INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Why is the author writing this piece? Knowing this purpose can help you better understand the meaning of the text. To determine the purpose, ask yourself the following questions:  What is the topic and discipline? What does the text accomplish? What does the author make you think, believe, or feel? Are the ideas in the text new or borrowed from someone else? The writer’s word choice, especially when it comes to jargon, can give you more perspective on the text. You can determine the intended audience, as well as the tone of the text.  Using jargon and technical language shows the author is writing for people in their field. They might be trying to instruct or may be presenting research ideas. If you're unsure of a writer's intended audience, technical terms and jargon can be a good indicator. The tone is the mood of a text. For example, a researcher might use a formal, professional tone to present their research findings, while a writer might use an informal, casual tone when writing a magazine article. Consider the author’s thesis, as well as any claims stated within the text. In a shorter piece, the entire argument may be presented clearly in the thesis, but a longer text may include multiple claims.  If you’re struggling to find the author’s argument, review the evidence they provide in the text. What ideas does the evidence support? This can help you find the argument. For example, the thesis could read as follows: "Based on data and case studies, voters are more likely to choose a candidate they know, supporting the ideas of rational choice theory." The argument here is in favor of rational choice theory. Evaluate the type of evidence used, such as data, facts, or anecdotes. Then, determine if the evidence fully and accurately supports the argument, or if the evidence is weak.  For example, evidence that includes research and statistical data may provide a lot of support for an argument, but anecdotal evidence might result in a weak argument. You may want to write out the evidence in your own words, but this may not be necessary. Although the text is nonfiction, the author will likely include their own viewpoints. Both the factual information and the author’s ideas are important to your analysis, but you need to know the difference between the two. Read with an eye for the author's use of rhetorical or persuasive techniques.  For example, you might highlight facts and opinions using different colors. Alternatively, you might create a chart with facts on one side and opinions on the other. For instance, the writer might state, "According to the survey, 79% of people skim a ballot to find the names they know. Clearly, ballots aren't designed to engage voter interest." The first sentence is a fact, while the second sentence is an opinion. Does the writer achieve what they set out to do? Based on your analysis, decide if the text is effective, as well as why or why not. For example, you might find that the paper on rational choice theory contains few statistics but many pieces of anecdotal evidence. This might lead you to doubt the writer's argument, which means the writer likely didn't achieve their purpose.

SUMMARY: Determine the author’s purpose. Examine the writer’s use of language, including jargon. Identify the author’s argument. Examine the evidence the author uses to support the argument. Separate facts from opinions in a nonfiction text. Determine if the text accomplishes its purpose.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: In most cases, the most damaged part of the hair is the ends. By getting your hair cut every six to eight weeks, you’ll removed the dry, brittle ends so your hair looks healthier overall. You don’t have to cut all of the damaged sections of your hair out at once. By getting a small trim every six weeks, you’ll slowly remove the dry, split ends, and over time, your hair will become healthier. Damaged hair is prone to tangles and knots, but working them out with a brush can snag your hair and cause breakage. A wide-tooth comb is a better option for damaged hair because it’s gentler and less likely to pull or tug at it. Your hair is most fragile when it’s wet, so it’s especially important to only use a wide-tooth comb on your hair right after you’ve washed your hair. Damaged hair often looks dry and dull. Adding hair oil to your locks can help hydrate them and boost the shine, so your hair looks healthier. You can apply an oil all over your hair when it’s wet, or just work it through the ends when your hair is dry. The best hair oils for damaged hair are argan oil, marula oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil.

SUMMARY:
Get regular haircuts. Use a wide tooth comb. Moisturize your hair with oil.