Download `RATTKISS` Method of Editorial Analysis

‘RATTKISS’ Method of Editorial Analysis
RATTKISS:
R ’Riter’s Background
A Analyze
T Tone
T Topic
IK Kontrolling Idea
S Synthesize
S Scrutinize
The R Is for ‘Riter’s Background
The first step in the RATTKISS critical reading process is establishing the author’s background. It is difficult to fully
consider persuasive discourse without first considering the credentials and life experiences of the person offering it.
The A Is for Analyze
The A in RATTKISS stands for analyze. To analyze something simply means to break it down into its basic components,
usually with the intent of studying it. During this step, read the article and circle those sentences that best state the main
points the writer is trying to make. In written commentary relying too heavily on tapping into the readers’ emotions or
using weak or erroneous logic, you might discover that you have circled few sentences. That’s OK. The point of this step in
critical reading is to set aside the garnish and determine what is really being served for dinner.
The First T Is for Tone
In the acronym RATTKISS, RATT has two Ts. The first T is for tone. Having analyzed the article by circling the important
items, grouping them, and looking for intent and attitude, you can move on to determining the author’s tone. Tone is the
emotion (or lack of emotion) in any written work. Tone can be, among many possibilities, formal, casual, nostalgic, satirical,
or whimsical. It can be optimistic or pessimistic, triumphant or defeatist.
The Second T Is for Topic
The second T in RATTKISS stands for topic. If the article is well-structured, it contains a main-idea sentence. A main idea
has two components—the topic and the controlling idea. In a main-idea sentence, the topic is often the subject of both the
sentence and the article, and the controlling idea is the remainder of the sentence. It is easier to critique an opinion piece if
you are able to identify the general subject.
The K and the I Are for Kontrolling Idea
The second component of an article’s main idea, and the main-idea sentence, if there is one, is its controlling idea. The
controlling idea “funnels” the topic, making it more specific and manageable. In an opinion piece, the controlling idea often
reveals the commentator’s predominant view on the subject or the chief argument he or she is attempting to make.
The First S Is for Synthesize
The first S in the KISS of RATTKISS stands for synthesize. If analyzing something means breaking it down into its basic
components, synthesizing is blending them together again. However, the word synthesize means something more: It means to
blend elements in a way that something entirely new is created. By determining the article’s main idea, tone, important
points, and author’s background, you should be able to see that perhaps there’s something there that wasn’t there before.
This is the part of the process where hidden or underlying meanings make themselves most apparent.
The Second S Is for Scrutinize
The final letter in RATTKISS stands for the final step in this critical reading process—scrutinize. Scrutinizing entails
answering a few questions. Is the author qualified to write on the topic on which he or she has chosen to offer an opinion?
What are the important points, and through what type of lens does the writer view these points and the readership? Is the
main idea easy enough to decipher? What lies between the lines? Are there any logical fallacies or an overuse of emotional
literary weaponry? Is the argument well thought out and well structured? Should readers agree or disagree? Why or why
not?
RATTKISS analysis worksheet
Name:________________
Editorial title:_______________________
R ’Riter’s Background:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
A Analyze:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
T Tone:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
T Topic:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
IK Kontrolling Idea:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
S Synthesize:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
S Scrutinize:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________