Analyzing Mike Bunn’s “How to Read Like a Writer”
I want you to discuss Mike Bunn’s thesis after reading his essay in the E-packet by responding to the following questions:
1. All of Bunn’s subclaims support his main claim, which is that “reading in a particular way” can enhance writing (72). His supporting statements clarify the phases leading up to the “certain approach” to read. What are his sub-claims, and what supporting evidence does he provide? Discuss four subclaims and the corresponding supporting data.
2. Identify the types of evidence he uses? (see handout). MLA 8th Edition Handouts
Updates to the new MLA 8th edition are provided in this area.
3. What does it mean when his sources mention writing as construction, and why does Bunn include that concept in his argument?
Analyzing Mike Bunn’s “How to Read Like a Writer”
Use quotation marks to refer to each sub-claim and cite each passage using the appropriate MLA format (refer to the citation videos).
Four Types of Evidence
Four different sorts of proof are adequate for our needs. You require this knowledge to finish Discussion 3.
Formal Rebuttals
Providing readers with proof is the best approach to establish credibility in formal, written arguments. No matter what your perspective is or whose side you support, if you provide compelling facts to support your assertion, the other side won’t have much to counter.
In oral arguments, emotional appeal is frequently used. However, written arguments generally rely on four different sorts of proof. You’ll discover that some types are, so to speak, “more credible” and “hold more water” than others as you read deeper.
Statistical Evidence
In formal writing, statistical evidence is the most persuasive type of support. This includes survey-type data as well as actual, objective data that is given as a percentage or number. As an illustration, statistical proof could be:
According to 4 out of 5 specialists…
90% of American women are…
Analyzing Mike Bunn’s “How to Read Like a Writer”
There were 7 people present when…
Statistics can be used to establish facts. You can actually go out and gather solid evidence to support your specific claim.
Testimonial Evidence
It is possible to classify celebrity testimony as testimonial in nature. A lot of people view famous people as role models in their lives. Whether for good or bad, there will always be people who want to be like the superstar who picks a life path that puts them in the spotlight. The second-strongest piece of evidence discovered in informal arguments comes from these celebrity endorsements.
Experts and authority in a certain field can be contacted to gather testimonial proof. Lawyers, doctors, and dentists frequently offer their professional opinions. They are rarely challenged in their authority. They must “know their thing,” as the saying goes.
Anecdotal Evidence
Anecdotal evidence is employed when storytelling is used as support. Anecdotal evidence is not very powerful since it lacks objectivity. Anecdotal evidence can be a very powerful tool for determining credibility or proof when used in conjunction with statistical or testimonial data.
Analyzing Mike Bunn’s “How to Read Like a Writer”
Despite being founded on facts, storytelling often contains a lot of opinion, which reduces its objectivity. Anecdotal evidence is frequently provided by eyewitnesses. They are providing their perspective or account of the event after having seen or experienced it.
In the End…
In a formal argument, the only thing that really matters is whether the writer has reliable evidence to support what they wish to say or what they are thinking. We hear individuals asking one another, “Prove it!” so frequently.
One more small fact…
Remember that strong formal arguments acknowledge the opposing point of view in an argument, which strengthens the whole thing. Great formal arguments not only offer solid evidence to back statements.
