Analyzing an Argument's Effectiveness

To prepare the reading summary/responses for the assigned essays, first write a brief paragraph that gives an overview, in your own words, of the essay's content. Then respond to the questions below to help you analyze the argument's effectiveness.

What is the writer's purpose?

What is the writer's audience?

What is the question at issue?

What is the writer's central idea?

What reasons does the author give the reader to accept that idea?

What is the effect of this reasoning on you? Do you believe it? Why or why not? What does the author's argument mean to you personally?

What strategies or methods of argument does the author use?

How effective is the essay?

What unanswered questions has this essay left you wondering about? Why?

Last updated 09/24/00