Writing an Analysis (VCE SSCE English): Revision Notes

Writing an analysis

Writing an analysis of argument and persuasive language is a key skill in VCE English. This note will guide you through the process of planning and writing an effective analysis of persuasive texts, including written, visual, audio and audiovisual materials.

Planning your response

Before you start writing, careful planning is essential. This involves two main steps: identifying key details and organising information.

Identify key details

The first stage of analysis involves reading or viewing the text multiple times, each time with a different focus. Begin by reading the text once to get a general sense of the main contention, the broad structure of the argument, and the overall persuasive approach used by the writer. On your second reading, pay closer attention to the main supporting points that back up the contention. Look for evidence the writer includes, such as statistics, expert opinions or anecdotes. Also notice specific word choices that create emotional reactions in the audience.

Organise information

Once you have identified the key details, the next step is organising this information to develop your analysis. Start by writing the main contention in a single, clear sentence. This helps you maintain focus throughout your analysis.

Next, identify the main supporting points or reasons the writer gives for their point of view. Consider how these supporting points and any counterarguments are sequenced. The order in which ideas are presented is significant because it affects how the audience receives the argument. Think about what effect is created by placing certain points at the beginning, middle or end of the text.

Pay particular attention to how the text begins and ends. The opening typically establishes the writer's position and sets the tone, whilst the ending often reinforces the main message or calls the audience to action.

For each supporting point, identify the evidence provided. This might include expert opinion, official data and statistics, personal anecdotes, or hypothetical examples. Understanding the type of evidence used helps you analyse how the writer builds credibility and appeals to the audience.

Finally, analyse how language is used to present the argument. Look for words and phrases with strong emotional impact, as well as language that demonstrates logic and reason. Identify persuasive techniques such as repetition, emotional appeals, rhetorical questions, and inclusive language. Consider the likely effects of these techniques on the target audience.

If time permits, create an information sheet that records key details about the text, including the writer or creator, publication context, intended audience, and any other relevant background information. This contextual information is often crucial for understanding the purpose and approach of the text.

Writing your response

Once your planning is complete, you can begin writing your analysis. The two main components are the introduction and body paragraphs. Note that a concluding paragraph is not necessary for analysis of argument tasks, although you may include a brief conclusion if you wish.

Introduction

An effective introduction demonstrates to your assessor that you understand both the texts and the nature of the task. It also provides a roadmap for your analysis. Your introduction should include several key elements, which you can often combine in a few sentences.

Body paragraphs: the WHAT, HOW, WHY, SO structure

Your body paragraphs form the majority of your analysis. Each paragraph should be clearly organised with a topic sentence, close reference to the text, and explanations of how persuasive techniques position the audience. Although there are various structures you could use, the WHAT, HOW, WHY, SO framework is particularly effective for analysis of argument.

WHAT is the writer doing?

The WHAT identifies the key point being made by the writer at the particular section of the text you are analysing. It represents the focus of their argument at that point. For example, you might begin with: The writer opens their argument by... or The audience's attention is then drawn to... This establishes what aspect of the issue the writer is addressing.

HOW is the writer doing it?

The HOW explains the methods the writer uses to present their argument. This involves discussing persuasive techniques and language features, including specific word choices. You might write: The writer uses emotive language to describe... or At this point the writer quotes several experts and authority figures, adding weight to the view that... This step involves identifying the tools and techniques being employed.

WHY is the writer doing it?

The WHY section focuses on the effects of the language features and persuasive techniques you have identified. What are they likely to make the audience think or feel? Why might the writer have wanted this reaction? For instance: The writer's use of anecdotes makes the issue seem relatable and relevant, encouraging the audience to feel... or Positioning the audience to see the issue as urgent, the writer uses words such as... This step connects technique to audience response.

SO, what's the point?

This final step brings your analysis back to the writer's main contention and purpose. Relate your discussion to what the writer is ultimately trying to achieve. Although there may be overlap between WHY and SO, think of SO as explaining the combined effects of language and argument. You might write: The overall effect of presenting the argument in this way is... or By eliciting feelings of concern and alarm, the writer positions the audience to hope for... This step demonstrates how all the elements work together to achieve the writer's purpose.

Writing about persuasive language

To create a strong analysis, you need to demonstrate a deep understanding of how language influences an audience. Use varied sentence structures and analytical techniques to explore the text effectively.

Strong sentence openings for analysing persuasive techniques include:

• Appealing to the reader's sense of..., the writer intends to...
• By employing..., the writer creates a...
• The writer appeals to... in order to...
• The writer's argument is strengthened by their use of..., which...
• Through the use of..., the writer seeks to motivate the reader to...

When discussing how the audience is being positioned, useful verbs include: addressing, alarming, appealing, eliciting, empathising, engaging, evoking, inspiring, involving, motivating, moving, provoking, shocking, startling, and targeting. These words help you describe the dynamic relationship between text and audience.

Writing about tone

Tone conveys the writer's attitude towards their subject and is created primarily through word choices, although it can be reinforced by sentence structure and other stylistic elements. As you read or listen, pay close attention to the language used to describe people, events and ideas.

Writers use tone strategically to influence readers. For example, a sarcastic or mocking tone might be used to discredit an opposing view, whilst a serious tone combined with formal, academic language might establish credibility and authority.

Useful sentence starters for writing about tone include:

• The writer's use of... language creates a... tone that...
• By using a... tone, the writer sets out to...
• A shift in tone from... to... signals a change in...
• The writer's... tone suggests that they feel... about/towards...
• The overall tone of this piece is..., and is created by...

Writing about visual material

Images can accompany written texts or stand alone as independent persuasive pieces. Your analysis must make clear which situation applies. If an image accompanies a written text, explain how the visual element supports, reinforces or possibly complicates the written argument.

When analysing visual language, look closely at how visual elements create meaning and elicit responses. Consider composition (what is placed at the centre or edges), background details, framing, lighting, colour, and any contrast between elements.

Sentence starters for visual analysis include:

• Placing... at the centre of the image draws the viewer's attention to...
• The background details show..., suggesting that...
• The use of light in this photograph emphasises...
• The colours/shading create/s a... mood, which positions the viewer to feel...
• The contrast in the image between... and... is significant because...
• The image provides visual evidence to support the writer's argument that...

Writing about audio material

Audio texts such as speeches, podcasts and radio programmes use sound to create powerful persuasive effects. Beyond the content of what is said, listen for how it is delivered.

Key audio elements include the speaker's tone, pitch, pace and intonation. Background music establishes mood and creates emotional responses. Sound effects can enhance particular moments or create atmosphere. The order in which audio material is presented affects how the listener processes information and forms impressions.

Sentence starters for audio analysis include:

• The background/introductory music establishes a... mood, creating a sense of...
• The tone of the speaker's voice is..., which leads the listener to feel...
• By leaving pauses at key places in their presentation, the speaker highlights the significance of...
• The speaker's delivery conveys their... feelings, emphasising their view that...
• The interaction of the speakers conveys their... relationship, positioning the listener to think/feel...

Writing about audiovisual material

Audiovisual texts combine moving images and sound to create complex persuasive effects. When analysing these texts, consider both visual and audio elements, as well as how they work together.

Visual elements to examine include the setting, cinematography (camera angles, shot types, movement), lighting, and colour scheme. Audio elements include dialogue, music, and sound effects. Also consider how shots are edited together, as the sequence and pace of editing influences the viewer's emotional journey through the text.

Sentence starters for audiovisual analysis include:

• The set/setting establishes a feeling of...
• The use of cinematography foregrounds...
• The lighting highlights/emphasises/draws the viewer's attention to...
• The... music creates a...
• The way in which the shots are edited together leads the viewer to think/feel...
• The speaker's facial expressions and hand movements reinforce their view that...

Writing about language and argument together

A sophisticated analysis demonstrates understanding of how language presents argument and how these elements work together to position the audience. Show the relationship between what is being argued and how it is being expressed.

When writing about how language supports or develops an argument, useful verbs include: advances, bolsters, consolidates, develops, enhances, fortifies, highlights, makes plausible, promotes, reinforces, strengthens, supports, sustains, underscores, and validates.

For example: The writer's vivid imagery enhances their argument by creating a powerful emotional connection with the reader.

Writers also use language to criticise or rebut opposing arguments. Useful verbs for discussing rebuttal include: attacks, condemns, counters, critiques, denigrates, discredits, dismisses, disparages, exposes, negates, nullifies, refutes, rejects, repudiates, and undermines.

For example: The use of statistics and research findings discredits the opposing point of view.

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