Wilbert Rideau uses meta commentary in his essay “Why Prisons Don’t Work”, as a way to show cause and effect while anticipating objections to his view on the correctional facility. He uses the “For example” template to provide a specific example of how prisoners can be helpful members of society. One form of meta commentary no discussed in the chapter is the use of the phrase “It is essential” as a way to indicate an already hinted at central claim. His use of meta commentary to provide specific example enhances his work by providing legitimacy to his opinion.
