Reading Critically & Annotation Presentation

Brief overview of the critical reading process, including annotation skills and proper use of material.

1. READING CRITICALLY

2. HOW TO READ EFFECTIVELY 1. Read actively 2. Read as a believer and then as a doubter 3. Read critically Think about what you see  Make sense of the information  Reach conclusions

3. ACTIVE READING Don’t just passively ingest the information – actively interact with the text. Preview – get an overview of the entire piece before reading Predict – based on your preview, predict where the piece might go Connect – relate the piece to something you know about its topic Turn headings into questions – then, look to answer them as you read Highlight and annotate – focus on main points, use margins to jot notes, underline, circle, draw arrows, add question marks, etc. Check unfamiliar vocabulary – use context clues or look them up Analyze visuals – review pictures, diagrams, charts, and graphics for further information Write about what you read – paraphrase, summarize, or respond to what you’ve read

4. CRITICAL READING Read both as a believer (who is searching to understand the writer) and a doubter (who is looking for flaws in the writer’s argument). When you read as a believer , put yourself in the writer’s shoes and try to understand his/her perspective. Be open-minded. Identify what you find convincing. See where you agree. Recognize your own assumptions and biases and how they impact your reading. When you read as a doubter , look for weak spots in the author’s reasoning. Evaluate if there is adequate support. Consider what you know that contradicts the author. Think of other information the author might have used or considered. Consider what was left out of the discussion.

5. CRITICALLY EVALUATING A TEXT Assess the author – who wrote it, why, and who they wrote it for – background, credentials, reputation, etc. Assess the source – where it appears/is published Consider the target audience – are the language, tone, vocabulary, and information appropriate for the topic Consider the author’s purpose – inform, entertain, explain, convince? Recognize assumptions – unsubstantiated or unexamined beliefs (all prisoners are guilty) Identify bias – prejudiced in favor of or against someone or something (refusing to believe someone because of their political affiliation) Make inferences – drawing a conclusion from evidence provided by an author Identify the tone – the way writers convey emotions and attitudes through choice of words and style of writing Distinguish between facts and opinions – what can be proven true and what cannot

6. POPULAR VS. CREDIBLE/SCHOLARLY Know the difference between a popular and a credible/scholarly source – they are not always one and the same!

7. How to Know if a Source is Reliable : https://youtu.be/m_EAxomGhNY Ultimate Guide to Source Credibility : http://www.educationworld.com/ultimate-guide-teaching-source-credibility