Argument Analysis Paper
You will write a 4-6 page paper analyzing an argument found in an outside source surrounding the topic you chose to write about this semester. Following the Checklists found in From Critical Thinking to Argument on page 126 and 181, you will examine how the article handles their topic, their bias, their audience, the evidence used, and the effectiveness of everything in their attempt to be successful. At least 5-7 direct quotes are required to be cited in this paper in order to help you fully explain your analysis. Remember to focus on summarizing then analyzing in this paper. Use the checklist on page 191 to check your own paper’s elements as well.
Paper Format
All papers should be double-spaced, in 12 point, Times New Roman font, with one inch margins. Please provide your name, class and date on the top left as well as a title centered before the text. Always document sources throughout your paper carefully and accurately. Use MLA guidelines to document your sources (See Rules for Writers or the Purdue OWL link on Blackboard).
Things to Consider:
Analyze – identifying and then separating out the parts of the problem, trying to see how its pieces fit together.
· A CHECKLIST FOR WRITING AN ANALYSIS OF AN ARGUMENT (191)
· Have I asked myself the following questions?
· Have I stated the writer’s thesis and summarized his or her supporting reasons?
· Have I indicated where I will be taking my reader in my writing?
· Have I called attention to the strengths, if any, and the weaknesses, if any, of the essay?
· Have I commented not only on the logos but also the ethos? Has the author convinced me that he is or is not well informed?
· Have I used occasional brief quotations to let my reader hear the author’s tone and to ensure fairness and accuracy?
· Is my analysis effectively organized?
· Have I taken into account the author’s audience(s)?
· Does my essay indicate my agreement or disagreement with the writer but also my view of the essay as a piece of argumentive writing?
Is my tone appropriate?