Learning how to analyze and think critically is a valuable skill. Not only can this help with schoolwork, but it can also help you determine the validity of news articles and conduct in-depth research throughout your life. Good analysis requires summaries, annotations, examination of articles and their authors.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Summarizing Articles
Step 1. Read the article one more time without writing anything
The first reading should be done to learn the concept and get ideas from the content of the article.
Step 2. Pay attention to any terms or words that you don't understand
If the article is about technical stuff, then you should make sure you understand the whole concept before starting to analyze it.
Step 3. Try writing a three- or four-sentence summary
If you can't do that, then you need to re-read the content of the article.
Step 4. Try explaining the article aloud if that is easier than writing
If you can explain the big picture as well as the content of the article in non-technical language, then you're good to go.
Part 2 of 3: Annotating Articles
Step 1. Make a copy of the article
You can also print a copy of it. You'll have to annotate by hand, unless you can use a note-taking app like Evernote.
Be sure to note the page numbers, so you can cite the article appropriately in your analysis
Step 2. Reread the article a second time so you can underline the thematic concepts
You should also read slowly and underline the outline of the article as you read it.
Step 3. Bookmark the thesis of the article
The thesis is the main argument that the author makes or tries to prove. Your analysis will often focus on this thesis as you decide how successful the author was in convincing readers.
Step 4. Underline concepts that appear frequently in articles
Underline supporting points and make notes about them in the outline of the article.
If you read scientific papers, pay attention to methods, evidence and results. This is the accepted structure in most scientific papers
Step 5. Make notes of any concepts that are not fully proven or explained
These annotations can make your time more effective during the writing process.
Part 3 of 3: Analyzing Articles
Step 1. Write a summary or abstract of the article
If you are writing an analytical essay, then that section can be an introductory section.
Step 2. Include some research that has been done by the author of the article
Their qualifications can prove whether their opinion is part of their expertise. In historical articles, it can also determine whether the author is a primary source or a secondary source.
Mention if you believe the author made a preconceived error. In media-related articles, you need to mention whether the author can remain objective because they spread the word to readers
Step 3. Form an article reader
Determine if you believe the author has served the reader well. For example, if the reader of an article is a general audience but the author uses very technical terms, then the article is not a convincing article.
Step 4. Determine the purpose of the article
The goal can be a thesis or something the author wants to prove. Writers can ask questions and answer them later.
Step 5. Determine how successfully the author proved his thesis
Mention examples and quotations in the text to describe the arguments that succeeded or failed to prove. Resume analysis of the article to determine how meaningful and cohesive the author's argument is.
Review the annotations you made to find quotes or questions related to the validity of the argument
Step 6. Compare the article with other articles in the same field
If you are told to read more than one article, then you can analyze one other article for comparison. State which argument of the article is more convincing and why.
Step 7. Write down any unanswered questions
Determine if the author can improve the quality of the article by providing more evidence and more in-depth research on a topic.
Step 8. Explain why the article is important to the reader and to the world at large
In this case, you should consider outlining your opinion on the topic. Some classes ask for opinions from readers, while other classes ask for very scientific criticism.
Step 9. Create a Bibliography page if you do citations in articles you create
Ask your teacher about the citation style to follow, such as MLA, Chicago or APA.
Tips
- Always double-check the content, spelling and grammar of your work before you submit it. Although article analysis can be done quickly, it should still be edited at least once.
- If you like writing articles, look for writing jobs that are widely spread on the internet, so that your hobby can make money at the same time. One of the websites that recruit article writers is Contentesia.
