Analysis Writing

The Core of an Argument (Classical)

an argument in which you study the parts

of something to understand how it works,
what it means, or why it might be
significant
writer uses a principle or definition on the
basis of which an object, an event, or a
behavior can be divided into parts and
examined
many different analyses, but not all are
equally valid or useful
writer must convince the reader

writers challenge is to convince readers

that
(1) analytical tool being applied is
legitimate and well matched to the
object being studied
(2) analytical tool is being used
systematically to divide the object into
parts and to make a coherent,
meaningful statement about these pars
and the object as a whole

An analysis is a two-part argument

PART 1 states and establishes the writers
agreement with a certain principle or
definition
Principle X (or definition X) is valuable.
PART 2 applies specific parts of the
principle or definition to the topic at hand
By applying principle (or definition) X, we

can understand (topic) as (conclusion

based on analysis)

Introduction
state a problem
provide motivation to write/read
introduce author whose work will provide
principles for analysis
provide background information
thesis statement
Body Paragraphs
analysis proceeds
Conclusion
summary and conclusion provided
larger point is made

Dont only write a summary

most common error
to succeed, must apply a principle or
definition and reach a conclusion about the
object, event, or behavior being examined
summary is part of analysis
summarize object or activity being
examined
summarize principle or definition being
applied

Make Analysis Systematic

once a principle or definition is presented, it
should be thoroughly and systematically
applied

Answer the So What? Question

readers should say, I never thought of _____

this way.
Have you learned anything significant through
the analysis?
Pull together your related insights and explain
how it all adds up.

Attribute Sources Appropriately

work with only one source
apply insights from them to some object or
phenomenon you want to understand more
thoroughly
analysis derives mostly from YOUR application
of a principle or definition
take care to cite and quote as necessary

How is this clip an example of a classical

argument?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3w2MTX
Bebg

Introduction
Attention grabber
Memorable scene, illustrative story, startling
statistic

Explanation of issue and needed background

Thesis

Presentation of writers position

Main body of essay
Presents & supports each reason in turn
Each reason is tied to a value/belief held by the
audience

Summary of opposing views

Response to opposing views
Refutes opposing views
Shows weaknesses in opposing views
Concedes to some strengths

Conclusion
Summarizes argument
Leaves strong last impression
Calls for action or relates topic to larger
context of issues

Logos
Ethos
Pathos

Quality of message
Logic of argument
Guiding Questions:
How can I make the argument internally consistent
and logical?
How can I find the best reasons and support them
with the best evidence?

Credibility of writer
Conveyed through writers investment in
claim, fairness to alternative views, authors
tone, style, attention to grammar and
mechanics
Guiding Questions:
How can I present myself effectively?
How can I enhance my credibility and
trustworthiness?

Values and beliefs of intended audience

Often associated with emotional appeal
Imaginative sympathies

Guiding Questions:
How can I make the reader open to my message?
How can I best appeal to my readers values and
interests?
How can I engage my reader emotionally and
imaginatively?

1. reasonable participants who operate within

the conventions of reasonable behavior
2. potentially sharable assumptions that can
serve as a starting place or foundation for
argument

If either factor is missing, the result is a

pseudo argument.

No possibility for listening, learning, growth,

or change by audience
Lack of shared assumptions or common
ground
Bible interpretations
Personal opinions
Opera is boring
Pg. 65

How is this clip an example of a classical

argument?
What is the introduction? How is background
information provided? What is the thesis?
What arguments are made by Shakespeare?
What does Seuss say to refute his opponent?
How does Shakespeare respond to the opposing
views?
What is the ethos, logos, pathos?
What is the conclusion? What is the lasting
impression? What is the call for action or how is
the topic related to a larger context of issues?

How is this clip an example of a classical

argument?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3w2MTX
Bebg

View assigned videos

Answer given questions (slide #31)

Grammar Portfolio #1 due

Easter Bunny vs. Genghis Khan; Michael Jackson vs.

Elvis Presley

Ventrice, Kyle, DeMaun, Sean, Ryan

Batman vs. Sherlock Holmes; Steve Jobs vs. Bill Gates

Kylee, Jenna, Min, Carrie, Ciara,

Steven Hawking vs. Einstein; Mr. Rogers vs. Mr. T

Robin, Mariah, Erin, Sarah, Kayla, Jessica

Moses vs. Santa; Mario Bros. vs. Wright Bros.

Tim, Charles, Brian D., Chris, Scott, Brian M.

Provide DETAILED answers to these questions

for EACH video assigned to you.
1. Which character had the best argument? Who
do you think won?
2. What were some of the arguments made by
the winner?
3. How did the winner refute his opponents
arguments?
4. What were some of the opponents key
arguments?
5. Identify the persuasive appeals of ethos,
logos, pathos.

Introduction
Locate an Analytical Principle
summarize the key definition or principle
that forms the basis of the analysis
use 2 specific reading strategies to
identify principles and definitions in
source materials
Look for a sentence that makes a
general statement about the way
something works
Look for statements that take this form:

X can be defined as A, B, and C

in other words, find the articles thesis

Introduction
Formulate a thesis
Second part of argument
main idea of analytical paper
By applying principle (or definition) X, we can

understand (topic) as (conclusion based on

analysis).
fill in 1st blank with specific object, event, or
behavior you are examining
fill in 2nd blank with your conclusion about the
meaning or significance of this object, based on
insights you made during your analysis.

Body
These statements will help to ANALYZE
TOOLS STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS
What is the validity of this principle or
definition?
Are they accurate?
Are they well accepted?
Do you accept them?
What are the arguments used against them?
What are their limitations?

Conclusion
summary of argument and conclusion
provided
larger point is made