Analyzing Argumentative Texts: Structure and Language
This page introduces the fundamental aspects of analyzing argumentative texts. It emphasizes that texts are arranged to convince readers, with varying degrees of personal or neutral tones. The guide outlines two main areas of analysis: structure and language.
For structural analysis, the guide introduces four types of argumentative structures:
- Argument for, argument against, conclusion
- Listing arguments with the strongest at the end
- Ping-pong technique alternatingproandconarguments
- Various types of supporting evidence data,expertopinions,personalexperiences
The language analysis section covers:
• Figures of speech rhetoricalquestions,contrasts,enumerations,metaphors,personification,irony
• Word choice nouns,connotations,adjectives,verbs
• Register scientificlanguage,everydaylanguage
Highlight: The guide stresses the importance of explaining the effect of language choices on the reader and understanding why the author made these choices.
Example: An example of language analysis could be: "The author uses scientific language to lend credibility to their argument, as seen in the phrase 'empirical evidence suggests' line23."
Vocabulary: Onomatopoeia - the formation of a word from a sound associated with what it describes, used to catch the reader's attention.
