Pre-Writing an Analysis [Lesson]
Brandi Morley
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this lesson, students will
- analyze a text by completing a graphic organizer that identifies an author’s use of evidence and rhetorical devices.
- evaluate the impact of these devices on the target audience.
To analyze means to break down a piece of text and look at HOW and WHY an author uses devices to achieve a purpose
Two Types: Literary Analysis and Rhetorical Analysis
A literary analysis…
- Analyzes fiction
- Explains how the author uses literary elements or devices (characters, theme, setting, imagery, figurative language, etc.)
- Discusses why the elements are significant and how they affect the reader
- Evaluates effectiveness or ineffectiveness
A rhetorical analysis…
- Analyzes non-fiction
- Explains how the author uses rhetorical devices (hyperbole, definition, alliteration, etc.) or appeals (ethos, pathos, logos)
- Discusses why the devices or appeals are significant and how they affect the audience
- Evaluates effectiveness or ineffectiveness
An Analysis is Not a Summary
A summary offers the main points or ideas from a text; it does not contain any type of evaluation or interpretation. You will, however, most likely summarize and paraphrase ideas within your analysis.
What to Include in an Analysis
The basic structure of an analysis should include the following:
- A brief summary of the original text
- A thesis statement that argues the most important literary or rhetorical device and its impact on the reader or audience
- Specific evidence from the text with an explanation of the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of the device
- A conclusion that offers a final evaluation of the text
Preparing to Construct an Analysis
Read and reread the text for a thorough understanding. Make annotations as you think critically about and question the text.
Questions to consider:
- Who is the author?
- Why did the author write the text?
- How does the author organize the text?
- What ideas or opinions does the author convey?
- Does the author include evidence that supports/does not support the claim?
- Who is the intended audience?
- How does the author create a certain tone or style?
- What devices does the author use to convey the message?
- How does the author’s use of devices impact the reader/audience?
Organizing Ideas for an Analysis
The sample graphic organizer is a tool to help you organize your ideas and thoughts about specific devices the author uses and their effects. Use your table as a guide to construct your analysis.
| Device: Label the literary or rhetorical device | Example from Text: What does the text literally say? | Effect: How does the author's use of the device impact (or not impact) the reader or audience? |
|---|---|---|
Downloadable Resources (Lesson, Graphic Organizer)
Click here to download a PowerPoint version of this lesson:
Pre-Writing an Analysis lesson
Click here to download a Word Doc version of the graphic organizer:
Organizing Ideas for an Analysis template
Attribution:
Morley, Brandi. “Pre-Writing an Analysis [Lesson].” Strategies, Skills and Models for Student Success in Writing and Reading Comprehension. College Station: Texas A&M University, 2024. This work is licensed with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
