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TextsThe Norton Field Guide to Writing, 3e, © 2013, W. W. Norton & Company

Analyzing Texts and Sources

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Guide to Writing Textual Analyses

•Choose a source to analyze•Consider the rhetorical situation•Generate ideas and text• Read to see what the source suggests• Decide what you want to analyze • Think about the larger context

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Guide to Writing Source Analyses

• Consider what you know about the writer or creator• Study how the source works• Analyze the argument ( all sources have a purpose-

some are obvious and some are implied)• What is the claim? What support does the writer offer?• How does the writer appeal to readers?• How does the writer present the argument?• Does the writer use logical fallacies?• What authorities does the writer cite?• How does the writer address you as a reader?

• Come up with a thesis

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Ways of Organizing a Textual Analysis

Thematically

ConcludeExplain what your analysis reveals

Analyze the textIdentify theme Use examples

Introduce the analysisSummarize the source Provide context Outline method

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Writing a Draft

•Draft a beginning• Summarize the source• Provide context for your analysis• State your thesis•Draft an ending• Restate your thesis and why it matters• Explain what your analysis reveals•Come up with a title

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Finishing Your Analysis

•Consider matters of design•Get response and revise• Edit and proofread• Take stock of your work

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Key Features of Analysis

•An arguable thesis•Careful attention to the language of the

text source•Attention to patterns or themes•Clear interpretation of evidence