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Reading Critically (2)

The document outlines the principles of critical reading, emphasizing the importance of analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating texts rather than simply absorbing information. It provides distinctions between facts and opinions, as well as objective and subjective perspectives, and offers questions to guide critical analysis. Additionally, it highlights the difference between general reading and critical reading, encouraging readers to question assumptions and engage deeply with the material.

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7 views10 pages

Reading Critically (2)

The document outlines the principles of critical reading, emphasizing the importance of analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating texts rather than simply absorbing information. It provides distinctions between facts and opinions, as well as objective and subjective perspectives, and offers questions to guide critical analysis. Additionally, it highlights the difference between general reading and critical reading, encouraging readers to question assumptions and engage deeply with the material.

Uploaded by

mejuliaj
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Reading Critically

Course: HSIR11
Instructor: Dr. Nisha Viswanathan
What is Critical Reading?
• Analyze, interpret, evaluate
• Question the text
• Read against the grain
• Examine the arguments closely
• Scrutinize the text for biases and
contradictions
“Please be prepared to show what you’ve
accomplished in the past ten days.
As a reminder, all managers are expected to
write a meaningful amount of software
themselves. Being unable to do so is like a
cavalry captain who can’t ride a horse.”
• Facts
• Opinions
• Objective
• Subjective

University of the Pacific is a beautiful campus.


University of the Pacific is in Stockton, California.

Living in a place that doesn’t have cold winters is better


than living in a place that does.
Places that are close to the equator do not have cold
winters.
Relevant Distinctions

Fact: a fact is something verifiable and not


arguable
Opinion: an opinion is arguable
Objectivity: absence of bias/perspective
Subjectivity: from a particular perspective
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a
single man in possession of a good fortune,
must be in want of a wife.”
Questions to Ask (and Answer) when Reading a Text

• What issue is the writer focusing on?


• Does the writer take a clear stand on this issue?
• What is the writer’s thesis (if there is one)?
• What is the writer’s purpose for writing?
• Who is the audience for this writing?
• What is the writer’s tone? Why do you think he/she writes with this tone?
• Does the writer seem to assume readers will agree with his/her position?
• What evidence does the writer use to support the essay’s thesis/central
argument? Does the writer include enough evidence?
• Does the writer consider, address and/or refute opposing arguments?
• Do you understand the vocabulary? If not, look the words up.
• Do you understand the writer’s references/citations?
• Do you agree with the points the writer makes? Why/why not?
• What connections can you make between this article and others you have
read?
Reading vs. Reading Critically

Reading Critical Reading


Purpose To get a basic grasp of the text. To evaluate HOW a text works.

Activity Absorbing/Understanding Analyzing/Interpreting/Evaluating

Focus What a text SAYS What a text DOES and MEANS


(meaning in gaps/ silences/
biases/contradictions)
Questions What is the text saying? What How does the text work? How is it
information can I get out of it? argued? What are the choices made?
The patterns that result? What kinds of
reasoning and evidence are used?
What are the underlying assumptions?
What does the text mean?

Direction WITH the text (taking for granted it is AGAINST the text (questioning its
right) assumptions and argument,
interpreting meaning in context)
Response Restatement, Summary Interpretation, Evaluation
Thinking Critically and Creatively
Critical thinking is clear, reasonable, reflective thinking focused on
deciding what to believe or do. It means asking probing questions
like, “How do we know?” or “Is this true in every case or just in this
instance?” It involves being skeptical and challenging
assumptions, rather than a blind acceptance what you hear or
read.

• testing answers to your questions, outlining, describing aspects of the


text or argument, reflecting on your own reading and thinking, raising
objections to the ideas or evidence presented, etc.

• What is the source of this information? Is this source an expert one and
what makes it so? Are there multiple perspectives to consider on an
issue? Do multiple sources agree or disagree on an issue? Does quality
research substantiate information or opinion? Do I have any personal
biases that may affect my consideration of this information?
Sources:
• https://wr.english.fsu.edu/College-Composition/The-
Inkwell/Critical-Reading-Activities

• https://www.stetson.edu/other/writing-
program/media/CRITICAL%20READING.pdf

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