Persuasive Text Analysis

GOAL 1-I can identify and evaluating factual claims, commonplace assertions, and opinions using the F.O.C Chart.

F.O.C. CHART
Factual Claim
a statement that contains no value language and can be proven

Opinion
contains value language (e.g., good, difficult, easy, beautiful, should, etc.)

Commonplace Assertion
a common unfounded belief (e.g., If something is believed to be true by a lot of people, then it must be true.)

GOAL 2-I can make complex inferences using the Inference Graphic Organizer. Use the following graphic organizer to help you make inferences about each article
TEXTUAL EVIDENCE ACTION: Choose a line from the text and write it exactly as it is written in the text below. Put quotation marks around the line. INFERENCE/CONCLUSION ACTION: Read Deeper into the Text. What else could this mean? Make a logical, educated guess.

Article 1

Article 1

Article 2

Article 2

Goal 3-I can compare and contrast persuasive texts that reached different conclusions about the same issue and explain how the authors reached their conclusions by analyzing the evidence each presents.

Evidence
Cause and Effect

Article 1

Article 2

Analogy Making logical comparisons

Authority/Expert Opinion Expert on the subject provides research to support argument Repetition

Examples/Observations

Statistics/Facts (Can be in numerical form. Ex. 2 out of 3 dentists recommend Trident gum.) Vivid Descriptions/Imagery
Create vivid images for the reader.

Anecdotes An anecdote is a short narrative inserted into an essay that develops an idea or argument. Definitions

Goal 4-I can analyze the use of such rhetorical and logical fallacies as loaded terms, caricatures, leading questions, false assumptions, and incorrect premises in persuasive texts. Article 1 Article 2

Bias
Is the author prejudiced towards his/her idea? What do you think is the reason for his/her bias?

Rhetorical Fallacies
Does the author make claims that may not be true but that are convincing? Write an example. Logical Fallacies (Faulty Reasoning) Are any of the following examples found in the article?

Loaded Terms
Does the author use words/phrases that are intended to create a strong emotional effect?

Leading Questions
Does the author ask a question where the answer is suggested?

False Assumptions
Does the author make an inference that does not make sense or is not supported with evidence? Could you make another inference that would make more sense?
Incorrect Premises Does the author make a claim that is faulty/flawed that is the basis of his/her entire argument?

Short Answer Questions Answer the following in complete sentences. Article 1

1. What is the issue being discussed? What is the authors viewpoint?

2. What evidence did the author provide to support his/her viewpoint? Is the evidence fact,

opinion, and/or fallacy?

3. How did the author present their argument?

4. Was the author effective in presenting his/her arguments?

Article 2
5. What is the issue being discussed? What is the authors viewpoint?

6. What evidence did the author provide to support his/her viewpoint? Is the evidence fact,

opinion, and/or fallacy?

7. How did the author present their argument?

8. Was the author effective in presenting his/her arguments?

9. Which article had the more effective argument? Explain your answer with evidence from the

text.

10. How did the authors organize the text to be reader-friendly?