1. Identify the Exigence (The Need for the Essay):
* What problem or issue is the essay addressing? Is it a current event, a social concern, a personal dilemma?
* What is the writer trying to achieve? Are they seeking to inform, persuade, or motivate the reader?
2. Analyze the Audience:
* Who is the intended audience? Consider their demographics, beliefs, values, and knowledge base.
* What are their potential biases or preconceptions about the issue?
* How might the audience's background influence their reception of the argument?
3. Examine the Constraints:
* What limitations or challenges does the writer face? These could be societal norms, opposing viewpoints, lack of evidence, or time constraints.
* How does the writer navigate these constraints? Do they acknowledge them, attempt to overcome them, or ignore them entirely?
4. Consider the Writer's Persona (Their Identity in the Essay):
* How does the writer present themselves to the audience? Are they authoritative, empathetic, or objective?
* What are the writer's qualifications or experiences related to the issue?
* Does their persona enhance or diminish their credibility?
5. Evaluate the Appeals (Ethos, Pathos, Logos):
* Ethos (Credibility): Does the writer establish their expertise and trustworthiness? Do they use credible sources and avoid fallacies?
* Pathos (Emotion): Does the writer appeal to the audience's emotions, values, or beliefs? Are these appeals ethical and effective?
* Logos (Logic): Does the essay present a clear and logical argument? Are the claims supported by evidence and reasoning?
By considering all these elements, you can:
* Understand the essay's overall purpose and strategy.
* Assess the strength and persuasiveness of the argument.
* Identify potential weaknesses or biases in the essay.
* Evaluate the effectiveness of the writer's communication.
Example:
Imagine analyzing an argument essay advocating for stricter gun control. The exigence might be the recent increase in mass shootings. The audience could be gun owners with opposing views. The constraints might be the powerful gun lobby and the Second Amendment. The writer's persona might be a concerned citizen with personal experience related to gun violence.
By understanding these elements, you can then analyze the essay's use of ethos, pathos, and logos to see how effectively it persuades its intended audience within the context of the debate.