How the Author Uses Rhetoric to Advance the Argument in Kate Yoder's 'Love it or hate it, Earth Day’s just not what it used to be'

The question asks which detail demonstrates how the author uses rhetoric to advance her argument about Earth Day. Rhetoric refers to the techniques an author uses to persuade or inform readers.

Let's examine the options:

• A. "After seeing California's oil-scarred shores, Senator Gaylord Nelson, a Democrat from Wisconsin, came up with an idea." (Paragraph 7) — This detail uses a specific example to show the impetus for Earth Day, building a narrative foundation and appealing to readers' emotions by depicting environmental damage as a motivation. It helps advance the argument by providing context for Earth Day’s origin.
• B. "Pushing businesses to be more sustainable was another response to the lack of regulation." (Paragraph 14) — This statement describes a response to reduced government regulation but is more factual and less rhetorical. It informs but does not strongly persuade or illustrate a rhetorical technique.
• C. "One of the goals of Earth Day in 1990 was to 'steer millions of investors and consumers toward companies judged to be most sensitive to environmental concerns,' the New York Times wrote at the time." (Paragraph 14) — This uses a quote from a reputable source to highlight a strategic shift in Earth Day's goals. It appeals to ethos (credibility) by citing the New York Times and informs readers about the commercialization and business influence on Earth Day.
• D. "But Rome believes that sense of urgency and empowerment is re-emerging among teenagers." (Paragraph 21) — This shows a renewed energy in younger generations, advancing the argument with hopeful tone and ethos by citing a credible historian to predict a resurgence. This appeals emotionally and shows continuity in activism.

Among these, option A is a key rhetorical detail because it sets the scene emotionally and logically for the need for Earth Day, motivating readers by describing tangible environmental destruction and the initial political response. This supports the author's argument by showing the powerful origin of Earth Day.

Therefore, A demonstrates how the author uses rhetoric to advance her argument.