The difference between text analysis and text discussion simply explained

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The key words “text analysis” and “text discussion” can often be found in class work and exams when it comes to factual texts. However, these two terms are not meant to be one and the same. Do you know the difference?

Children are often at a loss when it comes to factual texts.
Children are often at a loss when it comes to factual texts. © R._Krautheim / Pixelio

Similarities in text analysis and text discussion

  • The first step - both with one Text analysis as well as in a text discussion - is that you read the text really carefully, look up unknown words and mark things that catch your eye the first time you read it.
  • Now you should read the text again and pay close attention to the structure of the text, any rhetorical stylistic devices, the intention, the thesis and arguments. Notes in the margin are very helpful.
  • If you now begin with a text analysis or a text discussion, you first write a short introduction, in which author, title, place of publication, date of publication, type of text and the thesis or intention mentioned will. The exact formulation of the sentence does not matter. It is only important that the points just mentioned are listed.
  • Next, you briefly summarize the content of the text and then reproduce it in your own words.
  • Now write the main part. In the case of text analysis, an analysis of the text; in the case of a text discussion, an analysis of the text discussion.
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  • The end is the same for both tasks. Here you summarize your own results and give your own opinion.

The difference

  • The difference between a text discussion and a text analysis is the main part. As the Names say, one text is discussed while the other is analyzed.
  • This means that in a text analysis, the structure and the argumentation structure of the Describes the text, but then directly on the linguistic part of the text - like rhetorical means - comes in. This is where the focus is placed. The question that has to be answered in a text analysis is: “What does the author want to tell me?” Accordingly, the text is also freely interpreted.
  • The difference to the text discussion is that this is more concerned with the arguments of the text and their meaning than with the stylistic devices. Although these also play a role, a text discussion must be factual and concrete. Here one must not interpret, but must present the facts, such as the pros and cons of the text or the type of argument.

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