How to Write a Text-Based Analysis

Whether it's a book, newspaper article or scholarly journal, a good way to get something out of what you read is to write an analysis of the text. One of the main purposes of analyzing a text is to build your critical thinking skills by examining the author's arguments and finding their strong and weak points. It is also beneficial to take notes and highlight key passages as you read a text, so you'll have an idea of how you want to write your analysis.

Instructions

    • 1

      Consider the author's main arguments or ideas. If you're writing an analysis on a book about gender relations in African-American households in the early 20th century, state that the author claims that in the early 20th century, there was a large percentage of two-parent households which were stable despite the harsh realities of racial prejudice.

    • 2

      Point out the weaknesses and strengths of the author's arguments. If the author claims that modern feminism has led to the feminization of men in 21st century America and you agree, state why you feel this way and include recent research to verify your point. Or if you disagree with the author's claim that teachers should bear most of the responsibility for the education of children, state that parents should also bear responsibility for their children's academic success, and that students need to be self-motivated.

    • 3

      Discuss how the text contributed to the understanding of an issue in general. If you read a scholarly article which examined the struggles of teenagers who are the primary breadwinners in their families, mention that this article sheds light on how today's tough economic times are changing the way some teens live their lives.

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