In-Class Assignment #1: Document Analysis
The following is only a suggested framework to help you generate materials for this in-class
assignment. These items and questions are elements to consider while you plan your analytical
strategy. They do not encompass the entire field of questions that might be asked about a
document, nor is it necessary that you address all of these questions. However, it would be useful
to remember that thoroughness is at least one of the grading criteria. Other key criteria will be
the organization, style, readability, consistency, accuracy, and the mechanical correctness of your
response. As you construct your response, you may only have your document and this
assignment sheet open for examination. You may not use your text, class notes, or have email or
the Internet open while you work. You may, however, put cryptic notes on the document itself
before and during class. The minimum required response is 500 words of body text.
Context
Describe the context in which you found or received the document.
 Is it a brochure you picked up out of a rack?
 Do you think the creators of the document considered the context in which you
encountered it?
 What about the document makes you think they did or didn’t consider these things?
Usability/Readability
These two words--readability and usability—do not have congruous meanings; however, they
often share some overlapping boundaries. While a document might be very readable, it might
contain any number of obstacles that hinder its usability. In contrast, if a document is not
readable, it is a fairly safe assumption it will not be useable. Here are some questions along these
lines to consider:
 If the item is a brochure, do you encounter the information in what seems to be a logical
order as you unfold the document?
 Does the document use meaningful headings (and do you in discussing it?) which help
guide you through the information, or do you seem to need a pick and shovel to be able to
dig the necessary information out? Accessibility and usability are both appropriate terms
here.
 Is the language appropriate for what seems to be the target audience?
Audience
Are there any inferences you can make about the audience for whom this document is intended?
Do you think the writers did or did not carefully consider these things? What evidence is there
that validates your position?
Visual Elements
The visual elements of a document cover a very wide range of possibilities. Here are some
elements that should yield some discussion:
 Size and shape—does it have anything to do with what the document is trying to
accomplish? Does it seem to be typical of the medium or genre in which the document is
participating?
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Texture—Is the paper heavy or thin, smooth or rough, glossy or matte finish? Does the
choice seem to be a conscious one? If so, why? How might this affect the usability of the
document?
White Space—This trait affects the document’s accessibility and aesthetics. Is the
document crowded or visually intimidating? Or is it well-designed, making effective use
of white space?
Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, and Proximity—How do these elements positively or
negatively impact the document’s mission? Is there a conscious visual organization to the
document?
Typography—Including font, type size, weight, bolding, and italics—Do these choices
seem to be arbitrary or carefully considered?
Ethos, Logos, and Pathos
How does the document make use of these appeals? Do the writers seem to have ignored
something in constructing their argument? Do they do a particularly good/bad job with one
appeal and not another? Does it use sufficient essential details to flesh out these appeals?
The 7 C’s
Does the document satisfy the requirements of all 7 C’s—Clear, Correct, Concise, Consistent,
Complete, Correct, and Coherent?
Actionable Items
Does the document give the users sufficient and accessible means to act based on the document’s
use? Did the writers miss some golden opportunities?
Remember, save frequently, substantiate your claims with SED’s, don’t wait too late to print, and
attach your document to your response.