Writing a Language Analysis Essay (Revision)
- 2. 1. Identify the CONTENTION 2. Identify the TONE 3. Identify the ARGUMENTS 4. Identify the PERSUASIVE DEVICES and LANGUAGE 5. Discuss the IMPACT on these techniques on the arguments
- 3. • WHAT is the technique? – Identify it by name • HOW is it used? – Provide a quote from the text • WHY has the author done this? – Explain the effect on the audience
- 4. • IDENTIFY the technique – Identify it by name • DESCRIBE how it is used – Provide a quote from the text • EXPLAIN the intended effect on the audience – Tie this to the author’s argument
- 5. • What is the ISSUE being discussed? • What is the CONTEXT of the article? – Who is the writer and what is the title of the article? – What is the form of the article? – What is the name of the publication? – What is the writer’s relationship to the issue (if you know)? – Is there any vested interest in the issue (if you know)? • What is the CONTENTION of the article? • What is the TONE of the article? • What is the likely AUDIENCE of the article?
- 6. • What is the FIRST ARGUMENT/IDEA presented in the article? • What TECHNIQUES are used to express this argument? Give examples. • What LANGUAGE is used to express this argument? Give examples. • What is the possible/likely EFFECT on the audience of the article?
- 7. • Repeat the structure for each argument as it arises in the article. • As you progress through the article, focus your analysis on new techniques as they arise. • However, make note of any repeated techniques, or techniques used in new ways.
- 8. In your FINAL body paragraph: •What VISUAL ARGUMENTS are presented with the article (if available)? •What TECHNIQUES are used (i.e. ANALYSE the visual source)? Give examples. •What is the possible/likely EFFECT on the audience of the article?
- 9. • Restate the writer’s contention eloquently. • What has the writer tried to achieve? • Who have they tried to convince (audience)? • Are they LIKELY to have convinced them? How successful have they been?
- 10. Ability to identify the contention and supporting arguments. Understanding of the persuasive language strategies used. Analytical discussion/comparison of the ways in which the persuasive language is used to position readers. Explanation of the persuasive relevance of the visual material. Fluency of expression with confident use of appropriate metalanguage. Spelling, grammar and punctuation.