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1. Reading Critically Overview of an important skill necessary for academic success
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 readers 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 writers method?
6. Reading Critically - Synthesis
Question
What questions remain unanswered? How does the writers argument fit your current awareness?
Review
Summarize and/or paraphrase, identify and consider main points and thesis
7. Reading Critically - Originate
Review
Is the writers argument persuasive/valid? Evaluate the thesis and support.
Form ideas
Connect the writers 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 writers 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 writers 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 writers 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