1 Analyzing a Text

Written Texts

When you analyze an essay or article, consider these questions:

• What is the thesis or central idea of the text?
• Who is the intended audience?
• What questions does the author address?
• How does the author structure the text?
• What are the key parts of the text?
• How do the key parts of the text interrelate?
• How do the key parts of the text relate to the thesis?
• What does the author do to generate interest in the argument?
• How does the author convince the readers of their argument’s merit?
• What evidence is provided in support of the thesis?
• Is the evidence in the text convincing?
• Has the author anticipated opposing views and countered them?
• Is the author’s reasoning sound?

Visual Texts

When you analyze a piece of visual work, consider these questions:

• What confuses, surprises, or interests you about the image?
• In what medium is the visual?
• Where is the visual from?
• Who created the visual?
• For what purpose was the visual created?
• Identify any clues that suggest the visual’s intended audience.
• How does this image appeal to that audience?
• In the case of advertisements, what product is the visual selling?
• In the case of advertisements, is the visual selling an additional message or idea?
• If words are included in the visual, how do they contribute to the meaning?
• Identify design elements – colors, shapes, perspective, and background – and speculate how they help to convey the visual’s meaning or purpose.