1. Reading Critically The ‘How’ and ‘Why’ of Reading

2. What is Critical Reading? (1)
Critical Reading = Critical Thinking
Questioning a work beyond the obvious and looking beneath the surface
Seeks to understand a writer’s intention
Starts even before reading- (preliminary areas) title, author, time/place

3. Thinking Critically (2)
Critical Reading = Critical Thinking
Involves answering the ‘how’ and ‘why’of an author’s meaning
Involves asking questions and forming judgment/opinions
Involves analysis, inference, synthesis, and evaluation

4. Thinking Critically (3)
Analysis- Separate into parts
Inference- Drawing conclusions on the parts (based on information, experience, biases, etc.)
Synthesis- Linking the separate elements
Evaluation- Determine the overall value or meaning

5. Reading Critically (3) Critical Reading involves: 1. Analysis
2. Inference
3. Synthesis
4. Evaluation
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6. Think of critical reading as viewing a picture or visual

8. What visual elements are used within in this image
Visual Analysis
What visual elements are
used within in this image
in order to create meaning?
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9. Critical Reading Importance- ‘Meaning’ (4)
Help to extract ‘meaning’ from a work
Meaning comes from:
1. Writer’s Purpose
2. Thesis
3. Asking questions

10. Writer’s Purpose (5) An author’s reason for writing
What they are trying to achieve
All of their ‘writing choices’ are based off of purpose

11. Thesis (6) The main point or idea a writer wants to communicate
Experienced writers may place the thesis anywhere
Thesis placement depends upon purpose

12. Asking Questions (7) What is the writer’s purpose?
How does the purpose govern choices?
Is the thesis evident?
How is it supported?

13. Critical Reading and Writing Strategy (8)
In terms of writing strategy, writers need to consider:
1. Audience
2. Mode of Writing
3. Structure
4. Language

14. Audience (9) Who is the audience?
Why is the author writing to that audience?

15. Modes of Writing (10)
Writing methods used to arrange ideas and information.
Narration, Description, Compare/Contrast, Persuasion, Example, Cause/Effect, Definition, Classification, etc.

16. Structure (11)
Appropriate structure is crucial and will vary according to an author’s purpose
Structure entails unity and coherence
Effective structure will hold a reader’s attention

17. Language (12) The way an essay is created Syntax- Sentence structure
Diction- Word choice (words/word patterns)
Syntax- Sentence structure
Deals mainly with length and variety

18. Critical Reading (wrap Up)
When reading, you will read to analyze:
1) Writer’s Meaning
Purpose, Thesis, Questions
2) Writer’s Strategy
Audience, Mode of Writing, Structure
3) Writer’s Language
Diction and Syntax