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Michael Berube draws an insightful analogy between students' essays and sports commentary on ESPN, highlighting the tendency of students to summarize rather than analyze. In this essay, we delve into Berube's comparisons and explore the importance of fostering analytical skills in academic writing. By examining key excerpts from Berube's work, we gain a deeper understanding of his perspective on the distinction between summarizing and analyzing, drawing parallels with sports commentary to elucidate his message.
Berube employs a vivid analogy, likening students' essays to sports commentary, where the focus is on analysis rather than mere summary.
He emphasizes that the sports world does not confuse summaries with analyses, and individuals discussing a game on ESPN strategically highlight pivotal moments. For instance, Berube quotes a sports commentator saying, "Well, Tony let me point out that last night, the Red Sox swept the Tigers and crept to within three games of the Yankees." Here, he illustrates how sports commentators pinpoint crucial aspects of the game, akin to what he expects from a well-crafted thesis.
Furthermore, Berube urges students to move beyond mere observation in their writing.
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Quoting him, "When I tell them that an observation is not a thesis," he advocates for papers with arguable theses that captivate the reader's attention, mirroring the engaging nature of sports commentary. His comparison of the Red Sox's victory to a successful paper reinforces his desire for students to bring out the essential aspects of their arguments, just as sports commentators focus on key moments in a game.
Berube's guidance extends beyond the call for analysis, emphasizing the need to consider the audience.
He encourages students to assume a readership familiar with the material, urging them not to waste time on unnecessary summaries. In this regard, he advises against statements like "In class, we discussed the importance of clam chowder in chapter five," stressing that a strong thesis doesn't require a redundant recapitulation of the novel. This directive aligns with the expectation that sports commentators, assuming their audience is well-versed in the game, focus on analyzing and debating rather than summarizing.
Additionally, Berube provides a clear criterion for evaluating student papers, asserting that a compelling use of textual evidence contributes to a well-argued paper. He distinguishes between positive instances where evidence prompts a reexamination of a passage and negative situations where a conclusion fails to address narrative questions or contradicts the literary text. Through these examples, Berube underscores the importance of analytical rigor in crafting a convincing and engaging thesis.
Berube clarifies the distinction between analyzing, summarizing, and the essence of sports commentary. While he occasionally employs strong language, such as referring to sports talks as an "entire entourage of chattering parasites," his intention is not to dismiss the value of dialogue but to highlight the necessity of meaningful argumentation. He stresses that sports talks are valuable precisely because they argue about the game, rather than engaging in aimless chatter.
Despite Berube's occasional stark statements, his central argument revolves around the idea that an observation is not a thesis. This assertion implies that a thesis, like an argument presented in sports commentary, should be both arguable and capable of drawing the audience into a meaningful discussion. Berube's black-and-white perspective on student papers stems from his belief in the binary nature of quality writing – either it resonates as an exemplary paper or it falls short.
In conclusion, Michael Berube's analogy between student essays and sports commentary on ESPN serves as an instructive lens through which to view the importance of analysis in academic writing. His comparison highlights the need for students to craft theses that are not mere observations but rather arguable points that engage the audience. By incorporating elements from sports commentary, Berube effectively communicates the essence of analytical writing, urging students to focus on the critical aspects of their arguments. As we reflect on Berube's insights, it becomes clear that his guidance extends beyond the classroom, offering a valuable perspective on the art of effective communication through writing.
Analyzing vs. Summarizing: Berube's Perspective. (2016, Apr 03). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/essay-on-analyze-dont-summarize-by-michael-berube-essay
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