When you are presented with a literary work and are asked for
an analysis:
• Knowledge and experience help assess events,
ideas, and conclusions.
• Consider how the various parts of the writing
fit together.
• Try to anticipate the direction the writing
will take.
- but don’t take a biased view either, for this can be
problematic and lead you towards creating an erroneous analysis.
2.1 A first
reading
A. Orient yourself to the background of the essay
1. Be on the lookout for credibility and source
B. Use the title as a clue
1. Some signal the writer’s primary strategy
(comparison, definition, argument)
C. Skim to get the gist of the article
1. * (Sometimes) Read intro and outro,
and the topic sentences (of 1st& last par.)
2. Gain idea of the essay’s main thrust, key
ideas to support it, and the ways that they’re organized. By viewing each
paragraph as an independent entity you’ll gain valuable insight about the
author’s intended (true) purpose.
D. Make connections with what you’ve read
1. Before reread, think. By jotting down, express it in
your own words.
2. State its essence. Underline or formulate the thesis
statement.
3. Identify the main strategy used by the writer and
the supporting strategies that help develop and support it.
2.2
Additional readings**
On the second reading, carefully absorb the writer’s
ideas
1. Read carefully and actively
Underline and restate the main sentences in your
own words
2. Master unfamiliar words
Use context clues to find their meaning
3. Look for new supporting information that correctly
supports your thesis
Possible content for quotes is of utmost
importance. Look for as much valuable content. Choose in terms of strength in
relation to your thesis. What is it that you are trying to
prove/support/defend?
Marco Ponce
Version 1 Year ‘06-‘07
2.2.1 Reading to Critique
In relation to Argumentative works and/or as part of a
self-improvement analysis, always ask yourself these critical questions:
Do the pieces of evidence support the claim?
Do the ideas appear reasonable?
Do the ideas connect in a logical way?
Are there other pieces of evidence that contradict
these claims?
- If so, how can
you exploit such evidence? (but be careful of the Card
Stacking fallacy! which will be covered later on)
2.3 Writing
about what you read
2.3.1 Analysis
States the main points of a literary
piece/historical event in your own words and carefully identifies, analyzes,
and reflects on the rhetorical and stylistic strategies that the author uses to
convey his/her purpose
• Intro
o Provides
a context for readers
o Introduces
the author and the literary piece
o States
the thesis
• Body
o States
the main points of the essay
(Based on the topic sentences/thesis)
o States
how the author utilizes the language and/or rhetorical strategies to achieve
his/her purpose
• Conclusion
o Concludes
by pulling the essay together and reflecting on the way the author achieves
his/her intended purpose with the help of a variety of writing techniques
previously addressed thoroughly in the body of the essay
Some more tips:
• Don’t interject your views.
• Reflect only the author’s words.
• Keep the essay within the 4-6 paragraph format
• Always have a strong introduction and
conclusion
Marco Ponce
Version 1 Year ‘06-‘07
2.3.2 Critique
Provides your views, indicating where you agree
and disagree with the author’s position. (You must acknowledge both sides
if it’s argumentative)
Combines a summary with your thoughtful reaction,
• Intro
o Provides
context for the essay
o Introduces
the author
o Evaluates
the thesis argued by the author
o States
the thesis for your critique
• Body
o Summarizes
the author’s argument
o States
the points in which you agree
o States
the points in which you disagree with reasons and evidence
• Conclusion
o Concludes
by putting the essay together
o Reiterates
your stance towards the author’s argument
* Don’t try this in the AP exam!!!
** Crucial step in the AP exam!!!
Now
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