Literary Analysis & Argumentation
Grades 9-10 | High School Writing IThis course develops two essential writing skills: literary analysis (examining texts deeply) and argumentation (defending positions persuasively). Both skills require clear thinking, solid evidence, and effective communication.
As believers, we write not just to earn grades but to communicate truth, defend our faith, and honor Yahuah with our minds.
Literary analysis goes beyond summarizing what happens in a text. It examines how and why the text works - the author's choices, techniques, themes, and purposes.
Analysis answers: "What does this mean?" and "How does the author convey meaning?"
Choose a short passage from a book you're reading. Identify:
1. One literary device the author uses:
2. The effect this device creates:
3. Why the author might have made this choice:
A thesis statement is the central argument of your essay - the claim you will prove. It should be:
By [technique/device], the author [does what] in order to [achieve what effect/communicate what meaning].
Although [opposing view/common reading], actually [your argument] because [reason].
Write a thesis statement about a text you've read. Check that it is specific, arguable, and significant.
Now make it stronger by adding a "how" or "why":
Every body paragraph should follow the PIE structure:
1. Full sentence + colon:
The narrator reveals his guilt: "I could not escape the sound of his beating heart."
2. Woven into your sentence:
The narrator confesses that he "could not escape" his own conscience.
3. With introductory phrase:
As the narrator admits, "I could not escape the sound of his beating heart."
For every line of quotation, provide at least two lines of analysis. Your voice should dominate, not the quotes.
Write a paragraph using the PIE method about a text you're studying:
Point (topic sentence):
Illustration (quote with introduction):
Explanation (analysis of quote):
Summary tells WHAT happens. Analysis explains WHY it matters and HOW it works.
"In the story, the main character goes to the city. He sees many poor people. He feels sad. Then he goes home."
This merely retells events without insight.
"The protagonist's journey to the city functions as a spiritual awakening. The author deliberately contrasts the protagonist's comfortable suburban existence with the harsh realities of urban poverty, using stark imagery of 'hollow eyes' and 'reaching hands' to dismantle the reader's complacency alongside the character's. This transformation scene serves as the novel's turning point, after which the protagonist can no longer maintain his moral neutrality."
This interprets meaning, examines technique, and connects to larger themes.
suggests, reveals, illustrates, demonstrates, conveys, emphasizes, highlights, underscores, reinforces, challenges, subverts, contrasts, parallels, foreshadows, symbolizes, represents, reflects, exposes, undermines
Here's a summary sentence. Rewrite it as analysis:
"The author describes the weather as cold and gray."
An argument is not a fight - it's a reasoned case for a position. Effective argumentation:
Strong arguments use all three in balance. Over-reliance on pathos without logos is manipulation.
For a topic you feel strongly about, write one sentence using each appeal:
Logos (fact/statistic/reason):
Ethos (credibility):
Pathos (emotion/values):
Acknowledging opposing views makes your argument stronger, not weaker. It shows you've considered the issue thoroughly and can defend your position.
"Some might argue that... However..."
"Critics contend that... Nevertheless..."
"While it is true that... this does not negate..."
"Admittedly... Yet this overlooks..."
Choose a position you hold. Write a counterargument paragraph:
Your position:
A counterargument someone might raise:
Your response to that counterargument:
The analytical and argumentative skills you're developing have important applications:
When writing about faith or controversial topics:
Choose a popular book, movie, or song. Analyze its worldview:
What does it assume about God/truth?
What does it present as good/evil?
How does this compare to Scripture?
Write a 3-5 page literary analysis essay on a text approved by your parent/teacher. Your essay should:
I. Introduction
- Hook / attention-getter
- Brief context about the text
- Thesis statement
II. Body Paragraph 1
- Point (topic sentence)
- Illustration (evidence)
- Explanation (analysis)
III. Body Paragraph 2 (same structure)
IV. Body Paragraph 3 (same structure)
V. Conclusion
- Restate thesis (new words)
- Broader significance
- Final thought
Students should be able to: analyze literary texts beyond surface level, construct arguable thesis statements, use evidence effectively, distinguish analysis from summary, and apply these skills to worldview analysis.
Weak: "The author uses symbolism."
Strong: "Through the recurring symbol of the locked door, the author suggests that self-imposed limitations, rather than external circumstances, trap the protagonist."
Summary: "The author describes the weather as cold and gray."
Analysis: "The author's stark description of 'cold and gray' weather creates a pathetic fallacy that mirrors the protagonist's emotional state. This deliberate atmospheric choice foreshadows the tragic events to come while externally manifesting the internal desolation the character cannot yet articulate."