Article Analysis
Composition I
Thesis statement:
Main claim #1:
Main claim #2:
Main claim #3:
1) What is the purpose & audience? What specifically in the text tells you this?
2) What is the main point (thesis) and supporting points (main points)? What specifically in
the text tells you this?
3) What types of evidence is used to support the argument? Is it effective?
4) What types of appeals does the author employ? Are they effective? Why?
5) How is the argument constructed? How do the sections fit together? How effective is this
rhetorically?
6) Why do you agree or disagree with the author.
7) How does the argument’s tone affect you and why?
8) What is your impression of the person(s) making the argument, and what in the text
creates that impression?
9) What assumptions does the argument make, and do you share those assumptions?
10) What evidence from your own experiences or observations do you have to corroborate or
to refute specific points the author/speaker makes?
11) Structure:
Any special structure elements?
How does the structure support the overall thesis?
12) Overall evaluation or statement on author's argument, technique, etc.