Task:  You will write an essay or create another type of text (podcast/audio essay, video, etc.) that makes an analytical argument about a chosen text. You will choose an essay from Language Awareness out of Chapter 9, 10, or 11.


I suggest the following steps:

Identify your text.

Summarize your text in a paragraph. In a short (1 paragraph) summary, you should leave your opinions and analysis out.

Deeply consider and focus on your text.

What criteria would you create for an effective text of this kind?

How would you describe Frith’s Levels of Analysis for your text?

Who’s the text’s audience? What is the context? Its purpose?

Is it making an emotional appeal? A logical appeal? An ethical appeal?

After thinking deeply on your text, think about what you want to say about it. What does it mean to you? What might it mean to someone else or a group or culture? Develop a tentative thesis for an analytical argument; you can always change it later. 

 Organize evidence around that thesis. Be as specific as possible.

 As you revise, prioritize keeping your essay focused, brief, entertaining, and persuasive. What do you want to say? What is your purpose? What do you want the reader to take away from your project? Why might it be important to think about this text and to analyze it?