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Ways to Evaluate/Analyze an Argumentative Text

  • Annotate and take notes on the entire article. 
  • State the main claim/argument/assertion/point/thesis (all these terms mean the same thing) in one sentence.
  • List the sub-claims/arguments/assertions/points that the author is making throughout the article. State each sub-claim in one sentence.
  • Cite the support that the writer provides for each of the sub-claims.
  • Brainstorm a list of counterclaims (ways to argue against the author's points). What specific examples would you disagree with and why? What examples can you provide that disprove the writer's claim(s)?
  • Which parts of the article are illogical (exhibiting faulty reasoning) and why do you think so? (See website post on logical fallacies.)
  • Which parts of the article appeal to ethos? logos? pathos? Cite specific text (quote) and explain how the author is trying to be persuasive in his use of these rhetorical techniques. Is he effective? Why or why not?
  • What are the strongest parts of the writer's argument? What are the weakest parts?
  • After reading and evaluating the arguments in this article, are you persuaded? Why or why not?

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