Questions about Text Analysis

What is the topic of the text?

What is the claim the author is making about the topic?

How does the author use evidence to support the claim?

How does the author demonstrate consideration of alternatives?

Does the author include rhetorical devices or logical fallacies?

What effect(s) do the rhetorical devices or logical fallacies have on the reader?

Who is the intended audience or reader for the text?

Which statement best expresses the author’s claim in the text?

• A person can benefit their community by shopping at local businesses.

• Local businesses are more interesting and better located than chain stores.

• The best way to help the environment is to shop at local businesses.

• It is important for local business owners to help their surrounding areas.

Much of the author’s evidence for his argument focuses on the idea that local businesses —

• make purchases from one another

• are a source of donations for nonprofit organizations and charities

• encourage practices that are better for the environment

• have the same values and beliefs as others in their community

What is the most likely reason the author uses direct address when speaking to the reader?

• To hold the reader responsible for the problem described in the text

• To suggest that an individual reader can share in the profits of local businesses

• To indicate that the author respects the reader as a valued member of the community

• To emphasize that the reader has the ability to follow the author’s suggestions