TRUTH DOG

LISTEN UNDERSTAND RESPOND CONVINCE

Make the world around you smarter.

RHETORIC

HOW TO ANALYZE A DOCUMENT

RHETORICAL ANALYSIS SLIDE DECK

The Power of Language @ACREATIVEMOOD

HOW TO READ FOR UNDERSTANDING

Always, always ascertain the document’s context (see above) before reading it. Do not highlight for emotional diction unless you’re analyzing for rhetoric. Employ a strategy for breaking the document down according to its structure—if you don’t remember what I mean by that, see me.

When reading the first time, play the “believing game” as you read the text—strive for understanding before you decide whether to agree or disagree. Look up words you don’t understand, especially ones that confuse the author’s message—don’t lazily skip over them.

Now, read the document a second time (YES I’M SERIOUS), but play the “doubting game” now. Even if it sounded good the first time, look for errors in logic. If the document is argumentative in nature, how would you argue against it? Where are the arguments stronger, or weaker? Jot your reactions in the margins, if you’re allowed to write on the text; otherwise, take notes.

DOCUMENTS

 

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