IB English Lang & Lit Articles, Op-eds & Interviews Notes

Articles & Op-Eds

When analyzing an article, think of it as trying to understand both the message and the method—what the writer is trying to say and how they are saying it. Whether the article is informing you about current events, offering a critique, or simply exploring a topic, you need to examine the language, structure, and style to see how it all works together. Let’s break it down.

Understanding the Purpose and Type of Article

1. Is this article meant to report facts (like a news article), share an opinion (like an editorial), or provide an in-depth exploration of a topic (like a feature story)?
2. Knowing the type of article you’re dealing with helps guide your analysis. For example:
   1. A news article will be factual and objective, focusing on reporting events accurately.
   2. An opinion piece or editorial will express a viewpoint and aim to persuade or provoke thought.
   3. A feature article might mix facts with storytelling, often giving a more in-depth look at a person, event, or trend.

Identifying the Target Audience

1. The target audience affects the tone, language, and style of the piece.
   1. Is the article aimed at the general public, a specialized group of experts, or perhaps a specific demographic like teenagers or professionals?
2. The language will often give you clues about the audience.
   1. A scientific article in a journal will use more formal, technical language
   2. While an article in a lifestyle magazine might be more conversational and accessible.

Structure and Organization

1. Articles typically follow a clear structure to guide the reader through the information.
2. Most articles begin with a headline and lead paragraph to grab attention and summarize the key points, followed by the body, which develops the ideas or reports the facts, and a conclusion to wrap things up.
3. Look at how the article is structured:
   1. The headline is designed to capture attention. Does it summarize the article's key message, or is it provocative to draw readers in?
   2. The lead usually sets the tone and provides the most important information right up front, especially in news articles.
   3. The body contains the details—whether it’s factual reporting, personal commentary, or storytelling. Is the information presented logically and clearly?
   4. The conclusion may summarize the main points or offer a final reflection. In opinion pieces, this often includes a call to action or a challenge to the reader.

Language and Tone

1. Language reveals attitude and intent. Is the tone formal or informal, neutral or emotional, objective or biased? This will depend on both the purpose of the article and the audience.
2. News articles are often neutral and objective, using straightforward, factual language to report on events.
   1. There’s little use of emotive language or rhetorical devices, as the goal is to inform rather than persuade.
3. Opinion pieces or feature articles have more varied tones—it might be passionate, humorous, critical, or reflective, depending on the subject matter and the writer’s intent. Opinion articles often use more emotive language, rhetorical questions, and anecdotes to engage the reader.

Use of Evidence and Support

1. In most articles, especially news and opinion pieces, the writer will rely on evidence to support their claims or ideas. This might come in the form of:
   1. Facts and statistics: Factual information is often used to give weight to the article’s message.
   2. Quotations: These might be from experts, witnesses, or influential figures, adding credibility to the article.
   3. Anecdotes: Personal stories or real-life examples can help make the article more relatable and persuasive, especially in opinion or feature writing.

Bias and Perspective

1. Articles often reflect a particular bias or perspective.
   1. This doesn’t mean the article is misleading or untruthful, but it means the writer is presenting the information in a way that aligns with their viewpoint.
2. Look for signs of subjectivity.
   1. Are they omitting certain facts to make their argument stronger?
   2. Even news articles can sometimes show subtle biases in the way events are framed.

Persuasion and Rhetorical Techniques

1. Many articles, particularly opinion pieces and features, use rhetorical techniques to engage and persuade the reader. Look for devices like:
   1. Rhetorical questions: Used to provoke thought or suggest agreement with the writer’s viewpoint (“How can we ignore this crisis any longer?”).
   2. Emotive language: Words that evoke emotions, whether it’s anger, sympathy, or joy.
   3. Repetition: Reinforcing key points to drive home the message.
   4. Metaphors and analogies: Making complex ideas more relatable by comparing them to something familiar.

Overall Effectiveness

Consider how the article makes you feel. If it’s informing, persuading, or entertaining.

Summary Checklist for Article Analysis

1. Start by identifying the purpose and type of article: Is it a news report, an opinion piece, or a feature? What is the article trying to achieve—inform, persuade, entertain?
2. Consider the target audience: Who is this article written for, and how does the language and tone reflect that audience?
3. Analyze the structure and organization: How does the article flow? Is the information presented logically, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion?
4. Examine the language and tone: Is the language formal or informal, neutral or emotional? How does the tone affect the message?
5. Look at the evidence and support: Does the article use facts, quotes, or anecdotes to back up its points? Are these sources credible and relevant?
6. Consider any bias or perspective: Is the article objective, or does it reflect a particular viewpoint? How does this influence the way information is presented?