SOAPS: A Strategy for Analyzing and Writing

When evaluating writing and speeches and also in the formation of your own writing you need to think about each of the following key questions. Answering these for each piece will help you better analyze and evaluate a writer’s argument or prepare your own. When you try to figure this out you need BOTH evidence from the text itself AND your own thoughts.

Subject / What is the subject or content of the speech?
BE SPECIFIC and list beginning to end all that it is about- literally- include text for proof- there can be minor subjects in the larger topic.
Occasion- / What caused the speaker /writer to create the text?
What is the time and the place of the speech? What is the context?
Immediate- “An event or situation that catches the [speaker’s] attention and triggers a response” (Morse).
Larger- The larger issues-usually community, social or life issues- in the background of the speech/writing- the context in which it was produced. -“the environment of ideas, attitudes, and emotions that swirl around a broad issue” (Morse).
Audience / To which group of listeners is the piece directed?This may be one group or one person.
Identify the writer’s target from the text.
Purpose / What is the reason behind the speech? What does the speaker want the listener to do or think as a result of listening to this speech? Why?
State in a sentence. Do this LAST. Begin with "To..." and be specific- not "To persuade" but the very specific thing that the writer/speaker wants the reader/listener to understand, do, think and feel
Speaker / Who is it? What is the speaker’s background?What are the speaker’s beliefs?How do the attributes of the speaker help influence the perceived meaning of the speech?
Include literal aspects (name or anything else obvious), but also what the writer believes- think about the writer as a character in a sense- characterize him or her (BEWARE of personas - A role or character adopted by an writer that is not necessarily reflective of the writer’s personality and beliefs.)

As you read, you want to notice evidence in each of these areas to help you understand the work and the author’s intent or purpose.

Author Name: / Title:
Evidence from the Writing / Your Thoughts/Explanation
Subject
Occasion-
Immediate:
Occasion-
Larger:
Audience
Purpose
Speaker