argument analysis paper 4
Read pp 173-192 in your textbook and In Conversation pp. 51-54 on writing an analysis of an argument. I have also posted two sample argument analysis papers under Course Documents. However, I am also asking you to respond to the argument as well as analyze it–do you agree with the author’s argument?
Argument Analysis Assignment
Select ONE of the following essays:
“Columbine: Whose Fault Is It?†by Marilyn Manson, published in Rolling Stone, May 28, 1999. http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/columbine-whose-fault-is-it-19990624 (Links to an external site.)
“Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior†by Amy Chua, published in The Wall Street Journal, January 8, 2007. Available on Canvas. Read and analyze only the main article by Chua.
“Goop Teaches Us We Can Be Pure — If We Spend Enough Money (Links to an external site.)†by Alan Levinovitz, published in the Washington Post, Jan. 16, 2020. https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/goop-teaches-us-we-can-be-pure–if-we-spend-enough-money/2020/01/16/22f8114e-37c1-11ea-bf30-ad313e4ec754_story.html (Links to an external site.). Also posted on Canvas.
“Happiness is Other People†by Ruth Whippman, published in The New York Times, Oct. 27, 2017. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/27/opinion/sunday/happiness-is-other-people.html (Links to an external site.). Also posted on Canvas.
Compose a 3 page paper in which you analyze, evaluate, and respond to the author’s argument. I have posted the Analyzing Arguments document on Canvas under Course resource documents (in Modules) for your reference, along with two sample papers. The only difference between the sample papers and what I want is that in addition to the analysis I want your response. Do you agree or disagree with the author’s argument. The following items should be part of your analysis.
- Identify the author’s central claim, or argument and state it clearly and concisely.
- Discuss the author’s purpose in writing this essay. Who is the intended audience (those sympathetic to the author’s point of view, or those who hold opposing viewpoints)? How can you tell?
- Examine the author’s methods including use of supporting evidence. Identify the types of evidence used (statistics? studies? real events? comparisons? personal experience? or…?) and evaluate whether they are effective in supporting the author’s claim.
- Is anything missing from the argument? Does the author adequately discuss any opposing viewpoints, counterarguments, or potential consequences?
- Evaluate the rhetorical techniques used. What is the author’s tone? How does the essay demonstrate appeals to logos, ethos, and pathos? (You should discuss all three using each of these terms.) How do these appeals help to persuade the reader, and are they effective?
- Do you agree or disagree with the author’s claim? Explain. (I am interested in your response and opinion, but you should make sure that you have analyzed the author’s argument and are not only responding. Your response should not be the majority of your paper.)
I will show you and post the grading rubric. Use it as a checklist for your paper. Making sure you cover the items on the rubric will ensure a better grade.
In addition to your 3 pages your paper should include a Work Cited page with the citation of the essay you are analyzing in MLA 8th edition style. If you use any other sources they must also be included on your Works Cited page, for example if you wish to cite some recent example or statistics relevant to your essay, though I am not expecting you to use any outside sources. Your analysis should be YOUR analysis based on your reading of the original essay. Because some of these essays are well known you can find summaries, commentary, and packaged essays on them—avoid looking at these to avoid plagiarism, unintentional or intentional. You are all capable of doing your own analysis without the crutch of Google.
(double spaced in MLA style)
