Template for Analyzing the Logic of an Article
Take an article that you have been assigned to read for class, completing the “logic” of it using the template below. This template can be modified for analyzing the logic of a chapter in a textbook.
The Logic of “(name of the article)” 1) The main purpose of this article is ________________________________.
(State as accurately as possible the author’s purpose for writing the article.)
2) The key question that the author is addressing is ____________________. (Figure out the key question in the mind of the author when s/he wrote the article.)
3) The most important information in this article is ___________________. (Figure out the facts, experiences, data the author is using to support her/his conclusions.)
4) The main inferences/conclusions in this article are __________________. (Identify the key conclusions the author comes to and presents in the article.)
5) The key concept(s) we need to understand in this article is (are) ____________. By these concepts the author means _________________________. (Figure out the most important ideas you would have to understand in order to understand the author’s line of reasoning.)
6) The main assumption(s) underlying the author’s thinking is (are) ___________. (Figure out what the author is taking for granted [that might be questioned].)
7a) If we take this line of reasoning seriously, the implications are ______________. (What consequences are likely to follow if people take the author’s line of reasoning seriously?)
7b) If we fail to take this line of reasoning seriously, the implications are __________. (What consequences are likely to follow if people ignore the author’s reasoning?)
8) The main point(s) of view presented in this article is (are) _________________. (What is the author looking at, and how is s/he seeing it?)
9) What does the Bible say about this issue? What is the Christian Worldview?
Article 1
Articles to be used for analysis:
http://www.nationalreview.com/article/425290/what-gun-control-advocates-mean-dare-not-say-guns-should-be-confiscated-charles
After reading the article, students will identify the core question/problem being addressed, the arguments supporting and opposing the issue, consequences of action and inaction related to the issue, and any biases evidenced in the article. Students are encouraged to mention relevant Scripture passages and principles in this discussion.
Article 2
Articles to use for analysis:
Please read the first article and write your article analysis from it. Please read the second article to help with class discussion
Same-Sex Marriage is now the Law of the (U.S.) Land: What Now for Christians?
Article 3
Articles to be used for analysis:
Please read all articles and use the article by Michael Saltsman for your analysis.
- Michael Saltsman, “Raising Minimum Wage Won't Lower Poverty,” September 16, 2011, http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/16/opinion/saltsman-minimum-wage
Article 4
Article to be used for your analysis:
Topic: Poverty
- Annie Lowrey, “50 Years Later, War on Poverty Is a Mixed Bag,” New York Times, January 4, 2014, accessed January 6, 2014, http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/05/business/50-years-later-war-on-poverty-is-a-mixed-bag.html?_r=0
Article 5
http://www.americanthinker.com/2013/06/illegal_immigration_a_christian_perspective.html