5 Steps for Analyzing a Text

1. Start by Thoroughly and Critically Reading the Text

• Practice skimming the text first, then committing to a thorough reading
• Take good notes!

2. Understand the Purpose and Argument

• Identify the Thesis:
  • Start by identifying the central claim or thesis of the text. What is the author trying to argue or prove?
  • Ex: In Brooks’ article, the thesis centers around moral decline being the cause of societal issues like loneliness and meanness.
• Analyze the Author’s Purpose:
  • Why did the author write this piece? Is the goal to persuade, inform, provoke, or entertain? Understanding the purpose will help students evaluate the effectiveness of the text.

3. Contextualize the Text

• Historical and Cultural Context:
  • Consider the time period and societal issues during which the text was written. How does the context influence the content?
  • Ex: Brooks’ article reflects concerns about modern American society and the breakdown of community.
• Author’s Background:
  • What do we know about the author, and how might their perspective, biases, or experiences shape the text? Analyzing David Brooks’ background as a political commentator helps us see how his perspective informs the argument.

4. Analyze the Structure and Organization

• Text Organization:
  • Look at how the text is structured. Does it follow a logical progression? Is the argument easy to follow, or is it fragmented? A well-structured argument is key to persuasiveness.
  • Ex: Brooks starts by presenting the problem (increased sadness and meanness) and then provides a historical analysis before suggesting solutions. Is this structure effective?
• Sections and Transitions:
  • How does the author transition between ideas? Are there clear topic sentences and smooth connections between paragraphs?

5. Examine the Language and Style

• Tone and Voice:
  • Identify the tone of the text. Is it formal, conversational, ironic, or passionate? The tone will affect how the audience perceives the message.
  • Ex: Brooks uses a reflective and sometimes concerned tone. How does that affect the way readers relate to his argument?
• Language/Word Choice:
  • What kind of language does the author use? Is it simple, academic, emotional, or loaded with jargon? Pay attention to any metaphors, analogies, or symbolism that enhance the argument.
  • Ex: Brooks uses phrases like “moral formation” and “emotional, relational, and spiritual crisis.” How do these choices influence how we interpret the severity of the problem he describes?

6. Evaluate the Use of Evidence

• Types of Evidence:
  • Analyze what kind of evidence the author provides (statistics, historical examples, expert testimony, anecdotes). Is the evidence convincing? Why or why not?
  • Ex: Brooks uses data (e.g., statistics on depression and loneliness), historical references, and sociological observations. Are these types of evidence are effective for his argument.
• Reliability of Sources:
  • Are the sources credible? If the author relies heavily on specific data or studies, do they come from reputable sources?

7. Identify the Rhetorical Appeals (Ethos, Logos, Pathos)

• Ethos (Credibility):
  • How does the author establish credibility? Does the writer appear knowledgeable or trustworthy? How does the author’s background play a role in building ethos?
• Logos (Logic and Reasoning):
  • Examine the logical structure of the argument. Is it sound, or are there any logical fallacies? Does the author use facts and reason to support their argument effectively?
• Pathos (Emotion):
  • How does the author appeal to the reader’s emotions? Does the author use language that aims to evoke a particular feeling or reaction?

8. Consider Biases and Assumptions

• Author Bias:
  • Every author writes with a perspective shaped by their experiences and beliefs. Identify any potential biases or assumptions that may influence the argument.
  • Ex: Does Brooks have a bias toward traditional values or certain societal structures? How does this shape his argument about the decline of moral education?
• Reader Bias:
  • How might the reader’s background or beliefs influence how they interpret the text? Reflect on how your own biases and experiences might affect your reading.

9. Examine Counterarguments

• Acknowledgment of Opposing Views:
  • Does the author address potential counterarguments? How does the author handle opposing viewpoints? If the text doesn’t acknowledge other perspectives, is that a weakness?
  • Ex: Brooks briefly mentions other causes of societal problems, like social media and economic inequality, but then argues they don’t address the core issue of moral decline. Is this sufficient, or does he downplay important factors?

10. Reflect on Overall Effectiveness

• Is the Argument Convincing?:
  • Form an opinion on whether the author’s argument is effective. What aspects of the text work well, and what might be lacking? Does the text achieve its intended purpose?
• Strengths and Weaknesses:
  • What are the key strengths of the article? What weaknesses do you identify in terms of logic, evidence? What about in the rhetorical strategies like language, tone, and style?