Reading CriticallyChapter 1

From Perspectives on Contemporary Issues: Readings Across the Disciplines - 5th Edition

Nine Points To Reading CriticallyPrepare to Read

Critically Read the Title Find Out About the

Author Determine the

Purpose Determine the

Intended Audience Locate the Thesis

Locate Key Points and Supporting Details

Make Marginal Notes as You Read

Summarize What You Have Read

Evaluate What You Have Read

Preparing to Read CriticallyReading “critically” Reading “negatively”

Reading critically = Reading carefu l ly , thoughtfu l ly , and thoroughly to understand and to assess Reading critically = Examining ideas and ev idence Reading critically = Distinguishing between fact

and opin ion, logic and fa l lacy Reading critically = Engaging, Analyzing, and Evaluating in terms of re levance, accuracy, and importance

1: Read the Title

Before you read, Consider the Title A title reveals the Subject – what the

piece is about A title tells something about the way in

which the Way a Subject Will Be Treated▪ It may reveal the Position the author takes on

the subject – (ex.) does he favor or oppose▪ It may reveal the Tone - the writer’s attitude

toward the subject and audience - of the piece (ex.) does he ridicule or mock

2: Find Out About the Author

If information about the author is provided, Read It! Knowing who the writer is

what he has published what his profession is gives the reader an idea of the authority/ reliability and relevance from which the author writes.

Check the headnote (usually after title) of an article

for author’s bio

3. Determine the Purpose

The writer’s purpose varies according to his genreNonfiction – Goals require different strategies▪ Persuasion – to convince of validity of the writer’s

position and to move the reader to action▪ Exposition* – to inform or present an objective

explanation by emphasizing ideas, events, or objects, but not writer’s view – may take many forms – cause-effect analysis, comparison -contrast, definition, classification, etc.

▪ Expression – to emphasize the writer’s feelings and subjective view of his subject

4. Determine the Intended Audience

Writers make assumptions about their readers which influence▪ the tone they use▪ the evidence they select▪ the way they organize and develop their writing▪ their sentence structure, word choice, and diction

Knowing the writer’s intended audience helps the reader understand his point of view and to explain the choices the writer makes – the writer makes assumptions concerning age, gender, history, interests, politics, beliefs, etc.

of his audience

5. Locate the Thesis Statement

The thesis states the main idea of the essay. Typically it Is one sentence but may be longer Is explicitly stated but if not, must be

clearly implied Helps the writer focus the writing and

guide the organization/development of key ideas

Provides direction to the reader Assists in the reader’s understanding

6. Locate Key Ideas and Support

Active critical readers use a pen or highlighter Underline, star, or highlight major points of

development as you read Look for the topic sentence in a paragraph▪ Just as the thesis statement states what the

essay is about, the topic sentence states what the paragraph is

about▪ The topic sentence should be explicitly stated or

at least clearly implied.

7. Make Marginal Notes

In the margins, write your response to the passage or make note of important words, phrases, or passages Note evidence or details that support key

points Note in the margin if something is unclear* Circle words that you do not understand* Note phrases that strike you as beautiful, as

particularly logical or illogical, or as peculiar in some manner*

* Look up these points later

8. Summarize

Writing a Summary is the test of the reader’s understanding

Look back at the underlining and notations State in your own words; do not copy (know

the three-word rule*)

what the writing is about the main points the writer makes

*More than 3 words without quote marks = a form of

plagiarism

9. Evaluate What You Have Read

When you understand and can summarize, then you are read to respond

Consider whether the author achieves his stated purpose and whether his thesis is explained,

developed, or argued: Are there sufficient details? Is the evidence convincing? Is the argument logical or reasonable? Are you persuaded? Consider the author’s assertions. Can they be challenged? If the purpose is to describe, is the language vivid? Well written? Organized? Clear? Complete?

Summary of Chapter 1

1. Consider the title2. Try to learn

something about the author

3. Determine the purpose of the writing

4. Determine the audience for whom the piece was written

5. Locate the thesis6. Locate key

ideas and supporting details

7. Make marginal notes

8. Summarize what you have read

9. Evaluate what you have read.