ARGUMENTATION ESSAY: ANALYSIS

I. CONTENT 1. A) What proposition is being argued? B) Is it clearly stated? 2. A) What is the author’s position? B) Is it clearly stated or implied? 3. A) Are the supporting points clearly stated? B) Are they supported? (Do each point separately)

II. METHOD (Do each point separately) 1. What types of evidence are used as support? 2. Is the evidence appropriate? 3. Does the author present enough evidence on each point to be convincing?

III. DICTION & PERSONA 1. A) Does the author present a Persona that seems authoritative? That is, do you believe s/he knows what s/he is talking about? B) If yes, what techniques does the author use that help create the sense of authority? If no, what techniques does the author use that prevent the creation of a sense of authority? 2. A) Describe the Persona adopted by the author (or what the author seems to be trying to create). B) What methods does s/he use to create it? C) Give examples of each method you identify. D) Which methods (if any) are effective? Why? 3. A) State other rhetorical strategies the author uses to persuade – especially look for appeals & empathy techniques. B) Give examples of each technique. C) For each device, state whether it is used effectively & explain why.

IV. ORGANIZATION 1.A) Does the essay follow the classical form of argument? B) If so, label the parts. If not, explain what it does differently or omits. C) If the essay does not follow the classical form, describe the form it does use. (NOTE: If it’s a good essay, it WILL have an organizing principle of some kind – your job is to find it!)

V. TONE & LEVEL OF