comparative analysis

• Does the title catch your attention? Why or why not?

• What would make it better, more effective?

b. Claim

• What is the writer’s claim?

• Is the claim appropriate?

• Does it set the articles in “motion” and lay the foundation for the argument presented? Explain.

c. Statistics

• What percentages (%) are given?

• What ratios are presented?

• What numbers are given?

• What studies are mentioned/used?

• If any of the above are present in the article, then ask the following questions:

• Where did the numbers come from?

• Who conducted the studies? Is this person “expert” enough to conduct a study of this type? Why or why not?

• What is the name of the study or studies?

• Why was it conducted?

• Upon whom was the study conducted? What race? Gender? Age? Where? Why? Are these people representative of the diversity in our world, country, state, city, etc.? Why or why not?

• What year were the studies conducted

• In what year did the numbers, percentages, etc. originate? Is this current enough to use as valid information? Why or why not?

d. Experts

• What are their names? They must be named.

• How are they experts?

• Do they have a degree?

• Have they done vast research in this area? How long?

• What are their titles?

• Where are they considered experts?

• Writers of the articles must show proof to verify expertise of anyone they mention in the articles.

• What should have been included to make the paper more effective in the expert category? Why?

e. Contradiction

• Does the writer say one thing in one area of the article only to say the exact opposite in one form or fashion somewhere else in the article? Point this out and tell why you think this was done.

• Does the writer say one thing and mean another anywhere? If so, point out this contradiction and tell why you feel it was presented.

f. Language

• Is there any sexist language in either article? (e.g. male/female stereotyping, bashing, assumptions, etc.) If so, point these out and tell how negative this is and the effect is has on the argument presented and on the credibility of the writer.

• Is there any prejudiced language in either article? (cultural, racial, religious, etc.) If so, point these out and discuss the negative impact they have on the argument presented and the credibility of the writer.

• Is there any inappropriate language used? Point any inappropriate language out and discuss the effect it has on the paper.

g. Introduction

• Does the introduction of each article get you (the reader) interested enough in the topic to read on? Why or why not? Be specific. Tell what should have been included to catch your interest.

h. Conclusion

• Does the conclusion of the article leave you (the reader) with something you will not forget? Why or why not? If so, please discuss what you will remember.

• Is the conclusion presented effectively? Explain how or how not.

• Tell what should have been used to make it stronger.

i. Opposition/Common Ground

• The article should have the opposing side and a common ground mentioned somewhere.

• Is the opposition mentioned?

• Is the common ground mentioned?

• Is it fairly presented? Why or why not and explain.

• If not, then tell what should have been included in the article.

j. Assumption

• Does the writer assume anything in the article?

• If so, please note these unwarranted presentations of information and tell about the negative impact they have on the article(s).

• Discuss how assumption ruins a writer’s credibility.