English 1121

Beginning a Critique (Analysis, Evaluation, and Response)

of an Argument Essay

1.) At some point, soon after reading, record your first reactions to the essay/argument. What did you think of the essay/argument? What did you think of the author? What didn’t you understand? In general, do you agree or disagree with the argument? With which points?

2.) At some point, go through the essay carefully with the goal of determining the structure of the essay/argument. Which paragraphs stand alone, and which paragraphs should be grouped together into "sections"? Note how one paragraph or section “moves” to the next paragraph or section. Try to "outline" the argument. Then, try to summarize the entire essay/argument in one (1) paragraph.

• Be sure you include both the central idea (the thesis) and the main ideas (the reasons supporting the thesis). In other words, what is the argumentative “issue,” what is the writer’s “position” on the issue, and why does the writer hold this position?

3.) What is the primary PURPOSE of the argument? (To share/express, to inform, to persuade, to entertain, etc.) Are there any secondary purposes?

4.) Who is the primary or intended AUDIENCE being addressed in this essay? (Hint: consider the publication information.)

5.) What do you think of the ETHOS (ethical appeals) in this essay?

• Does the writer seem authoritative to you? Credible? Knowledgeable? Experienced? Thorough? Honest? Trustworthy? Open-minded? Fair? Biased? Controlled? Respectful of the opposition? Has s/he “done her/his research” in preparation for writing the essay?

6.) What do you think of the LOGOS (logical appeals) in this essay?

• Does the writer use good logical reasoning? Are the thesis/position and all main ideas (reasons) clearly stated? Are all ideas clearly explained? Are all ideas clearly structured and clearly connected to one another?
• Does the writer use good evidence? Examples of evidence include: facts, examples, statistics, expert opinions, personal experiences, personal observations, scenarios, cases, textual evidence, etc.? Is all evidence sufficiently adequate (there is enough of it) and relevant (is directly applies to the argument at hand)? Is the evidence "dated" or is there a variety of historical and present-day examples?
• Do you detect any logical fallacies in the essay?

7.) What do you think of the PATHOS (emotional appeals) in this essay?

• Does the writer even use any emotional appeals? If so, are the emotions controlled and effective, or do they seem manipulative?
• Who is the intended audience? Does the writer directly address the audience at any time? If so, what's the tone?
• Does the writer seem to take the audience’s viewpoints, assumptions, beliefs, and values into account? Are these "shared" or are they one-sided?
• Does the writer address the audience's / opposition's questions, concerns, objections, etc.? If so, how are these things addressed? Simple acknowledgement? Concessions? Accommodations? Refutations/rebuttals?

8.) Finally, think more about whether or not you agree with the writer’s argument? Do you agree in whole or in part? Do you agree with some things and disagree with other things? Do you have ideas/reasons that s/he did not discuss? Do you have evidence that s/he did not include? Do you see “gaps” that you could fill in?