First paragraph: Who is the author? If the author uses personal opinion, people stories or case studies, be sure to accurately describe the people and the purpose of such descriptions.
How does the author establish credibility? How do they earn your trust and predispose you to adopt their views? See pp. 9-10; p. 34.
- Draw attention to a few references regarding the author’s persona or voice and analyse how trust is earned and maintained? Do they establish a reliable, honest and sincere personal/professional voice?
- Do they counteract any stereotypes about the particular group?
- How do they encourage us to set aside any scepticism or biases?
Keep in mind the various audience groups.
- How are the different groups referenced, targeted and included in the discussion. What techniques are included throughout the article to win over their views?
- How do they show opponents are unreasonable, biased, narrow-minded and unfair?
Consider: how does such evidence impact upon the author’s trustworthiness? If they are honest, sincere and trustworthy, we are likely to support their views. Accordingly, professional observations as well as logical use of evidence can enhance the author’s credibility.
If the author uses reasoning tactics, they need to establish and prove a reasonable case to the audience. They will justify, defend and rationalise their views. What is the purpose? (See pp. 10.) (See p. 42 and 72.)
- By showing a logical progression of ideas, (often with signposts such as firstly, secondly) the author convinces readers that there are rational solutions, consequences or links that must be taken into consideration. Not to recognise such links (that appear logical), leaves readers open to the charge of being irrational, foolish and emotional.
- Authors may use analogies, comparisons and historical precedent. These strategies encourage readers to recognise links; see the issue from a different (often more familiar) perspective and realise that it does or does not work. If the analogy is sound, then it is hard for readers to insist that the conclusion is flawed. The focus, in this case on deductive reasoning, encourages readers to be honest, reasonable and follow common sense (i.e. don’t be irrational and emotional).
- Also, the calibre of the real life examples also helps to reinforce the author’s sincerity. Consider what type of examples are offered, how they reinforce the author’s views. Evidently, the author assumes that by understanding real-life stories and being exposed to first-hand evidence (the extent of the pain, hardship, suffering etc. of others) will enable readers to identify more easily, and hence support or change their views.
- The author will no doubt have a rebuttal, and point out why opposing views are flawed. (Fair-minded, concerned, reasonable members of the public) readers are encouraged to distance themselves from such opponents who may be self-interested, outdated, and irrational.
- Authors may seek to counteract stereotypical views about certain groups in society to justify and/or rationalise their stance. By deconstructing stereotypes, readers are encouraged to think about their own biases which makes them susceptible to flawed and irrational logic. Accurately describe the people and the purpose of such descriptions. If the author uses reasoning tactics, they need to establish and prove a reasonable case to the audience. They will justify, defend and rationalise their views. What is the purpose?)
- By showing a logical progression of ideas, (often with signposts such as firstly, secondly) the author convinces readers that there are rational solutions, consequences or links that must be taken into consideration. Not to recognise such links (that appear logical), leaves readers open to the charge of being irrational, foolish and emotional.
- Authors may use analogies, comparisons and historical precedent. These strategies encourage readers to recognise links; see the issue from a different (often more familiar) perspective and realise that it does or does not work. If the analogy is sound, then it is hard for readers to insist that the conclusion is flawed. The focus, in this case on deductive reasoning, encourages readers to be honest, reasonable and follow common sense (i.e. don’t be irrational and emotional).
- The author will no doubt have a rebuttal, and point out why opposing views are flawed. (Fair-minded, concerned, reasonable members of the public) readers are encouraged to distance themselves from such opponents who may be self-interested, outdated, and irrational.
- Authors may seek to counteract stereotypical views about certain groups in society to justify and/or rationalise their stance. By deconstructing stereotypes, readers are encouraged to think about their own biases which makes them susceptible to flawed and irrational logic.
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