Critical Reading in Practice “Wanted, Better Employees”

Ethos Meaning Logos Pathos The Writer and Credibility The Text and its logical structure The Audience and the essays effect

Critical Reading Author Occasion Purpose Context Audience Thesis Evidence Refutation Concluding Directive

The Author and his Purpose Jeffrey Selingo Occasion: The lost message demonstrated by the comments section to a previous blog post Purpose: To clarify the complexity of a problem lost on readers and to prompt discussion toward a solution to the problem Thesis: We have three million job openings, not merely because college graduates are not prepared, but also because of conflicting expectations by students, parents and employers.

Analysis What is the problem? Why does the problem exist? What facts/evidence is presented to support assertions? Is there a counter argument? Is it addressed? How? If not, why not? Author’s directive? What are we directed to do in light of text’s information?

The Audience Where is the text/message located? What is the context? Who consumes the context? Age, gender, etc? Who has a stake in the problem/issue/outcome?

Warrants: Values and Views We need to become aware of the Warrants (the values and beliefs) that are encoded in our vocabulary. Think about the assumptions we make about our readers and their understanding of cultural concepts such as: honor, freedom, religion, etc.

Critical Reading: Guidelines Accuracy of facts Logic of opinions and evidence Evaluate the sources Evaluate the evidence Consider the counter argument Check for bias—including our own

Critical Reading Checklist What is the General Subject? What is the writer’s purpose? What is the writer’s position? Does the writer support ideas with facts or opinions? What evidence does the writer use to support the position? Is there enough evidence? Is it convincing? Does the writer counter any opposing Views?

Checklist continued Who is the writer addressing? Audience? Does the writer address an accepting, resisting or neutral audience? Is the writer educated on the subject? Does s/he present as a fair and reasoned opinion? Is there bias in the position? How does it effect the argument? Cyborg Identity

What Audience Characteristics do we Need to Consider? Make a List of Characteristics

Audience Characteristics Age Gender Ethnicity Education Socio-economic Status Political Views Religious Affiliations Geographical Location Cultural values

Audience? Argument?

Audience? Argument?

Audience? Argument?

Note the Gendered warrants here; which ad appeals to which gender? Why?