4.)  Do you want your response to focus on the credibility of the author?  In other words, do you want to consider whether the author seems appropriately knowledgeable and fairly considers other arguments or points of view?

You may be able to focus your entire response on just one of the above issues.  Or you may decide to discuss two or three issues that seem related.  (For instance, in the sample strong response, the student chose to discuss his own beliefs—number 1 on this list and the author’s lack of credibility—number 4 on this list.)

Please keep in mind that while the strong response must be “analyzing” the article in some way, this does not mean that it has to be negative.  Despite the example above, a strong response may discuss the ways in which the article is successful and convincing (or the reasons why you agree with the author).