READING AND WRITING SKILLS

LESSON 5: CRITICAL READING SKILLS

STRATEGIES FOR EFECTIVE CRITICAL READING

 The statement in the text must also be evaluated. Examine the facts and examples try to check if there are gaps
and inconsistencies. Check for the accuracy and reliability of the sources and distinguish facts from opinions.
Aside from evaluating look for what is not presented as well. Based on the all facts presented, asses if the
conclusions are acceptable.

- In addition, remember to evaluate the credibility of the writer. Analyse the motivation for writing the text by looking at
the writers socio-political, cultural, economic, and personal situations.

GUIDE QUESTIONS FOR CRITICAL READING

 What is the writer’s perspective? Does she\he write from an outsider’s or insider’s perspective?

 What relevant information is excluded from the text?

 Do you agree with the writer?

 Is the writer objective and accurate?

 How would you describe the tone of the writer?

 Does the text challenge your own values and beliefs?

 Does the text contain fallacies? What are those?

 Are there assumptions made by the writer?

 Does the writer oversimplify complex ideas?

 Does the writer use reasonable generalizations and inferences?

HYPERTEXT VS. INTERTEXT

HYPERTEXT INTERTEXT
 Refers to a work whose meaning is shaped by  Is characterized by the external links embedded in
referencing or calling to mind other texts. Basically, a text by the writer, in a hypertext, The reader can
other texts help through other texts which parallel it read the text in a non- linear way, because he is
in terms of plot, characters, premise, and he like, in led to other links outside the main text. A work in
an intertextual work, the context is not given hypertext also enables he reader to arrive at the
immediately; only through the wealth of previous intended interpretation, because he is led to where
knowledge and experience or further research will the author exactly wants him to go. The context is
the reader be able to understand the text. It can taken through links or commentaries directly
occur in either online or printed media, but it is not connected to the text being read. I am given
limited to literature; it spans other media, such as directly since the author has already provided the
movies, songs, and others. links ad explanations to the reader. In an online
medium, it is seen as the commentaries and food
noted in the margins.
HYYPERTEXT EXAMPLE IN ONLINE MEDIA

Hello. Dear readers!

In my past blog posts I have shown you the tranquillity of Cagbalete Island. The enchanting charm of Patar beach
Bolinao, and the surreal charm of the Underground River in Puerto Princesa. In this post let me take you to one of the
most beautiful places I’ve ever been: Calaguas Island.

Go to Underground Escaplades!

HYPERTEXT EXAMPLE IN PRINT MEDIA

 The Peal of the Orient Seas1 is blessed with many beautiful beaches, but Boracay2 still remains one of the most
popular tourist destinations.
1
A historical moniker given to the Philippines
2
A Small Island in Aklan, Visayas

TYPES OF CLAIM

When reading texts critically, it is imperative that you identify the type of claims, or the approach to the topic, to
see the main argument. Although we focus on critical reading, it is useful to note that these claims may also be used
when you write your own paper.

To identify the claims, focus on the first and last sentences of a paragraph. The details in each paragraph will
also guide you as to whether a text supports or opposes a certain claim or argument. Take note of the transitional
devices used. The general types of claims are claim of fact, claim of policy, and claim of value.

GUIDE QUESTIONS FOR CLAIMS

 Are the claims presented in the text supported by evidence?

 Are these pieces of evidence valid and sufficient?

 Are the pieces of evidence anecdotal or scientific? How does this nature affect the overall credibility of the text?

 Does the text have references? Are they reliable and recent?

 How does the writer present facts and opinions?

CLAIM OF FACT

Is an argument about a quantifiable topic. Note that a claim of fact is not fact; It only asserts a stand
regarding a debatable topic. for example, a claim of fact may argue that climate change does not exist, because
these are simply natural cycles of weather change. In this case, you cannot easily check whether this is indeed a
universally accepted and undisputable fact, as there evidences and arguments which disagree with it.
CLAIM OF VALUE

It argues whether something is good or bad. It is based on judgment and evaluation on a philosophical,
aesthetic, or moral standpoint. It is not merely a statement of subjective judgment. It also assessed on accurate
information.

A well-defended claim of value may assert that the value being defended will produce good results, as long
as it is backed up by reliable information. A text with a good claim of value cites experts on the field who support the
claim to make the argument more effective. It draws on real-world examples and illustrations to make the abstract
values clear.

Example:

Euthanasia, which is also known as mercy killing, is an act to end a person’s life to alleviate the suffering
brought by a terminal or grave illness. While it may be ‘supported by some, euthanasia is not only an unethical
medical practice, it is also a crime. After all, on the most basic level, this practice takes a life. I fact, majority of the
countries in the world consider it as homicide. Aside from being a crime, euthanasia is unethical in the medical
context because it violates the one of the tenets of the Physician’s Oath, namely that of “primum non nocore” which
means “first, do not harm.” In the Declaration of Geneva, doctors have the responsibility of saving lives, not
destroying them. In essence, euthanasia is a violation of life, and it can never be an acceptable procedure.

CLAIM OF POLICY

Is an argument which asserts the implementation of a certain policy. This is driven by the need to present a
solution to problems that have arisen; sometimes it is given as a response to claims of fact. It generally states
solutions and plans that are procedural and organized. It also incorporates judgment coupled with supporting
information.

Example:

Alternative sources of energy and conservation efforts must be applied tom preempt potential energy
problems. Today, most of the energy resources we have are generated from limited resources like coal, oil, and
natural gas. If continuously consumed at an alarming rate, fossil fuels necessary for generating power to operate
vehicles and factories will run out before long. Nonetheless, this problem can be addressed by using alternative
sources of energy and by emphasizing conservation. First, using alternatives sources of energy such as solar energy
and fusion energy would lessen pollution. These alternatives are actually more accessible and cost-efficient.
Although there are some potential risks in using fusion energy, these risks can be mitigated by implementing strict
safety measures. The second solution that governments can adopt is the enhancement of conversation efforts. To do
this, governments need to make the public more aware of the benefits of conservation as well as ways of conserving
energy, such as recycling. Laws can also be passed to mandate the public and all stakeholders to recycle energy.

LOGICAL FALLACIES

Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that validate an argument. As a critical reader, you have identify and
examine fallacies and manipulative language found in the text.
 Fallacy Description Example
occurs when an arguer presents Either you fully devote yourself to the
his/her arguments as one only two company or you quit.
False Dilemma
options despite the presence of
multiple possibilities

occurs when something is instantly The writer does not talk about the
concluded to be true just because it is connection between the victim’s killer
Appeal to Ignorance
not proven to be false, and vice and his sister, so there must be
versa. none.

occurs when a series of increasingly If we ban computer shops, then

superficial and unacceptable students will not be able to do
Slippery Slope consequences is drawn research. And if they do not have
tools for research, these students will
fail their subjects.

Complex Question occurs when two or more points are “Have you stopped cheating on
rolled into one and the reader is exams?”
expected to either accept or reject
both at the same time, when one
point may be satisfactory while the
other is not.

Appeal to Force occurs when a threat, instead of If you do not admit the evolution is
reasoning, is used to argue not real, we will isolate you from the
group.

Appeal to Pity occurs when the element of pity is Please do not fire me for being
used instead of logical reasoning absent all month; I have a sick
mother and a special child to support.

Appeal to Consequences occurs when unpleasant You can’t believe that colonialism is
consequences of believing something bad, because if it were, then we
are pointed out to show that the belief would not be civilized.
is false

Bandwagon occurs when an argument is Most Filipinas want to have fair skin
considered to be valid because it is because they think they look
what majority thinks beautiful. Therefore, having fair skin
must be the real standard of beauty.
Attacking the Person occurs when someone tries to refute I cannot accept your argument
an argument by attacking the because, unlike me, you were not
character of a person instead of educated at Harvard University.
attacking ideas of the argument

Appeal to Authority occurs when the argument quotes an Bill Gates, the co-founder of
expert who is not qualified in the Microsoft, recommends the effective
particular subject matter fabric softening properties of Downy
fabric softener.

Anonymous Authority the authority in question is not Experts claim that eating peanuts
mentioned or named causes pimples.

Hasty Generalization occurs when a sample is not Martha, the foreigner from France, is
significant or enough to support a very impolite. French people are
generalization about a population mean and rude

False Analogy occurs when a writer assumes that Drugs are like massages: they make
two concepts that are similar in some you feel good.
ways are also similar in other ways

Accident occurs when a general rule is applied Jaywalking is not allowed, so you
to a situation, even when it should be should not have done that even when
an exception you were being chased by terrorists.

Post Hoc occurs when the arguer claims that Dina saw a black cat when they went
since event A happened before event home. Along the way, they crash into
B, A is the cause of B a tree. The black cat must be the
reason why they met an accident.

Wrong Direction occurs when the direction between Liver damage leads to alcoholism.
cause and effect is reversed

Complex Cause occurs when the explanation for an We were not able to solve the
event is reduced to one thing when problem because of limited time even
there are other factors which also if all the other groups were able to do
contributed to the event so.

Irrelevant Conclusion occurs when an argument which is We must support the fight for gender
supposed to prove something equality between men and women.
concludes something else instead Women have suffered enough
violence at home. Violence against
 women must be stopped.

Straw Man occurs when the position of the Opponent: We should relax the law
opposition is twisted so that it is governing the allowed smoking areas
easier to refuse in the city.

Fallacy: We should not do so,

because the number of smokers
might increase.

Affirming the Consequent any argument of the form: If A is true If you are drinking wine, you have a
then B is true; If B is true then A is problem. Therefore, if you have a
true problem, you are drinking.

Denying the Antecedent any argument of the form: If A is true If you are drinking wine, you have a
then B is true; If A is not true then B problem. Therefore, if you are not
is not true drinking wine, you do not have a
problem.

Inconsistency occurs when arguments contradict Frank is older than Jake, Jake is
one another older than Noli, and Noli is older than
Frank.