1. English B50
Active Reading

2. Reading Rhetorically What do we mean by “reading rhetorically”?
“to read with attention to how your purposes for reading may or may not match an author’s purposes for writing and to recognize the methods that authors use to try to accomplish those purposes” (2).
Thus, you will need to be able to analyze not just what a text says but how it is said.

3. Reading as Conversation
Think of approaching the reading as a conversation happening between people in a specific community.
Look at Writing and Discussion Question number 2 on pg. 7 in Reading Rhetorically. Take a few minutes to jot down a response.
Now turn and share with a partner.

4. Reading as Composition
As the reader of a text, you also contribute to meaning-making.
Thus, reading should be active rather than passive.
What influences your reading of a text?
Your previous experiences and knowledge
Context

5. Putting it all Together
You need to read, then with awareness of the purpose of the author and text and your own purposes as a reader and as a writer.
Keep in mind that, in most cases, assigned readings will end up with some sort of writing assignment.

6. Active Reading What are some “active reading” strategies you employ?
Taking notes in the margins
Summarizing sections
Outlining chapters
Asking questions
Making predictions
Highlighting main points
Defining new terms

7. Practice
Actively read “Education Pays, but Perhaps Less Than You Thought,” by Laurence Shatkin on pg 854 of Everything’s An Argument.
Now, working in groups of 3 (on a single sheet of paper with all group members’ names), answer the questions on page 15 of Reading Rhetorically.