Develop Critical Thinking and Analytical Writing Skills
Objective: The purpose of this assignment is to develop critical thinking and analytical writing skills by evaluating an article of your choice. You will summarize the article, assess its use of evidence, and analyze how the author(s) appeal(s) to ethos, logos, and pathos.
Instructions:
Select an article:
Choose an article from a reliable source (e.g., a news website, academic journal, or magazine). Ensure the article is argumentative or persuasive rather than purely informational.
Submit the article title, author, and publication source along the analysis.
Write a Four-Paragraph Analysis:
Paragraph 1: Summary
- Briefly summarize the article in your own words.
- Identify the main argument or purpose of the article.
- Keep this section objective—do not include your opinion.
Paragraph 2: Rhetorical Appeals (Ethos, Logos, Pathos)
- Identify and analyze how the author appeals to credibility (ethos), logic (logos), and emotion (pathos).
- Provide examples from the article to support your analysis.
- Explain which appeal is the strongest or weakest and why.
Paragraph 3: Analysis and Evaluation of Evidence
- Discuss the types of evidence the author uses (facts, statistics, expert opinions, examples, etc.).
- Assess whether the evidence is strong, relevant, and convincing.
- Mention any gaps or weaknesses in the evidence.
Paragraph 4: Final Thoughts
- Reflect on the overall effectiveness of the article.
- Discuss whether the author successfully persuades the audience.
- Share your personal reaction to the article (agree/disagree) and explain why.
Formatting and Submission:
Use APA formatting (12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced, 1-inch margins).
Include a title page and a reference page citing the article in APA format.
Submit your assignment as a Word document or PDF.
Evaluation Criteria:
- Clear and concise summary (10 points)
- Strong analysis of evidence (10 points)
- Insightful discussion of rhetorical appeals (10 points)
- Well-organized final thoughts (10 points)
- Proper APA formatting and grammar (10 points)
Total: 50 points
Additional Notes:
- Avoid plagiarism by writing in your own words and citing sources correctly.
- Seek feedback from a peer or tutor before submitting your final draft.
- If you need help choosing an article, ask your instructor for suggestions.
Word Count: 500-600
No. of Pages: 4