1. Chapter 5: Reading Rhetorically
Module One

2. What is Rhetorical Reading?
Rhetorical reading is being aware of the effect a text is intended to have on you
Rhetorical readers analyze how a text works persuasively
Rhetorical readers think critically about whether to agree with or challenge the text’s intentions

3. Why is College Level Reading so Difficult?
Vocabulary
Unfamiliar technical terms
Specialized meanings
Unfamiliar Rhetorical Context
New topics
Unfamiliar Genre
Textbooks, trade books, scholarly articles, scientific reports, historical documents, etc.
Lack of Background Knowledge
New authors
Assume to know subject matter

4. Strategies for Reading
Ask questions
What is the purpose of this writing?
Who is the audience?
What is the genre?
What is the motivation behind it?
Take notes
Make marginal notes as you read
Use a dictionary
Look up unfamiliar words or words you can’t define by the context alone

5. Strategies for Reading cont.
Watch your reading speed
Speed up when you are skimming or scanning for information
Slow down for complete comprehension or detailed analysis
Read the text multiple times
First, read quickly to get an overview of the topic
Second, read the text again while looking out for topic sentences and main points
Lastly, read for details and specific understanding of the topic

6. With the Grain or Against?
Reading with the grain allows you to empathize with the writer and see the world through their eyes
Useful when writing summaries or analyzing points of view
Reading against the grain prompts you to ask questions and perhaps disagree with the writer
Useful when writing strong responses and arguments
See strategies on p. 87

7. Summaries and Strong Responses
Two types of academic writing:
The summary
The strong response
Review handouts and PowerPoints