Assignment: Organization Analysis Paper

You will write a 4-6 page paper analyzing the organization of an article surrounding a current event found online. The topic is open ended, but must be classroom appropriate. Following the Checklist found in From Critical Thinking to Argument, you will examine how the article handles the topic, makes claims, offers support, organizes the information, and communicates everything to the reader in their attempt to be successful. At least 3-5 quotes are required to be cited in this paper in order to help you fully explain your analysis. Use the checklist on page 191 to check your own paper's elements as well. See schedule for due dates.

Paper Format

All papers should be double-spaced, in 12 point, Times New Roman font, with one inch margins. Always document sources throughout your paper carefully and accurately. Use MLA guidelines to document your sources (See Rules for Writers or the Purdue OWL link on Blackboard).

Things to Consider:

A Checklist for Organizing an Argument

• Does the introduction let the readers know where the author is taking them?

• Does the introduction state the problem or issue?

o Does it state the claim (the thesis)?
o Does it suggest the organization of the essay, thereby helping the reader to follow the argument?

• Do subsequent paragraphs support the claim?

o Do they offer evidence?

o Do they face objections to the claim and offer reasonable responses?

o Do they indicate why the author's claim is preferable?

o Do transitions (signposts such as Furthermore, In contrast, and Consider as an example) guide the reader through the argument?

o Does the essay end effectively, with a paragraph bringing a note of closure - for instance, by indicating that the proposed solution is relatively simple? By admitting that although the proposed solution will be difficult to implement, it is certainly feasible? By reminding the reader of the urgency of the problem?

Organization Analysis Paper

WRITERS - ASK YOURSELF

• Did I end up talking about anything in the introduction?
• Did I comment on the author's direction of the paper?
• Did I mention anything about the thesis or claim?
• Am I giving them the thesis?
• Do I introduce everything I'm analyzing?
• Do I cite examples for what I'm analyzing?
• Do I explain what I see and actually analyze?

WRITERS - ASK YOURSELF

• Did I end up talking about anything in body paragraphs?
• Did I comment on the author's claims in those paragraphs?
• Did I mention anything about the evidence given?
• Do I talk about the flow or order of paragraphs?
• Do I introduce everything I'm analyzing?
• Do I cite examples for what I'm analyzing?
• Do I explain what I see and actually analyze?

WRITERS - ASK YOURSELF

• Did I end up talking about anything in the conclusion?
• Did I comment on the author's note of closure?
• Did I mention anything about the possible research needed to be done?
• Do I talk about the possible send-off given?
• Do I introduce everything I'm analyzing?
• Do I cite examples for what I'm analyzing?
• Do I explain what I see and actually analyze?

• Keep the following in mind about constructing an Introduction:

• Introduction

o Orientate the reader.

- Grab their attention
- Introduce the topic.
- Give background information if needed
- Define important key terms or ideas.

o Identify the focus/purpose

- Introduce the essay at hand.
- Develop your stance on the organization of it.
- Choose a definite view on the effective of the organization.

o Outline the scope of the essay.

- Provide a map for the reader.
- Show where the argument will go.

o State thesis.

- Give thesis and supporting claims

• Remember some things we can do with our body paragraphs:

o Body Paragraphs

- Topic Sentence

• Tell the reader what the paragraph is about.
• State the supporting claim for the thesis.

- Supporting Details

• Introduce an idea for the topic.
• Give an example/evidence to support the topic.
• Explain the use/application of the evidence.

o What does it say?
o What does it mean?
o How does it apply?

• Repeat evidences and explanation as necessary.

- Concluding Sentence

• Summarize the mini argument.
• Tie everything together.
• Transition to next topic.

• Remember some things we can do in our Conclusions:

o Conclusion

- Restate the thesis.

• Remind the reader of the purpose of the essay.

- Summarize the argument.

• Remind the reader what they just read.
• Explain why it is all important.
• Tie it together and explain how it proves the thesis.

- Offer further research.

• Were there things you couldn't find?
• Are there other things to consider?

- Leave the reader with a send-off.

• Leave the reader thinking.
• End on a strong note.
• Ask a question if your thesis is the answer.