Chapter 2 - Reading Arguments : Thinking Like a Critic Flashcards
Why we read?
- Find information
- Check Progress
- Learn how to do things
- Get entertained.
- Discover the secrets
Critical Reading
When you look beyond the surface of words and thoughts to think about the ideas and their meaning and significance you are critical reading.
Critical reading is what type of reading?
Active reading
Why is critical reading active reading?
because it involves asking questions and not necessarily accepting the writer’s statements at face value
What kind of questions do critical readers ask of the authors?
What do you mean by that phrase? Can you support that statement? How do you define that term? Why is this observation important? How do you arrive at that conclusion? Do other experts agree with you? Is this evidence up to date?
Why read critically?
When you read critically you think critically. Critical thinking is a process of discovery. It helps you have a better understanding of the issue. It becomes more knowledgeable about the issue and more able to develop your own informed view of the subject. It not only sharpens your focus on an issue but it also heightens your ability to construct and evaluate your own arguments.
What is the first step of critical writing?
Critical reading
What steps involved in previewing the reading?
- Who is the writer?
- Where is the article originally published?
- When was the article originally published?
- What does the title reveal about the subject and the author’s attitude on it?
Who is the writer?
Information on the writer is provided in short bibliographical note on the first and last page of reading. The writer’s age, education, current profession, and professional background can tell you about his or her experience or perspective on the subject.
What can information about a writer’s background and professional training provide?
Knowledge and credibility
Where is the article originally published?
Knowing this will prepare you for the demands of reading it may also prepare for the writer’s point of view. It will indicate the writer’s audience and purpose.
When was the article originally published?
The date of publication can provide background about what was happening when the article was published. It will indicate factors that might have influenced the writers and whether the evidence used is current or historical.
What does the title reveal about the subject and the author’s attitude on it?
The title of the article often indicates both the subject of the article and the writer’s attitude to it and so you become aware of the writers intent.
How to skim read an article?
- you skim read for the general idea of its subject.
- Preview the material about the author, the original publication, and date and the title
- Start by reading the first two paragraphs and the last paragraph.
- If the reading is long and complex examine first two sentences of each paragraph to get a better sense of the writer’s idea.
