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:

1. Argument for, argument against, conclusion
2. Listing arguments with the strongest at the end
3. Ping-pong technique (alternating pro and con arguments)
4. Various types of supporting evidence (data, expert opinions, personal experiences)

The language analysis section covers: • Figures of speech (rhetorical questions, contrasts, enumerations, metaphors, personification, irony) • Word choice (nouns, connotations, adjectives, verbs) • Register (scientific language, everyday language)

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' (line 23)."

Vocabulary: Onomatopoeia - the formation of a word from a sound associated with what it describes, used to catch the reader's attention.