Analysis Exercise

English 0950
February 2009
 Analysis Explained
► Explore the author’s purpose and how
that purpose is accomplished (or not
accomplished)
► Examine the support, organization,
and language of the text
► Identify the gaps in the text
 Analysis Skills
► Read closely
► Take notes on the text (see Models for
Writers pages 45-46)
► Find the thesis
► Map the organization
► Examine supporting details
► Ask questions (see Models for Writers
page 47 for good analysis questions)
 Exercise
►Read “Simplicity,” by William
Zinsser, Models for Writers page
168
►Write a brief summary of the
essay
 What does the author say?
►Write a brief response to the
essay
 What do you think about the
►Identify the thesis
 What is the author’s argument?
 What is he trying to do?
►Outline the organization
 How does the author support his
argument?
►Analyze effectiveness
 How well does the author
accomplish his purpose?