How to Read an Essay

Identify the "issue" or problem the writer is concerned with. This theme is usually expressed in the first paragraph. Some examples: racism in America, failing educational standards, the right to own a firearm.

Identify the writer's thesis, which is his or her main point of argument about that issue. For example: America's public schools are failing (issue) and we need a school voucher system that allows parents to choose their children's schools (thesis). The thesis will be expressed at the start of the essay, though not necessarily in the first paragraph.

List the clearly stated assumptions the writer makes (schools are failing) and consider whether they are true (are our schools really failing?).

List the unstated assumptions the writer makes (schools are failing, not students or parents) and consider what problems the writer is choosing to ignore.

Look for the writer's definitions of terms and consider whether you agree with those definitions. Examples: Do you agree with her definition of education? Her definition of failure? Her definition of rights?

Carefully determine which examples the writer uses to persuade you that the issue exists (examples of school failure) and which examples the writer uses to persuade you that her solution to the issue is the best (examples of how vouchers work well). These examples and logical reasoning will make up the body of the essay. Evaluate each one for its logic and effectiveness.

The end of the essay will usually attempt to persuade you to take some action in accordance with the writer's views.