Three Approaches for Analyzing
an Argument's Effectiveness
In addition to the discussion questions given in the text, listed below are three different sets of questions/approaches you can use for analyzing an argument's effectiveness.
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From Gage. Shape of Reason |
A Variation on Gage |
Taking a Closer Look |
Approach #1, from John Gage, The Shape of Reason:
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 unanswered questions has this essay left you wondering about? Why?
Approach #2, a slight variation on Gage's questions, but similar:
What is the writer's thesis? Can you form a valid syllogism based on your restatement of the thesis?What is the author's purpose?
What are the author's methods (i.e., what strategies or methods of argument does the author use)?
What questions do you have as a result of reading this essay?
Approach #3, taking a closer look:
What is the author's audience?What is the author's purpose?
What is the question at issue?
What is the author's stance?
What reasons are given for the reader to accept the author's assertion(s)?
What structure patterns does the author use?
What is the author's style?
How effective is the essay?
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Last updated 01/04/00