ARGUMENT ANALYSIS

ELC550

Argument Analysis Worksheet

Authors Name ____________________________________________________
Essay Title
____________________________________________________
Publication Details _________________________________________________
1.
2.
3.
4.

What is the writers main idea or thesis?

What seems to be the writers purpose in writing this essay?
List the reasons the writer gives in support of his or her thesis.
Are these reasons convincing? Why or why not? This question refers
to the logic or appeal of the reasons.
5. Give examples of the evidence the writer presents in support of his
or her reasons. Explain the kind of support it seems to be, i.e.
example, facts, quotes from experts, comparisons, process analysis,
cause-effect, scenario.
6. How convincing is the evidence presented? Is it pertinent? Reliable?
Sufficient? Is it slanted or biased?
7. Does the writer acknowledge views about the subject that are
different from his or her own? Where? What is the writers attitude
toward those who hold different views? Does the writer try to
understand those views or does he or she respond negatively
toward them?

Sample
killing machines.docx
More Education Lowers Dementia Risk.docx

Namesake
What is there in a name?
If your name is on the building, youre rich;
If your name is on your desk, youre middleclass;
If your name is on your shirt, youre poor.

Readers Digest, December 2010