Assumptions and Arguments

In this assignment, you will analyze Grohol’s blog entry, “The Debilitating Effects of TV on Children” through the completion of the Article Analysis Worksheet (linked in the Resources). In your analysis, describe the author’s purpose, point of view, arguments, assumptions, and the evidence he presents for his arguments and assumptions. Use the Elements and Standards of Critical Thinking Model to help guide you in considering these various elements of thought.

As you read Grohol’s blog, consider the following:

• The reason (purpose) Grohol has for writing the blog post. Think about why he is interested in the topic. What is the problem addressed? Who is his audience—whom does he want to influence?
• Note the assumptions Grohol appears to make. Think in terms of what he has to take for granted in order to proceed with his thoughts about the subject.
• What is his point of view on the subject?
• What arguments does Grohol make for his point of view? Think about the main points he presents that support why he thinks and feels the way he does about children viewing TV.
• What evidence does he use to support both his assumptions and arguments? Does he present research, information from other experts, factual discoveries of his own, or examples? What assumptions does the author make for which he does not present evidence?