Lasa 1 Analytical Summaries For This Assignment You Will Com

2lasa 1analytical Summariesfor This Assignment You Will Compose Tw

For this assignment, you will compose two short critical essays explaining and evaluating arguments by other authors. You will analyze an issue from various perspectives, focusing on how the original authors use evidence and reasoning to develop and support their positions. The goal is to recognize the role of critical thinking in public discourse by assessing the effectiveness of their arguments. Specifically, you will read two articles, "Shooting in the Dark" and "Focusing on the How of Violence," and create two separate analytical summaries.

Part 1—First Article: Write an analytical summary of "Shooting in the Dark" that focuses on its main claims. Your summary should include a brief overview of the argument presented in the article. Additionally, identify and discuss three ways the author uses evidence to support these assertions. Analyze how the author signals this evidence through linguistic elements such as word choices, transitions, and logical connections.

Part 2—Second Article: Write an analytical summary of "Focusing on the How of Violence" that concentrates on its main points. Summarize the author's argument and identify any value-based assertions within the article. Explain how the author supports these value judgments with evidence, and evaluate whether this evidence demonstrates relevance, consistency, transparency, and avoids unwarranted speculation. Moreover, analyze how the author employs language—word choices, transitions, and logical connections—to effectively highlight these elements.

The paper should be three single-spaced pages in Word format, adhering to APA standards for citations. Use the file naming convention: LastnameFirstInitial_M3_A2.doc.

Paper For Above instruction

The assignment requires the analysis of two articles, emphasizing the authors' use of evidence and language to construct persuasive arguments. Critical reading and evaluation are central, with particular attention to how evidence is presented and signaled through linguistic choices.

Introduction

The landscape of discourse surrounding violence and its underlying causes has become increasingly complex with numerous perspectives offering differing explanations. Analyzing these arguments reveals much about how evidence and language work together to persuade audiences and advance specific viewpoints. This paper critically examines two articles—"Shooting in the Dark" and "Focusing on the How of Violence"—to explore their main claims, evidential support, and rhetorical strategies.

Analysis of "Shooting in the Dark"

The primary argument of "Shooting in the Dark" posits that modern gun violence prevention efforts are often misguided due to flawed assumptions about the causes of violence. The author argues that focusing solely on gun control policies ignores deeper social and psychological factors that contribute to violent behavior. The article supports this assertion by employing evidence in three main ways.

First, the author references statistical data showing that violence rates do not correlate directly with gun ownership levels across different regions. This quantitative evidence is used to challenge simplified causal claims, emphasizing the complexity of violence as a social phenomenon. Second, anecdotal evidence and case studies of individuals with histories of mental illness illustrate the multifaceted nature of violence, supporting the argument that mental health issues should be a key component of prevention strategies. Third, the author cites sociological studies indicating that socioeconomic factors such as poverty and community disintegration correlate with violence rates, thus broadening the scope beyond individual firearms.

The author signals these evidentiary points through careful word choices and transitions. For instance, phrases like "data suggest" and "studies indicate" serve as signals of empirical support. The transitions between evidence types—statistical, anecdotal, and sociological—are marked with phrases such as "for example" and "moreover," which guide the reader smoothly through the multifaceted argument.

Analysis of "Focusing on the How of Violence"

The second article emphasizes understanding the mechanisms behind violent acts rather than their causes alone. Its main claim is that focusing on how violence occurs—i.e., the procedural aspects—can lead to more effective prevention. The author makes several value-based assertions, such as that proactive intervention based on behavioral cues is inherently more ethical and effective than reactive measures post-incident.

This argument is supported by evidence including behavioural psychology research demonstrating that specific warning signs often precede violent acts. The author substantiates these with statistical analyses showing increased success rates for interventions targeting identified behavioral patterns. The evidence demonstrates relevance, as it directly relates to the process of violence, and exhibits consistency by aligning with existing psychological theories. Transparency is maintained through clear citations and recognition of limitations, while the author avoids unwarranted speculation by sticking closely to empirically supported findings.

Language plays a critical role here; the author uses precise terminology such as "behavioral cues" and "intervention strategies" to clarify the focus on processes. Transitions like "for example" and "considerably" highlight connections between evidence and claims. Logical connections are explicitly articulated, emphasizing how understanding the procedural aspects of violence can inform prevention efforts more effectively than solely examining its causes.

Conclusion

Both articles utilize evidence strategically, supported by linguistic signals that reinforce their arguments. "Shooting in the Dark" advocates a multifaceted approach to gun violence, using statistical and sociological evidence, signaled through careful wording and transitions. Conversely, "Focusing on the How of Violence" emphasizes behavioral mechanisms, employing psychological research, with language that underscores clarity and relevance. Critical evaluation of these strategies reveals the importance of evidence quality and signal words in shaping persuasive arguments in public discourse about violence.

References

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• National Research Council. (2013). Priorities for research to reduce the threat of firearm-related violence. The National Academies Press.