Comparative Language Analysis: Structure

[ElHadiio]

how would you structure a language analysis where you are comparing three articles and an image to an issue?
our teacher hasn't really explained it properly to me.

[Bing 101]

uh hem, anyone care to help? I'm in the same boat here.

[pi]

My structure:
Intro (context, general sentence, contention A, contention B, contention image)
Article A (1 or 2 paras) -Analyse like it was a single article analysis
Article B with first linking sentence to article A (1 or 2 paras) -Analyse like it was a single article analysis
Cartoon/Image with first sentence linking with A and B (1 para)
Conclusion (as short as possible)

Its pretty simple, with a word limit of ~800-900 words.


The synthesis structure:
Intro (context, general sentence, contention A, contention B, contention image)
Para 1 - On big effects that are very persuasive and eye-catching
Para 2 - Appeals
Para 3 - Technique para for 'reinforcers' (for the boring stats, anecdotes, etc.)
Conclusion (as short as possible)

Each para should mention each of the articles and the cartoon may be in one or two of the paras (either or both of P1 and P2).

The synthesis method is harder, easier to stuff up, but rewards better if done very well (and only if done very well).

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[Greatness]

I write my 3 article ones like pi's first structure. It usually works out well, ensure that you prioritse what you want to write about tho - this is very important you dont want to waffle around too much, get straight to the point.

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[cltf]

One thing I'd add to pi's block analysis, it that maybe 2-3 times in the 2nd article analysis, compare the two articles with simple phrases. Eg. In contrast, article one is this, whilst article 2 is this.

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[chemkid_23]

Do you guys use a comparative paragraph at all, or do you just blend it into the paragraphs after article one instead?
We've been made to use the same structure, but to include a comparative paragraph that looks at the differences between the 3 articles, then a quick conclusion

[pi]

Na, I just add links, my para on the cartoon has the most links though. A separate para for comparison isn't analysing the language or the effect on the reader (its just comparing the different effects -which you have already outlined in your essay- that each article has), so I don't put it in.

[chemkid_23]

So you're saying its better and more fluent to compare articles through the links between them, and then a bit in their actual paragraphs?

[Greatness]

So you're saying its better and more fluent to compare articles through the links between them, and then a bit in their actual paragraphs?

I would say so, otherwise you run the risk of repeating yourself.

[pi]

So you're saying its better and more fluent to compare articles through the links between them, and then a bit in their actual paragraphs?

I would say so, otherwise you run the risk of repeating yourself.

And, more importantly for an exam, wasting precious time.

[chemkid_23]

Hmm fair enough. Thanks for the tips guys.

[Bing 101]

yes, thank you I like the synthesis method, and my teacher prefers that one too.

[ElHadiio]

THANKS
really appreciate it. Btw out of curiosity whats everyone's issue on? 

[pi]

THANKS
really appreciate it. Btw out of curiosity whats everyone's issue on? 

We did GST Tax for Online Purchases. I know of other schools that did Wikileaks and Assange.

[will74]

I finished English last year (48) and found that the best way to do a three piece analysis was to split the paragraphs into different articles. Sometimes it may be appropriate for long articles (more often used in SACS not exam) to allocate 2 paragraphs, especially if there is a drastic change in tone or focus. A change in tone can be a great way to start a new paragraph.

From there, in your second and third/fourth paragraphs you can make small links to the other articles that you have mentioned in previous paragraphs to add complexity and emphasise comparison. For example if you do your first paragraph on an article that utilises attacks, by lets say, Smith. You may say something like

Unlike Smiths use of extensive criticism, Davis (2nd article author) focuses on engendering guilt amongst readers to emphasise......etc.

So you can put very minor links in and still make an effective comparison on the main techniques or focus, which apparently examiners really like, especially if you can link an image in.

But apart from those little links just focus on one article per paragraph.

Then in the conclusion you can further compare by assessing (with evidence) which article is most effective in its persuasion. This can include many many things such as which techniques are used, what format the article is in, the tone used....etc.

Hope some of this helps