BIK3023 - READING SKILLS DATE LINE : 29.4.2012

Assignment 2 - Evaluating Arguments in Article Analysis (20%)

1. One important skill for understanding an essay, article or chapter is through the analysis of the parts of the authors reasoning. Select TWO texts about a controversial issue. (These are issues on which people disagree such as arranged marriages, cosmetic surgery, capital punishment and genetically modified crops).1. The texts can be from newspapers, magazines or credible websites. Complete information of the source must be included. Please cite the sources appropriately following APA format.1. The content of the text must enable you to response to the questions provided. 1. The text must be included in the Appendix section of your assignment.

Based on the selected texts, write responses to these questions.

1. What is the issue being discussed? What was the author's purpose in writing this text? What was the author trying to accomplish?

1. Who is the intended audience? What is the author trying to persuade the audience to believe or do?

1. What evidence is used to support the argument of the text? What types of support are presented by the author? Types of support refer to the kind of evidence the author uses to back up his/her main arguments. Support can include research findings, case studies, personal experience or observation, examples, facts, comparisons, and expert testimony or opinion.

1. Is the argument complete? An argument is complete when the author presents adequate support and addresses opposing sides of the argument. Do you think the author is biased? Explain.

1. Respond to the text from your own personal viewpoint as an individual reader. How much does the text agree with your personal point of view and what you consider right and wrong? Why or why not? What new information did you learn from it? Did you like or enjoy the text, and (most importantly) why or why not?

Assignment 2Text Analysis Rubrics 20%

Content & Development (12 marks) Poor

Content is incomplete. Major marks are not clear and /or persuasive.

Content is inconsistent with regard to purpose and clarity of thought.

Misinterprets evidence and fail to identify the salient arguments. Fair

Content is not comprehensive and /or persuasive.

Major points are addressed, but not well presented.

Content is adequate and addresses major points. Good

Content is comprehensive, accurate, and persuasive.

Accurately interprets evidence, statements, questions, etc.Identifies the salient arguments (reasons and claims)

Major points are stated clearly and are well presented. Content is adequate, and addresses main marks.

Grammar, Punctuation & Spelling (4 marks) Poor

Paper contains numerous grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors. Language lacks clarity. Fair

Paper contains few grammatical, punctuation and spelling errors.Good

Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed. Spelling is correct. Language is clear and precise; sentences display consistently strong, varied structure.

Compare & Contrast Task(4 marks)Poor

Paper compares and contrasts items clearly, but the supporting information is incomplete.

The paper may includeinformation that is notrelevant.

Fair

Paper compares and contrasts items clearly, but the supporting information is general.

The paper may includesome information that is not relevant.

Good

Paper compares and contrasts items clearly.

The paper marks to specificexamples to illustrate the comparison. The paper includes only the information relevant to the comparison.