1. Critical Reading in Practice
“Wanted, Better Employees”

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

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

4. 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.

5. 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?

6. 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?

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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?

10. 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

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

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

13. Audience? Argument?

14. Audience? Argument?

15. Audience? Argument?

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