Analysing Non-fiction

Purpose

Ask:

• Why was this text written?

Common purposes include:

• informing
• explaining
• persuading
• criticising
• warning
• entertaining
• encouraging action

A text can have more than one purpose.

Audience

Writers adapt texts to particular audiences.

Consider:

• age
• interests
• knowledge
• values
• political or cultural context

Language that works in a scientific report may not work in a social media campaign.

Main argument

In argumentative non-fiction, identify the central claim.

Ask:

• What does the writer want the reader to believe?

Then identify the reasons used to support that claim.

Evidence

Writers may use:

• statistics
• research
• expert opinions
• examples
• personal experiences
• historical comparisons

Do not only identify evidence.

Ask:

• Is it relevant?
• Is the source credible?
• Does it actually support the claim?

Tone

Tone refers to the writer's attitude.

Possible tones include:

• serious
• critical
• optimistic
• sarcastic
• concerned
• neutral
• angry
• humorous

Tone is created through word choice, sentence structure and examples.

Rhetorical techniques

Writers may use:

• rhetorical questions
• repetition
• direct address
• emotive language
• contrast
• anecdotes
• lists
• ethos, pathos and logos

Explain how these techniques affect the reader.

Statement:

If we continue treating disposable clothing as normal, future generations will inherit the environmental cost of today's convenience.

Possible analysis:

The writer contrasts present-day convenience with future environmental consequences. The phrase "future generations" introduces an emotional dimension and encourages readers to consider the long-term effects of their consumption.

Notice that the analysis explains both the technique and its possible effect.

1. Identify the text type.
2. Identify the writer's purpose.
3. Consider the intended audience.
4. Find the main argument or central idea.
5. Examine how the writer supports it.
6. Analyse important language choices and rhetorical techniques.
7. Evaluate the quality of the evidence.
8. Consider whether the text presents alternative perspectives fairly.

Weak: "The author wants to persuade."

Better: Explain what the author wants the audience to believe or do.

Weak: "The writer uses statistics."

Better: Explain what the statistic is meant to prove and whether it supports the argument effectively.

Mistake: Assuming a published text is automatically reliable.

Better: Consider the source, evidence and potential bias.

Mistake: Treating tone as a feeling.

Instead of:

The text feels bad.

write:

The writer uses a critical and concerned tone.

An article begins:

How many more extreme weather events will it take before governments treat climate adaptation as a priority?

What technique is most obvious?

• A. Rhetorical question
• B. Simile
• C. Dialogue
• D. Flashback

Answer: A. The question is used to emphasise the writer's argument rather than to request a literal answer.

• Identify purpose and audience.
• Find the main argument.
• Examine the evidence supporting it.
• Analyse tone and rhetorical techniques.
• Consider reliability and bias.
• Explain the effect of the writer's choices.