Reasoning refers to processing information in an organized and sensible manner to draw conclusions about a particular subject. There are eight elements of reasoning that are very significant in determining how people think concerning a certain topic in life. These elements are purpose, problem, information, concepts, assumptions, inferences, points of view and implications, or consequences. This paper will analyze the article “Boko Haram Crisis: 'Huge Rise' in Child Suicide Bombers” published on BBC News (2016) according to these eight elements of reasoning.
In terms of purpose, the article’s author, BBC News, intended to report about how the crisis of Boko Haram using children as suicide bombers had escalated to worrying levels especially over the last one year (BBC News, 2016). The article sheds light on the mistreatment mated on innocent children (75% being girls) as they are forced by militants to carry out attacks in Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon. The problem presented in this case is the ugly situation that exists in the aforementioned African countries. More children are being used as suicide bombers and this calls for the world’s attention.
When it comes to the element of information, the article is quite informative since it goes to great lengths to paint a vivid picture of the state in Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad. First, it compares the number of attacks in each year since 2014. Then it quotes Unicef’s statement that that 1.3 million children have been affected in four countries. The information in the article concerning the topic is comprehensive and has credible sources like the UN report. In terms of concept, the article mainly covers the Boko Haram ideology which is “Western education is forbidden.” It explains why the insurgency group is attacking schools in the Western Africa region. With regards to assumption, the article assumes that the reader is not well versed about the topic and goes ahead to give a factual context on the matter. The article has left out inference because BBC News (2016) wants the readers to draw their own conclusions. The point of view in the article is that of a global perspective. The author also gives uses interviews to give the perspectives of victims in the debacle. The consequence of the story in the article is that as time goes by more children will suffer at the hands of the militant groups in Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad.
Reference
BBC News. (2016). Boko Haram Crisis: 'Huge rise' in Child Suicide Bombers. BBC News. Retrieved 12 April 2016, from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-36023444
