WRIT 100: Critical Analysis (20%)
Word Count: 300-350 words; double spaced
(longer assignments will not be accepted)
Due: Week #9 Thursday November 12th at midnight
Instructions:
Choose one of the following, the article or the TED Talk/transcript, to focus on for your
next assignment.
1) Andre Picard “Cancelling Halloween is an act of ghoulish politics”
An audio version is also available: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/articlecancelling-halloween-is-an-act-of-ghoulish-politics/
OR
2) TED Talk “How I’m Fighting Bias in Algorithms” by Joy Buolamwini. A transcript is
also available:
https://www.ted.com/talks/joy_buolamwini_how_i_m_fighting_bias_in_algorithms/discus
sion?language=en
1) Review Module 6: Analyzing Using Pathos; Module 7: Analyzing Using Ethos;
and Module 8: Analyzing Using Logos. You must have read these modules in
order to complete this assignment.
2) Follow the analysis exemplar under the folder Critical Analysis Example on
Blackboard.
3) Complete the outline below. Do not hand in the outline. However, fill out the
outline and then type out the assignment for submission.
4) Point to textual evidence in the article or TED talk. Quote and paraphrase words,
phrases, sentences, paragraphs, examples etc. that demonstrate logos, pathos,
and ethos. In text APA citations required. Do not over quote.
5) Should between 4 to 5 short paragraphs totaling 300-350 words.
6) Proofread for grammar, style, and mechanics.
7) Include a title page in APA format. Include your word count on your title page.
Follow this video from Humber Library to ensure your title page is done correctly:
https://library.humber.ca/help/apa/title-pages
8) Submit your assignment by Thursday November 12th at midnight.
OUTLINE:
Step 1:
Give the author’s name, the article’s or TED talk’s title (year of publication in
parenthesis), and note whether the author’s logos, pathos, and ethos weakens,
strengthens or somewhat weakens and strengthens the argument while also stating the
author’s claim. (See the first sentence of the student example.)
Step 2:
ANALYZE the author’s or speaker’s argument in relation to pathos. Analyze any
loaded language, tone, and bias. Explain why emotional appeals work or don’t work.
Provide textual evidence by pointing to specific sentences and passages in the
paragraph and show whether the author is being persuasive or not. Is the author’s
argument strengthened, weakened, or somewhat strengthened or weakened by the
pathos? How? Do not give your opinion about the author’s argument. Give a clear
evaluation.
Step 3:
ANALYZE the author’s argument in relation to ethos. Does the author come across as
credible and knowledgeable? Why? Does the author use other credible sources well?
How?
Point to specific sentences and passages in the paragraph and show whether the
author is being persuasive or not. Is the author’s argument strengthened, weakened, or
somewhat strengthened or weakened by ethos? How? Do not give your opinion about
the author’s argument. Give a clear evaluation.
Step 4:
ANALYZE the author’s argument in relation to logos. Look at how the author uses
logical evidence such as facts, expert opinions, statistics and other logic.
Point to specific sentences and passages in the paragraph and show whether the
author is being persuasive or not. Is the author’s argument strengthened, weakened, or
somewhat strengthened or weakened by logos? How? Do not give your opinion about
the author’s argument. Give a clear evaluation.
Step 4:
Summarize the whether the article is weak or strong. End with a closing statement.