 billion a year to the Canadian

economy and that one in three international students working towards a bachelor's degree in

Canada becomes a landed immigrant within ten years. These facts help to strengthen Stirrett's

argument and make it more convincing to readers.

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Furthermore, Stirrett utilizes pathos by evoking emotions in his readers through his use of

language. He appeals to readers' sense of morality by stating that treating international students

solely as cash cows is morally wrong. He also emphasizes many international students' struggles,

including financial hardships, pressure to perform academically, and a lack of access to adequate

health care and housing. He also highlights international students' mental health risks, such as

depression and anxiety disorders. These emotional appeals help to make Stirrett's argument more

relatable and to generate empathy and support for his cause.

Stirrett employs rhetorical strategies of repetition and restatement to emphasize his main points

and to make his argument more memorable. For example, he repeatedly emphasizes that

international students are more than cash cows and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.

He also restates his main argument throughout the article, such as when he notes that treating

international students better is morally right and in Canada's national interest. These rhetorical

strategies help to reinforce Stirrett's argument and to make it more compelling to readers.

In conclusion, Scott Stirrett's article presents a strong argument for treating international students

as more than a revenue stream. Stirrett uses various rhetorical strategies to persuade the readers

to view international students as important contributors to Canada's economy and society. Stirrett

builds a convincing case for why Canada needs to invest in international students' well-being and

success by appealing to logos, pathos, and ethos. He highlights the economic contributions that

international students make to Canada, the challenges they face while studying, and the

opportunities they bring for future immigration. Stirrett's use of statistics, personal anecdotes,

and expert opinions adds credibility to his argument and strengthens his appeal to ethos.

Furthermore, his emotive language and vivid descriptions of international students' struggles

create a powerful appeal to pathos, evoking readers' empathy and concern. Overall, Stirrett's
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article offers a compelling call to action for policymakers and educational institutions to

prioritize the needs of international students and ensure they have a high-quality experience

while studying in Canada.

Work Cited

Stirrett, Scott. “Opinion: International Students Deserve to Be Treated as More than Just a

Revenue Stream.” The Globe and Mail, The Globe and Mail, 10 June 2022,

www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-international-students-deserve-to-be-treated-

as-more-than-just-a/.
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