The document discusses analyzing texts and sources. It provides guidance on choosing a source to analyze, considering the rhetorical situation and larger context. It recommends studying how the source works, analyzing its argument, claims, support, appeals and presentation. The document also outlines organizing a textual analysis thematically by identifying themes, using examples, and concluding by explaining what the analysis reveals. It advises drafting an analysis with an introduction, summary, thesis, and conclusion that restates the thesis and significance.

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The Norton Field Guide to Writing, 3e,
© 2013, W. W. Norton & Company
Analyzing Texts and
Sources

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Guide to Writing
Textual Analyses
• Choose a source to analyze
• Consider the rhetorical situation
• Generate ideas and text
• Read to see what the source suggests
• Decide what you want to analyze
• Think about the larger context

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Guide to Writing Source
Analyses
• Consider what you know about the writer or
creator
• Study how the source works
• Analyze the argument ( all sources have a
purpose- some are obvious and some are implied)
• What is the claim? What support does the writer offer?
• How does the writer appeal to readers?
• How does the writer present the argument?
• Does the writer use logical fallacies?
• What authorities does the writer cite?
• How does the writer address you as a reader?
• Come up with a thesis

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Ways of Organizing a
Textual Analysis
Thematically
Conclude
Explain what your analysis reveals
Analyze the text
Identify theme Use examples
Introduce the analysis
Summarize the source Provide context Outline method

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Writing a Draft
• Draft a beginning
• Summarize the source
• Provide context for your analysis
• State your thesis
• Draft an ending
• Restate your thesis and why it matters
• Explain what your analysis reveals
• Come up with a title

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Finishing Your Analysis
• Consider matters of design
• Get response and revise
• Edit and proofread
• Take stock of your work

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Key Features of
Analysis
• An arguable thesis
• Careful attention to the language of the
text source
• Attention to patterns or themes
• Clear interpretation of evidence