Analytical Summaries
For this assignment, you will compose two short critical essays explaining and evaluating arguments by other authors. This assignment allows you to analyze an issue from a variety of perspectives and assess arguments for or against the issue. By focusing your attention on how the original authors use evidence and reasoning to construct and support their positions, you can recognize the value of critical thinking in public discourse.
Read the two articles “Shooting in the Dark”, and “Focusing on the How of Violence” and write two separate analytical summaries.
This assignment has two parts.
Part 1—First Article
Write an analytical summary of the article focusing on the article’s main claims. Include the following:
Provide a brief summary of the argument presented in the article.
Identify and discuss three ways the author uses evidence to support assertions.
Analyze how the author signals this usage through elements such as word choices, transitions, or logical connections.
Part 2—Second Article
Write an analytical summary of the article focusing on the article’s main claims. Include the following:
Provide a brief summary of the argument presented in the article.
Identify any value-based assertions in the article and how the author supports these value-based conclusions with evidence.
Discuss how this evidence does or does not demonstrate relevance, consistency, transparency, and speculation.
Analyze how the author signals the use of these elements through language. For example, word choices, transitions, or logical connections.
Solution Preview
Article 1
In the first article, the argument presented is that violent video games have a connection to violence. According to the report, exposure to violent video games gives people, especially young people, to go on a rampage. Playing violent video games can and does stir unfriendly urges as well as mildly hostile behavior in the short term. However, there is no clarity on whether watching these games increases the likelihood of a person committing crimes like rape and murder in the long run.
(1,027 words)