Passage Analysis Techniques
Passage Analysis Techniques Passage Analysis Techniques (Short Version)
Step One: Read the Passage and Identify the Main Conclusion
Step Two: Begin to assemble claims that seem to relate to one another as arguments
Step Three: Diagram sub-arguments and express in standard form
Step Four: Identify any hidden premises/conclusions and assumptions
Step Five: Use sub-argument conclusions to construct main argument
Step Six: Identify any important and relevant concepts included in the passage
Step Seven: Formulate the key conceptual question for the passage
Step Eight: Do your own mini conceptual analysis using the key conceptual question
MICRO-EVALUATION OF ARGUMENT
Step Nine: Compare the author’s use of those same concepts you studied in your mini conceptual analysis. Evaluate the use of them.
Step Ten: Begin evaluating non-conceptual claims for their relevance, acceptability and sufficiency
Step Eleven: Look for any informal logical fallacies in the passage
Step Twelve: Examine and evaluate how well the author dealt with objections to their own arguments
MACRO-EVALUATION OF ARGUMENT
Step Thirteen: Evaluate the overall success of the argument
Step Fourteen: Determine what you will include in your paper for your critical analysis. Organize and sequence arguments, objections, counter-criticisms.
Step Fifteen: Write Paper
Passage Analysis Techniques (Expanded)
Step One: Read the Passage and Identify the Main Conclusion
Go over the passage several times and try to determine the main point. What is the thesis?
Helpful hints: Look for indicator words to determine what’s a supporting premise and what’s a conclusion. Circle them. Also, bracket and number the claims in the passage – if not too long.
Step Two: Begin to assemble claims that seem to relate to one another as arguments Establish what’s a premise and what’s a conclusion. See which paragraphs simply give description and context etc., and which give reasons for conclusions.
Step One: Read the Passage and Identify the Main Conclusion
Step Two: Begin to assemble claims that seem to relate to one another as arguments
Step Three: Diagram sub-arguments and express in standard form
Step Four: Identify any hidden premises/conclusions and assumptions
Step Five: Use sub-argument conclusions to construct main argument
Step Six: Identify any important and relevant concepts included in the passage
Step Seven: Formulate the key conceptual question for the passage
Step Eight: Do your own mini conceptual analysis using the key conceptual question
MICRO-EVALUATION OF ARGUMENT
Step Nine: Compare the author’s use of those same concepts you studied in your mini conceptual analysis. Evaluate the use of them.
Step Ten: Begin evaluating non-conceptual claims for their relevance, acceptability and sufficiency
Step Eleven: Look for any informal logical fallacies in the passage
Step Twelve: Examine and evaluate how well the author dealt with objections to their own arguments
MACRO-EVALUATION OF ARGUMENT
Step Thirteen: Evaluate the overall success of the argument
Step Fourteen: Determine what you will include in your paper for your critical analysis. Organize and sequence arguments, objections, counter-criticisms.
Step Fifteen: Write Paper
Passage Analysis Techniques (Expanded)
Step One: Read the Passage and Identify the Main Conclusion
Go over the passage several times and try to determine the main point. What is the thesis?
Helpful hints: Look for indicator words to determine what’s a supporting premise and what’s a conclusion. Circle them. Also, bracket and number the claims in the passage – if not too long.
Step Two: Begin to assemble claims that seem to relate to one another as arguments Establish what’s a premise and what’s a conclusion. See which paragraphs simply give description and context etc., and which give reasons for conclusions.