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Name: _______________________________________________ Period: ______________

Article Analysis: “Why We Crave Horror Movies”

The goal for this work: Evaluate an author’s arguments, reasoning, and
specific claims for the soundness of the arguments and the relevance of
evidence.

Reminders Regarding Making an Argument:

Making an Argument: In writing, an author makes an argument by expressing a point-of-view on a

subject and supporting this point-of-view with direct and specific claims and evidence.

Think of an argument as the unifying point that can be found in a piece of nonfiction. The argument is the
idea that weaves in-and-out of a piece of writing. All minor ideas should come back to (and offer support
of) the argument.

If you are having trouble identifying a specific argument, as you read a piece of non-fiction, ask yourself,
“What is the point?” The answer to this question will likely indicate your main argument.

Supporting Your Argument with Claims / Evidence: Your argument must be supported by claims, and
these claims must be supported with specific and direct evidence. Think of the claims as subtopics.
Evidence is the direct and specific support for these claims. The claims and the evidence indicate WHY
the argument is to be believed. Faulty (or missing) claims or evidence would indicate a weak argument.

Think of the Construction of An Argument Like This:

Main Argument (ONE IDEA)

Claim Claim
Remember, most
nonfiction articles will
contain several claims to
support their main idea.

Evidence Evidence Evidence Evidence Evidence Evidence

(An author would typically want multiple pieces of evidence per claim.)

Counterargument: The counterargument is typically presented as a way for a writer / journalist to show that they understand
the other side of the argument. Within the counterargument, the writer will bring up an idea (or ideas) that seems to go against
their main argument. To show that the author understands (but disagrees with) this counterargument, he / she will then
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REFUTE (go against) this counter argument. A counterargument shows the reader that the author has at least considered
alternative viewpoints AND demonstrated why their viewpoint is stronger.

A quick definition on author’s voice:

Author’s Voice: Voice is the author's style, the quality that makes his or her writing unique, and which
conveys the author's attitude, personality, and character.

Your tone, choice of words, choice of content, and even punctuation make-up your authorial voice. The
author's voice is usually fairly consistent, particularly in third person narratives. As a result, it is usually
possible to identify the author simply by reading a selection of his or her work.

Read the Article “Why We Crave Horror Movies.” Answer the questions below in complete
sentences.

1.) Argument: What is the main argument? State this in a clear sentence or two. (Again, consider this as the
thesis in the article. What is the author attempting to prove?)

2.) What strong claims support this argument? Identify at least TWO specific claims that support the
argument.

A.) Claim 1: (Bring in a specific quote and explain the quote.)

B.) Claim 2: (Bring in a specific quote and explain the quote.)

3.) What evidence supports each claim? This evidence can be paraphrased. Find at least two pieces of
evidence for each claim.

Evidence to Support Claim 1:

Evidence 1: ____________________________________________________________________________

Evidence 2: ____________________________________________________________________________

Evidence 3: ____________________________________________________________________________

Evidence to Support Claim 2:

Evidence 1: ____________________________________________________________________________

Evidence 2: ____________________________________________________________________________
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Evidence 3: ____________________________________________________________________________

4.) Briefly analyze the structure of this piece. How is the piece constructed? How does the author set-up
and convey his argument?

5.) Discuss the tone of this piece. Is the author formal or informal in tone? Why do you think he / she
selected this specific tone?

6.) Consider the argument, claims, and evidence. Does the author make a compelling and valid argument in
the article? In a few sentences, indicate why or why not. If the argument is strong, why is it strong? If
the argument is weak, indicate why it is weak.

7.) Consider the counterargument description on the first page of this packet. Does the author recognize
and refute a counterargument? If so, how? Explain both the counterargument and the author going
back against this counter argument.