reading critically

In your journal, write down your thoughts about and impression of the above photo.

READING CRITICALLY

ESTABLISHING CONTEXT

Essay Topic

Author’s background & reputation

Original publication

Intended audience

Prior knowledge

IDENTIFYING ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGY

Narration Telling a story or giving an account of an event

Description Presenting a picture in words

Illustration Using examples to explain a point or idea

Process Analysis Explaining how something happens or is done

Comparison/Contrast Demonstrating likenesses and differences

Division/Classification Breaking down a subject into parts and placing them in categories

Definition Explaining what something is

Cause/Effect Explaining the causes of an event or the effects of an action

Argumentation Using reason and logic to persuade

READ, AND REREAD.

Always read a selection at least twice,

regardless of length and level of difficulty

What are you looking for in the:

• Initial Reading?

•Second Reading?

WHAT TO ANNOTATE

Memorable statements or key points

Key terms or concepts

Central issues or themes

Examples that support a major point

Unfamiliar words

Questions

Responses

ANALYZING AND EVALUATING

What is the writer’s topic?

What is the writer’s thesis?

What is the writer’s purpose?

What strategy or strategies are used and how/where?

Does the strategy suit the purpose?

How effective is the essay?

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