Thesis Generating Worksheet for Analysis of an Argument, Essay #1
1. In the essay your group has read, what is the writer's thesis?
2. What is the author's purpose in writing the essay?
3. What strategies or methods of argument does the author use? What reasons does the author give to support his thesis?
4. Do you think those strategies were successful and the reasons given convincing? Why or why not?
5. Write a sentence that states your assessment of the essay, which will be your thesis.
Example: In her essay “Why the Pledge of Allegiance Should be Revised,” Gwen Wilde effectively argues that the section of the pledge containing the words “under God” should be removed or revised, because [insert your reasons for your assessment here].
Or, alternately: In her essay “Why the Pledge of Allegiance Should be Revised,” Gwen Wilde is not convincing when she argues that the section of the pledge containing the words “under God” should be removed or revised, because [insert your reasons for your assessment here].
6. Use material from the essay to develop and support your evaluation and assessment of the author’s argument. A good starting point would be to refer back to #s 3 &4 above, where you have listed the author’s strategies and reasons and whether or not you found them effective.
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Last Updated 02/09/08