Statements Analysis Worksheet

PHL/320 v8

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Statements Analysis Worksheet
Read each statement.

Analyze each statement and source for credibility.

Write a 50- to 90-word analysis for each statement.

· Identify if the language used is clear or vague.

· Determine if the statement is literal or figurative.

· Evaluate the source to determine whether it is credible.

Number

Statement

Source

Analysis

Example

“We should raise taxes on the wealthy.”

Bob from Accounting

The language used in this statement is literal because Bob means exactly what he says; we should raise taxes on the wealthy. He does not use a simile, metaphor, or a comparison to something else to describe what he means. His language is vague because he does not provide a distinction on what monetary amount should be considered wealthy. Are people who make over $50,000 per year wealthy, $1,000,000, or somewhere in between? Bob from Accounting is not a credible source, because although he most likely possesses financial knowledge, there is no way to confirm he has reliable knowledge about government and taxation.

1.

“The Aquaclear water filter- it really will improve the taste and odor of your water.”

Advertisement

2.

“The lot extends back to about where that large oak tree stands.”

Property owner, showing his property to a potential buyer

3.

“It seems clear that within the next ten years, they’ll have produced a machine that can really think.”

Statement

4.

“Watch out for the boss; he’s grumpy today.”

Statement

5.

“The arrhythmia you are experiencing indicates you should lay off the jogging for a while.”

Doctor

6.

“The President has determined that tax reform will be his first priority during his second term in office.”

Statement

7.

“Renaissance music simply lulls me to sleep.”

Statement

8.

“Well, let’s see. To get to the Woodward Mall, go down this street a couple of blocks and then turn right. Go through several stoplights, turn left, and go just a short way. You can’t miss it.”

Statement

9.

“What did I think of the concert? I thought it was pretty good. You should have been there.”

Said at a party

10.

During his first news conference of the year, the president said today that his administration was going to crack down even harder on international terrorism.”

Statement

11.

“I think I have an engine problem.”

To your mechanic

12.

“If you miss too many classes will be consequences.”

Teacher

13.

“If you do not return this vehicle with a full tank of gas, you will be charged $10 per gallon, plus a refueling fee of $20.”

Rental car agent

14.

“I pulled you over because you were driving too fast for the conditions.”

Police officer

15.

“I’ll be back later.”

Mom