Using Texts in Academic Arguments

Prewriting Questions Can Help You Think About How to Use Texts In Your Argument

The questions below can help guide you through your initial analysis of a text BEFORE you begin writing. The purpose of the questions is to stimulate your thinking about your argument. By "unpacking" the lines of the text through close and careful reading, you will be better able to write a paper that demonstrates clear, close, and critical thinking. The answers to these questions probably won't make it into your final draft, but they will help you get a better sense of what the text is doing and how to articulate that in your argument.

QUICK TUTORING TIP: If you are planning to see a tutor during the prewriting stage, you might want to try answering some or all of these questions before your session. Bring your answers with you ~ you and your tutor can use them for brainstorming and organizing.

First, choose a line or lines from your assigned reading or your outside research. Maybe you want to focus on a passage that was discussed in class. Perhaps you'd prefer to analyze an excerpt that stuck out while you were reading. In any case, be sure to note any necessary bibliographic information, including author, title, and page or line number.

Now, try to answer the questions below. Remember, these responses probably won't make it to the final draft, so don't worry about writing in complete sentences or making every idea sound perfect. You'll have plenty of time to refine these ideas later.

1) Establish some context for this passage. In other words, describe: When, where, who?

2) Why did you select this line? How is it significant?

3) Is there any imagery present? Describe. [NOTE: This question might be more appropriate for a literary work than for a non-fiction work.]

4) What is the tone? Describe.

5) Is there something about this quote that is distinctive, especially insightful or written in an interesting way? Describe.

6) Paraphrase: What is the general idea? (For more information on paraphrasing, see our Citing and Paraphrasing handout.)

7) What is the major issue or problem that the author is treating? What are the author's or text's solutions?

8) Are there other places in the text where similar or contrary ideas are expressed? If so, mention a few.

9) What is the relevance of this particular section or line to the whole of the text?

10) What is the relevance of this author's position to the context in which it was written?

11) To what other texts or contexts could it refer or be compared?

12) Are there counterarguments to the position taken by the author? What are they?

13) Are there counterarguments to your reading of this author? What are they?

14) Is there anything ignored by the author of this statement?

15) Describe the relevance of your selection to the argument you would like to make in your essay.