Argument Analysis Assignment

76-101, Fall 2012

The Assignment Summarize and analyze Heather Rogerss argument in the essay Close to Home: Local Organic. Youve probably been given assignments like this in the past, which required you to repeat an argument in order to show that you have read and comprehended it. This assignment is a little different from those, in that it asks you to explain to the reader not only what main point Rogers is asserting, but also how she makes the argument to persuade the reader. What analysis means in the context of this class, then, is (1) identifying the main claim of the argument, (2) recounting it in your own words, (3), describing the main sub-claims and evidence used and how they support the main claim (or, the arguments structure and why you believe she chooses that particular structure), and (4) briefly discussing the significance or stakes of the argument. The key to this assignment is avoiding trying to account for every point Rogers raises, but instead to focus on isolating what the kernel of the argument is and explaining how she lets the reader know this is the kernel and that its true. There are probably several ways to read Rogers, but not an infinite amount, so make sure that you read carefully and thoughtfully and support any claim that you make about Rogerss argument with evidence from the text. You can think of this assignment as making an argument that supports your interpretation of Rogerss essay. Therefore, your main claim should be something like, I claim that Rogerss main point in Close to Home is. You will support your thesis by showing how we know from the evidence used and the structure of the argument that the point youve chosen really is the main one Rogers wants to get across. The Details Required length: 2-3 pages, typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman font, with 1 inch margins on all sides Rough draft due for peer review, in paper and electronic format: Monday, September 17th (Bring three copies.) Revision Statement due: Wednesday, September 19th Final draft due in paper and email format via Blackboard: Friday, October 5th in class. (Attach marked draft and Revision Statement) Remember to follow all formatting, grammar, punctuation, and citation guidelines, as well as including a Works Cited section at the end.

The Procedure (Some Suggestions) Step 1: Generating ideas: What is the argument? First, you should select the most important parts of Rogerss argument. You can do this by identifying the problem or question that she is addressing and figuring out which parts of the reading most explicitly speak to this problem or question. Your thesis statement should explain Rogerss main point and its significance. (Keep in mind that a thesis statement can have two sentences.) How does Rogers make her argument? Second, you should analyze and explain the important parts of Rogerss essay, showing how each one fits into the whole argument and supports the main claim. Is this part a piece of evidence? An example? A theory she is drawing from? And so on.

Step 2: Supporting your argument: Make sure that all the claims you make about Rogerss argument are supported by textual evidence. This means that, if asked why you said something in your paper, you could point to a specific moment in Rogerss text that supports your point. Use direct quotations and paraphrasing to support your interpretation. Remember to be selective about quote use, and dont forget to explain and justify your use of every quote. Dont let the evidence overwhelm your argument, however, since you have a lot to squeeze into 23 pages. Step 3: Considering your audience: For this assignment, you can think of your audience as a classmate who is interested in agriculture and sustainability, but has not read Rogers. You are going to summarize Rogers for this classmate (because theres a quiz on it in a few minutes), so you have to argue for why the main claim youve identified is the more grounded, more significant one. This argument is not made by discussing things from outside the text or from your own life, but by showing how the structure of the argument (and the evidence and assumptions in Rogerss text) supports your reading. Common Misconceptions Knowing some traps people have fall into in the past may help you as you construct your essay: Always attribute Rogerss ideas to her. If you feel like youre saying Rogers claims or Rogers explains, etc. too many times, thats okay. The problems will arise when or if you cease to remind your reader that the ideas you are discussing arent all yours. This is not an argument about agriculture and sustainability in general, but about Rogerss argument and how she makes it.

This is not the place for you to discuss your opinions, feelings, or experiences with organic food. Stick as closely to Rogerss text as possible. Outside research is not required or recommended and will only complicate the issue. Talk to me if you are having any problems or questions, and do NOT plagiarize.