evaluating assignmnets

First identify Tufekci’s argument in “Do Protests Even Work?” and then evaluate its effectiveness and his article’s effectiveness overall. I suggest writing at least two paragraphs. Consider at least two areas from this list. Use one passage to support your point (or more). See rubric for more grading requirements.

• Who is the author? (Google them!) What stake might he or she have in writing this piece? Are they indeed authorities on this topic?
• Is this piece aimed at a particular audience? How can you tell? What evidence in the text shows me who the intended audience is? Do you think the authors have reached the intended audience?
• What is the author’s thesis?
• What assumptions does the author make? How does that help or hurt their argument?
• Does that author ever confuse facts with beliefs or opinions?
• What appeals does the author make? Do they reason (logos), for instance using statistics and testimony from authorities? Do they use emotions (pathos) to appeal to “our better nature” or to widely shared values or emotions? Do they appeal to our assumption that the author is trustworthy (ethos)? Overall, how effective (or ineffective) are the uses of these appeals?
• What type of evidence do they use? And how convincing or appropriate and reasonable is the evidence?
• Are counter arguments adequately discussed? Do they acknowledge another side or is their argument in a vacuum?
• Are there any attempts to manipulate the reader in a dishonest way?
• What is the writer’s tone? Is it appropriate and effective? What about the author’s persona? How might that help or hurt the argument?
• Are important terms satisfactorily defined?