Text Analysis
Learning Objectives
In this lesson, you will:
- Analyze how professional writers construct arguments
- Identify rhetorical strategies in argumentative texts
- Evaluate the effectiveness of evidence and reasoning
- Recognize persuasive techniques and their effects
Practice Quiz
Analyze argumentative techniques in these examples. Click each to reveal the analysis.
Question 1: "According to the American Medical Association, 70% of teenagers report feeling overwhelmed by homework." What type of evidence is this?
Answer: Statistical evidence from an authoritative source.
Analysis: This combines a credible source (AMA) with specific data (70%), making it strong evidence for an argument about student stress.
Question 2: "Some might argue that later school start times would disrupt parents' work schedules. However, studies show that flexible employer policies and carpooling can address these concerns." What is this technique called?
Answer: Counterargument and rebuttal.
Analysis: The writer acknowledges an opposing view, then provides evidence to refute it, strengthening their overall argument.
Question 3: "We must act now, or our children will inherit a planet ravaged by climate change." What rhetorical appeal is primarily used?
Answer: Pathos (emotional appeal)
Analysis: The mention of "our children" and "ravaged planet" evokes fear and parental concern to motivate action.
Question 4: "Dr. Jane Smith, who has studied adolescent sleep patterns for 25 years at Stanford, recommends starting high school at 8:30 AM or later." What makes this evidence credible?
Answer: Expert testimony with credentials and institutional affiliation.
Analysis: The expert's years of experience, specific area of expertise, and prestigious institution establish authority on the topic.
Question 5: "First... Second... Finally..." What is the purpose of this organizational structure?
Answer: Sequential/enumeration structure that guides readers through multiple points.
Analysis: Numbering arguments creates clarity, shows organization, and helps readers follow and remember the main points.
Question 6: "My opponent claims to care about education, but voted against school funding three times." What technique is being used?
Answer: Highlighting contradiction/hypocrisy
Analysis: This undermines the opponent's credibility by showing their actions contradict their stated values. It's an attack on ethos.
Question 7: "Consider Maria, a single mother working two jobs who still can't afford healthcare for her children." What is this technique?
Answer: Anecdote/example
Analysis: A specific story humanizes abstract issues and creates emotional connection. It makes statistics feel real and urgent.
Question 8: "We can either invest in renewable energy now, or watch our economy collapse when fossil fuels run out." Is this a strong argument? Why or why not?
Answer: This is a false dilemma fallacy.
Analysis: It presents only two options when others exist (gradual transition, new technology, etc.). Effective arguments acknowledge complexity.
Question 9: A writer uses words like "clearly," "obviously," and "undeniably." What effect do these have?
Answer: These intensifiers assert confidence but can weaken an argument if overused.
Analysis: Strong evidence should speak for itself. Overusing such words may suggest the writer is trying to convince through assertion rather than proof.
Question 10: "If we allow students to use phones in class, next they'll want to watch movies and play video games during lessons." What logical problem does this contain?
Answer: Slippery slope fallacy
Analysis: This assumes one action will inevitably lead to extreme consequences without providing evidence for that causal chain.
Next Steps
- Find opinion articles and analyze their techniques
- Practice identifying rhetorical appeals in speeches
- Move on to writing application when ready