Analyzing Arguments

1
Analyzing Arguments

• What cultural contexts inform the argument---and
  what do they tell you about where the writer or
  creator is coming fro?
• What emotional, ethical, and logical appeals does
  the argument make?
• How does the writer or creator establish
  credibility?
• What sources does the argument rely on?
• How current and reliable are they?
• Are some perspectives left out?
• What effect does this exclusion have on the
  argument?

2
Analyzing Arguments

• What is the main proposition/claim of the verbal
  or visual argument?
• What reasons (subclaims or premises) and
  assumptions support and underlie the claims?
• What additional evidence backs up the assumptions
  and premises?

3
Analyzing Arguments

• Do the premises/subclaims reflect the
  proposition/thesis accurately?
• What fallacies can you identify?
• What effect do they have on the arguments
  persuasiveness?
• What overall impression does the argument create?
• Are you convinced?