MWP 3 . . . Next Steps!

Once you have written a solid summary of your article (also called a "Review of Lit"), here are the next steps:

1. Write a definitions paragraph. When you are examining academic articles, you often need to define certain terms to help your audience understand your paper. This paragraph usually fits in right after your introduction and right before your summary.

2. Begin your analysis. Just like our other writing projects, your task is to examine the rhetorical strategy of the article you have selected. Thus, you can begin with a simple examination of logos, ethos and pathos -- realizing that academic articles generally have little emotional appeal. Your job is to examine the structure of their argument. Identify where the article is strong and compelling. And, then, identify any places where the article seems weak or lacking evidence.

3. Since academic articles are heavy on logos, it can be helpful to examine the quality of evidence used in the article. Did the author(s) engage in her own scientific research or other notable evidence gathering?