argument analysis paper for professor Ryan only

no source needed

I. Intro

A. Introduce the author and the essay/speech.

B. Provide some brief background info on the topic.

C. Provide a thesis that makes a claim about this person’s specific argument (“This argument is/is not successful because…”).

II. Supporting Paragraph #1

A. Brief summary of the argument

III. SP #2

A. Discuss the author’s claims and reasons

B. Questions to ask: What is the main claim? Are the claims and reasons clear? Are the reasons supported by evidence? How sound and logical is the author’s reasoning (logos)?

IV. SP #3

A. Discuss the reliability of the evidence.

B. Questions to ask: Are the facts correct? If the author uses statistics or other data, how reliable is it?

V. SP #4

A. Discuss the strategies the author uses and their effectiveness.’

1. Questions to ask: What strategies does the author use, and how effective are they in making his/her point?

B. Discuss their use of rhetorical appeals.

1. Questions to ask: How does the author connect with the audience and build his/her credibility (appeals to ethos)? How sound and logical is the author’s reasoning (appeal to logos)? What emotional or value appeals does the author use, and how effective are they (appeals to pathos)?

VI. SP #5

A. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the argument.

B. Questions to ask:

1. Precision—is the argument specific and detailed?

2. Relevancy—does the author stay on topic?

3. Depth—does the author consider the complexities of the issue or situation?

4. Breadth—does the author consider other viewpoints? Does the author anticipate and respond to counterarguments?

5. Can you identify any counterarguments or opposition that the author comments on, and how successful was the author in answering these objections?

VII. Conclusion: provide your response.