Sample G and H Responses

Sample G Review

Its title borrowing the slogan from Red Bull, “It Gives You Wings” is an interesting piece that examines why the current onslaught of energy drinks in America has come to be.  Using gathered data such as News findings, economic patterns, and personal experience, the author gives an insightful look into the drink touting to give off enough energy to fly.  The writer starts off by emphasizing the symbols of the actual drink; the symbols of the bull and the bright popping colors attribute to the idea that the drink will cause a boost of alertness and athleticism. 

Then he or she follows up the metaphors with personal experiences and real-life observations.  Examining society with a close eye, patterns in behavior start to arise.  The author writes “Our society and culture molds us in a way that we expect quick results and instantaneous effects.  The increase in the impatience of society is further seen through over-use of the ‘Door Close’ button on elevators.  Out of all the buttons…the ‘Door Close’ button is the one that is usually worn out and has the least amount of paint.”  This simple example of the most-worn out button tells a lot about American culture.  The writer also talks about how countless friends and siblings have relied on the drink in one way or another, whether it be in the classroom or on the dance floor.

The next section of the paper focuses on the actual numbers involved in this phenomenon.  “A multitude of new energy drinks have hit the market since Red Bull’s introduction and apparent success with consumers.  Over 15 million members have joined the Red Bull Facebook page.”  Not only does the author prove his or her point by showing the product’s success, but also showing the disinterest in Americans of products with the opposite effect of Red Bull.  “Drank is a new relaxation beverage that promises to calm people down…this new drink has not seen the same success as its high paced competitor…According to recent sales figures from Innovative Beverage Group, the company’s revenues have been small, and even suffered a $320,000 loss in 2007.”  This fascinating find really exposes the value system of modern America.

Sample H Review

Sample H, “Apple’s iPod: I’ve Got the World on a String,” examines the popularity of the latest craze in technology: the iPod.  In the paper, the author writes about the design, function, customization and the product’s relevancy to our culture and how that has made it into such a big hit in America.  The author also wraps up the essay with the overarching societal motif of “smaller device, bigger storage.”

First the author tackles the actual design of the iPod.  Its sleek and simple interface caters to the American mindset.  With the simplistic “click wheel,” months worth of music, videos, and photos are made seamlessly accessible.  The desire for “any thing at any time” is slowing becoming a reality with this technology.  An entire library-worth of information and media is all located on a device no bigger than a deck of cards.

Another factor in the popularity of iPods is how different models are marketed for different audiences.  The author writes “On the Apple website, one can find a feature that asks the question ‘What iPod are you?’  Four models are offered, ranging in size from 2 GB, approximately 500 songs, up to 160 GB, or an astounding 40 thousand songs.”  Giving consumers a choice only widens the margins of the reach of the product.  “…from the person looking for something unobtrusive to bring to the gym to the audiophile who wants to be able to hear anything he or she could ever want at the drop of the hat.”  The author makes a solid point of noting the wide variety of iPod consumers, that much of the popularity can be attributed to the level of customization allowed between iPods.

Another important reason why iPods are the "rage," especially concerning teenagers, is the “hip factor.”  In regards to Apple’s advertising campaign, the author relates “By juxtaposing their product with seemingly ‘cool’ culture, Apple suggests that their product is an integral part of this niche…When walking down the street, or worse, through the halls of a school, one is hard pressed to not see dozens of others with the trademark white earbuds…” The iPod by this point has become more than just an all-in-one device; it has become a social standard.  A social standing and a status symbol, the ownership of an iPod can mean more that just an expensive Christmas gift.