Lesson: Analytic Writing Asessment - 03

Argument Analysis: Your approach

Your approach to Analysis of an Argument should be in the nature of a critique. That is, you have to assess the author's argument in an objective and analytical way.

Your personal views on the topic, should you possess any, are of no relevance. Rather, your job is to assess how well the author has supported his/her views with evidence. And here's a major hint.

Hint

Get ready to work through a sample "essay prompt" as you learn the CAT 5 Step Method for "Analysis of an Argument."

Have a notebook handy. Take good notes and be ready to do some creative writing! Remember that this method is what we want you to employ every time you're given "Analysis of an Argument" to write.

Let's get started!

Compressed Sentence

The sentences in an argument analysis question prompt the writer often uses compressed sentences. Try to understand the whole sentence by dividing into pieces.

Next to display next topic in the chapter.

A good rule of thumb is that your reader should be able to get the gist of your entire argument just by skimming the first sentence of each paragraph. Remember, your reader is probably going to devote no more than 3 to 5 minutes to your essay. Take a few minutes at the beginning of your AWA to outline the five sentences that will begin your paragraphs; this strategy can make your reader’s job far easier, and a happy reader is probably more apt to make those tricky 4/5 line calls in your favor. Similarly, the e-reader is programmed to assess organization, and well-written topic sentences that use transition words and clearly state the point of each paragraph are a big help in creating the kind of organizational structure that earns you points on test day.