English Composition ENG115 Reading Critically

Topics Reasons to read critically Integrating sources into your writing Using prereading strategies Reading actively Using postreading strategies

Reasons to Read Critically To understand the information To use the information and concepts in your own writing To become a better writer To learn what is effective and ineffective in writing

Integrating Sources into Your Writing Use information gained from critical reading Use quotations, paraphrases or summaries Cite or document your sources

Using Prereading Strategies Purpose of reading The active reader previews: –Content and organization of the text –Table of contents and index –Information boxes –Illustrations –Bulleted lists –Abstract or summary Ask: What do you bring to the text?

Reading Actively Increase critical thinking skills Gain knowledge Apply the knowledge to your thinking and writing Question what you read –Annotate –Use rhetorical analysis –Analyze visuals and web pages –Use post-reading strategies Understand and retain what you read

Reading Actively, continued Annotations Rhetorical analysis Rhetorical appeals –Ethos –Logos –Pathos

Reading Actively, continued Rhetorical analysis includes: –Text Audience, purpose, appeals, development, tone, dialogue, quotations, and language –Visuals Same as above, but also includes effect of formatting, accuracy of representation and message, emotional reactions, and analysis of what you would do differently

Reading Actively, continued Websites –Use written and visual approaches to rhetorical analysis –Evaluate the site.gov.com.edu.org –Evaluate current information, credibility, authority, reasonableness, support for topic, rhetorical appeals

Postreading Strategies Reflect on what you read Review main points of text What did you learn? What questions remain unanswered? How can you use what you learned?

Writer’s Research Journal Includes: –Notes –Summaries –Synthesis of materials –Search terms –Sites consulted –Questions –Answers –Documentation information

Writing Effective Summaries A summary: –Sums up what is in the text –Does not evaluate, critique, or add to text –To summarize: Read text several times Paraphrase the main ideas Write the main idea of the text, the thesis, in your own words Combine in a coherent paragraph

Synthesizing and Using Your Reading in Your Writing Synthesis: –Active reading –Thoughtful reading –Integration of ideas into your text –Documentation of sources of ideas from the text

Summary Reasons to read critically Integrating sources into your writing Using prereading strategies Reading actively Using postreading strategies