Portfolio: Analyzing Informational Text
Write the Portfolio
Recall what you have learned about analyzing informational texts to write an analysis of Perfectly Imperfect by Donna Bozzone. Use the following prompts to guide your response:
Write a paragraph in which you analyze the author’s purpose and point of view. Explain how you determined the author’s point of view. Tell how thinking about the author’s purpose and point of view helped you understand the topic.
Write a paragraph in which you analyze how the author distinguished their position from other positions. Explain what you learned from thinking about the different positions. Give examples from the texts.
In 150 words or less
, analyze the effectiveness of the author’s use of evidence and reasoning to support their claims. Discuss whether the evidence is relevant, credible, and sufficient. Also, evaluate the author’s use of reasoning, including the use of logical appeals, such as facts, examples, and expert opinions, as well as emotional appeals. Explain how the author’s use of evidence and reasoning strengthened or weakened their argument.
In "Perfectly Imperfect" by Donna Bozzone, the author's purpose is to emphasize the importance of embracing imperfections. The author's point of view comes across as optimistic and empowering. This is determined through the use of positive language and encouraging statements throughout the text. By considering the author's purpose and point of view, it becomes clear that the topic of embracing imperfections is meant to inspire and motivate readers to accept themselves and others as flawed but valuable individuals.
When analyzing how the author distinguishes their position from other positions, it becomes evident that the author focuses on the inherent beauty and strength in imperfection. The author rejects the societal pressure for perfection and highlights the uniqueness and character that imperfections bring. This challenges the commonly held belief that perfection is desirable or achievable. For example, the author states, "Flaws are what make us interesting and beautiful, not something to be ashamed of." By recognizing the different positions on this topic and understanding the author's perspective, readers gain a more open-minded and accepting view of imperfections.
In terms of evidence and reasoning, the author effectively supports their claims by providing personal anecdotes and relatable examples. The evidence presented is relevant and credible as it is drawn from the author's own experiences and observations. The author also appeals to the reader's emotions by using positive and empowering language. This strengthens their argument by creating an emotional connection with the reader and emphasizing the potential for personal growth and self-acceptance. However, it could be argued that the author's reasoning could have been further strengthened by including expert opinions or empirical data to support their claims. Overall, the author's use of evidence and reasoning effectively strengthens their argument by appealing to both logic and emotions.