The Analytic Essay Assignment

In a response of approximately 300-400 words, identify which author presents a more compelling argument. Your response must:

 Outline the specific claims made in each passage

 Evaluate and Analyze the validity, relevance, and sufficiency of reasoning and evidence used to

support each claim

 Include examples from both passages to support your evaluation

Your response should be written for an audience of educated adults. With the exception of appropriately identified quotations and paraphrases from the sources provided, your writing must be your own. The final version of your response should conform to the conventions of edited American English.

Advice:

When evaluating an argument’s evidence, your first task is to identify the key position of each author on charter schools.

a. What claims are the authors trying to prove/want you to accept?
b. To what extent is each author for/against charter schools (i.e. completely/partially)? c. Do the authors have anything in common?

Identify key reasons for each author’s position (overall it should be possible to summarize each article with two or three key reasons).

What specific facts does each author use to support their claim?

How is the evidence supposed to relate to the claim?

Finally, evaluate the claims.

What is the strength of the reasoning and evidence? Note that the assignment asks you to consider both reasoning and evidence, that is, a combination of the authors’ philosophies or values of education and their use of empirical evidence or data.

Consider whether the reasoning and evidence is valid, sufficient, relevant, and representative.

Do the authors acknowledge and respond to possible counterarguments fully and fairly?