Sputnik Moment
Good language for analysis
One thing that can really help us write analysis that is more clear, direct and precise, is to pay close attention to our use of language in each phrase and sentence. As I suggested in my discussion today, you need to imagine that you are the sports announcer, giving a play by play commentary, explaining to your audience what the writer is doing now.
And so, if you really listen to a sports broadcast, you will notice that the announcers use specific verbs to describe what the players are doing. You should make a list of these verbs, and keep them nearby as you write your analytical papers. And this list can help you in all analytical writing.
1. When you want to describe how the writer makes a claim:
The writer claims, argues, asserts, establishes that, makes a point proposes, suggests
2. When you want to describe how the writer is explaining or clarifying an idea:
The writer
Amplifies,
Articulates her point
Clarifies
Compares
Contrasts
Defines a term
Differentiates between this and that
Distinguishes between this and that
Explains
Identifies
3. When you want to explain how the writer introduces support or evidence to support a claim:
The writer
Compiles statistics
Defends her point
Gathers evidence
Introduces evidence
Justifies his claim with support
Presents support for a claim
Substantiates a claim by providing support
Provides support
4. Verbs to use to describe the various stages of the argument:
Introduces evidence
Introduces the problem
Sets up the issue
Amplifies her point
Challenges other theories
Questions the terms of the counter argument
Compares or contrasts one idea with another
Debates the issue
Defends a claim
Establishes a point
Evaluates the counterclaims
Summarizes her argument
5. Describing the rhetorical situation
The writer
Responds to recent events
Draws upon contemporary debates
Shares common interests with her
One thing that can really help us write analysis that is more clear, direct and precise, is to pay close attention to our use of language in each phrase and sentence. As I suggested in my discussion today, you need to imagine that you are the sports announcer, giving a play by play commentary, explaining to your audience what the writer is doing now.
And so, if you really listen to a sports broadcast, you will notice that the announcers use specific verbs to describe what the players are doing. You should make a list of these verbs, and keep them nearby as you write your analytical papers. And this list can help you in all analytical writing.
1. When you want to describe how the writer makes a claim:
The writer claims, argues, asserts, establishes that, makes a point proposes, suggests
2. When you want to describe how the writer is explaining or clarifying an idea:
The writer
Amplifies,
Articulates her point
Clarifies
Compares
Contrasts
Defines a term
Differentiates between this and that
Distinguishes between this and that
Explains
Identifies
3. When you want to explain how the writer introduces support or evidence to support a claim:
The writer
Compiles statistics
Defends her point
Gathers evidence
Introduces evidence
Justifies his claim with support
Presents support for a claim
Substantiates a claim by providing support
Provides support
4. Verbs to use to describe the various stages of the argument:
Introduces evidence
Introduces the problem
Sets up the issue
Amplifies her point
Challenges other theories
Questions the terms of the counter argument
Compares or contrasts one idea with another
Debates the issue
Defends a claim
Establishes a point
Evaluates the counterclaims
Summarizes her argument
5. Describing the rhetorical situation
The writer
Responds to recent events
Draws upon contemporary debates
Shares common interests with her