Learning to analyze and think critically is an important skill. Not only is it useful in school, but it also allows you to evaluate the validity of news articles and conduct careful research in any field of life. A good analysis requires a summary, annotations, an examination of the article and its author.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Summarizing an Article
Step 1. Read the article once without taking notes
The first reading is for learning the concepts and gaining a general understanding of the content.
Step 2. Look for any terms that are not clear to you
If the article is technical, you should be sure you understand all the concepts before starting an analysis.
Step 3. Try writing a short summary of the article in no more than three or four sentences
If you can't, maybe it's best to reread the content.
Step 4. You could also explain the article aloud if it is easier for you than writing it
If you can clarify the structure and content of the article in non-technical language, you are ready for the next step.
Part 2 of 3: Taking Notes on an Article
Step 1. Make a photocopy of the article
You can also print a copy. If you're not very familiar with programs like Evernote for taking notes, you should do it by hand.
Make sure there are page numbers, so you can correctly cite the article in your analysis
Step 2. Reread the article a second time to emphasize the basic concepts
Read more slowly and mark the notes in the margins as you read.
Step 3. Highlight the thesis of the article
It should be the main argument the writer tries to prove. Your analysis must always refer to this thesis and must explain how convincing the author has been with readers.
Step 4. Underline the recurring concepts in the article
Emphasize key points and make notes in the margins as you read.
If you are reading a scientific article, look for the methods, the evidence and the results. This is the commonly accepted framework for most scientific work
Step 5. Take notes on any concepts that are not fully demonstrated or explained
These notes will save you time when you need to write.
Part 3 of 3: Analyzing an Article
Step 1. Write a summary or excerpt from the article
If you are writing an essay, it can serve as an introduction.
Step 2. Do some quick research on the author of the article
His qualifications will show if his opinions are based on specific skills. In historical articles, this will also show whether the author is a primary or secondary source.
Write if you believe the author is prejudiced. In media articles you should clarify whether the author was objective in communicating the news
Step 3. Determine the type of audience the article is aimed at
Decide if the author has met the readers. For example, if the audience is generic, but the author used very technical terms, the article may not be convincing.
Step 4. Decide the goal of the article
It could also coincide with the thesis or what the author tries to prove. The author can ask questions which he answers later.
Step 5. Clarify if the author can fully prove the thesis
Give examples, as references to the text, to highlight some arguments that were successful or not. Scroll through the article and try to establish how significant and coherent the author's arguments are.
Refer to your notes for quotes or questions about the validity of an argument
Step 6. Compare the article with others on the same topic
If you have been asked to read more than one article, you may want to analyze one text in the light of the other. Determine which argument was most convincing and why.
Step 7. Write down any questions left unanswered
Decide if the author could have written the article better by providing more evidence or results on the subject.
Step 8. Explain why the article is important to the reader and in general
At this point, you should give your opinion on the matter. Some courses ask for the reader's opinion, while others require scientific criticism.
Step 9. Prepare a bibliography if you have included citations in the article
Ask your teacher what is the standard format you need to follow to make the list.
