Article Analysis essay
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wk3.1_article_analysis.pptxThe Art of Reading & Article Analysis
Tuesday, 18 April 2017
Why Read?
“Reading maketh a full man” – Francis Bacon
Reading textbooks, fiction, nonfiction, or articles improves your own writing.
Can provide pleasure.
Article Analysis
Read
Respond
Summarize
Analyze
Draw Conclusions
Take Notes
Read through material/article several times.
Note the main point, evidence, assumption of author
Who would find this article compelling?
Why is this article compelling (or not)?
Read
Who is writing the article?
Name, credentials, affiliations, etc.
Have they written other articles on this or other topics?
What is the article about?
Look to the abstract and introduction for main point, direction of interpretation, etc.
What sources does the author use?
Is the author interpreting recent data, old information, or a combination?
Ask Yourself
What is the author’s main point?
What evidence does the author use?
What limits does the author place on the study?
What is the author’s point of view?
Respond - Summarize
To Formulate Your Points
Was anything left unfinished? Did the author raise questions or points that were left unanswered?
Did it make its case?
What does the article’s point mean in the larger context of the discipline or discussion?
Is the article clear? Well organized?
Analyze – Draw Conclusions
Does the author’s disciplinary focus lead him or her to ignore other ideas?
Were there any grammar, sentence, or word use errors?
What did you learn? What will you do with this information?
3 Ways to Spot a Bad Statistic
Rhetorical Analysis
Summary – length and detail should be based on the knowledge your reader has of the topic
Context – What is the ongoing conversation on the topic? Gender Wage Gap
Clear Judgment – Provide a careful examination of the text with sound arguments and a clear thesis.
Support for Conclusions – Provide evidence from the text. Accurately interpret quotes and paraphrasing of the source.
Choose a Thesis Statement
Ask yourself if the author and article convince the reader or not. Your answer to this will be your thesis.
However, must also include the why.
Ex: Smith’s argument is limited and biased based on the lack of evidence from the opposing side.
Main Points
Find at least three reasons (check your reading notes and the questions you asked) to support your claim.
Look at what the author does well or does poorly.
Could focus on statistics used or a quote from the author.
Arrangement
Introduce the topic and author’s stance before your own thesis.
Paragraphs must
Include a topic sentence (based on your main points)
utilize evidence from the article
demonstrate how this evidence proves your topic sentence
Introduction
Identify the article and describe in one or two sentences what problem(s) it addresses or what opinion it defends.
State the specific aspect(s) of the article your analysis will address – thesis. Be specific about which aspects you are addressing.
Summary
Summarize the aspects of the article that are relevant to your analysis and critique.
Present the original author’s view in a fair and objective way.
No critical comment in this section!
Organize the summary logically not chronologically (usually in an order related to your main arguments/critiques).
Critique Option - 1
Focus on the arguments or viewpoints you find problematic.
Show how the author’s conclusion does not follow.
Show how the author has failed to take all the appropriate information into consideration.
Critique Option - 2
Focus on the arguments you agree with.
Consider ways the author’s argument might be critiqued. Attempt to support their arguments.
Critique Option - 3
Combine both positive and negative critique.
Must still provide strong support for what you say!
Conclusion
Briefly summarize the information and critique you have provided.
Reiterate the thesis and what your conclusion on the article is.
Do not include new claims, information, or criticism.
Rubric
Thinking and Inquiry – 10 pts
Evidenced clear comprehension of the topic and articulated a thoughtful and provoking critique
Summary of Article – 5 pts
Provided a thorough, clear, and concise (1-2 paragraphs) summary of the article context and content
Reasoning and Evidence – 15 pts
Provided clear and persuasive critiques that were the main content of the paper
Organization and Conclusions – 10 pts
Provided a clear thesis and introduction and a well-developed and organized critique throughout
Grammar and Syntax – 10 pts
Few to no grammatical mistakes. Excellent use of transitions and complex sentence structure
Graham, A. (1997-2012). A Guide to Reading and Analyzing Academic Articles.
Department of Philosophy, California State University, Sacramento. How to Analyze a Philosophical Essay.
