Reading Critically

1. Reading Critically Overview of an important skill necessary for academic success

2. Reading Critically In order to gather information from a written text, whether it is a text book, essay, newspaper, poster, or novel, the reader needs to engage the text actively. That means the reader needs to analyze, synthesize, and originate.

3. Reading Critically Analyzing a text means to proactively work with the material in order to thoroughly recognize what the text is communicating Synthesizing means to process that communication in order to connect it to the reader�s current knowledge base Origination refers to using new knowledge and react to it by creating an informed response and further communicating it

4. Reading Critically � Analyzing Engage the writer in a process or dialogue Use proactive techniques to interact with the message being delivered by the writer

5. Reading Critically - Analyzing Pre-read Scan, introductions/summaries, first & last paragraphs, identify context (author, history, issues, bias, etc) Annotate Active note taking, highlight, define terms, remark, note questions Question What assumptions does the writer make? What is effective/ineffective in the writer�s method?

6. Reading Critically - Synthesis Question What questions remain unanswered? How does the writer�s argument fit your current awareness? Review Summarize and/or paraphrase, identify and consider main points and thesis

7. Reading Critically - Originate Review Is the writer�s argument persuasive/valid? Evaluate the thesis and support. Form ideas Connect the writer�s ideas to your knowledge and experience. React to the new awareness and prepare a response.

8. Reading Critically � Techniques for Analyzing Build a context Explore your current knowledge about the subject Identify your expectations and potential biases about the subject Research the author and perspective on the subject Define key terms related to the subject

9. Techniques for Analyzing (cont) Identify the writer�s purpose Are you expected to be entertained, to learn something, or to be persuaded to change in some way

10. Techniques for Analyzing (cont) Question the text What is the importance of the writer�s point? Who is the intended audience? Is the support effective and reasonable? Is there any evidence of counterargument? Is the argument engaging?

11. Techniques for Analyzing (cont) Question the text (cont) Is the writer trustworthy and credible? What biases, beliefs, and worldviews are evident in the argument? Do they match yours? Is the writer�s style effective and appropriate? How will I be able to use what I have read?

12. Techniques for Analyzing (cont) Pre-read and Annotate as you read Look at headers, titles, captions Mark organizational signals Mark and define unfamiliar or controversial terms Identify and clarify areas of confusion Connect any visual elements to the written comments they support/illustrate

13. Techniques for Analyzing (cont) Evaluate and Analyze what you read Map/outline the structure of the argument Summarize the points Identify the main issue/thesis and major supporting evidence and reasons Explore the use of rhetorical strategies Question the content