English unit 4
consider reading as a kind of conversation with text
ask questions about facts, reasons, and ideas; jot down questions and their answers; good writers anticipate questions and answer them; more likely to see connections
reading to critique
critique= what you know and think; agree or disagree; know principles of argumentation and various reasoning fallacies
orienting reading
different purposes require different approaches; reading for info or to critique=more methodical and faster approach; for pleasure=leisure
critique questions
does material match your experience? do pieces of evidence support the claim? do ideas appear reasonable? are there other pieces of evidence or works that contradict claims? do ideas connect in a logical way?
pull entire essay together
express sense of what essay means; make an outline that states main points and subpoints; create a table with main points of comparison side by side; connect main ideas in a network; restate main points couple days after second reading; explain material to listener; reread sections you forgot; try making up your own test
first reading
for difficult material, plan on multiple readings; first should orient; scan any bio given to determine the writer's expertise and views; sometimes there is material by the author on the writing; abstract in professional essays; use title as a clue (identifies topic and often viewpoint along with sometimes purpose); skim article to gain idea of essay's main idea, key ideas, and the ways they are organized; skim more difficult sections without trying to understand fully; make connections by thinking about what you've learned and express in your own words; identify strategy used and what you already know; list questions
read carefully and actively
read at suitable pace for material; underline significant topic sentences and key ideas; restate ideas in own words; write down main points in own words; examine supporting sentences and how essay fits together
consciously try to understand
restate points of sections you understand then state in your own words different interpretations of the problem section and see which one best fits whole piece
strategies to understand difficult sections
state ideas easier for you; save difficult sections until last; discuss with others reading it; read simpler material on topic; go to teacher for possible background material
writing a summary
summary states main points in your own words; lets someone who hasn't read essay understand what it says; provides context for essay, introduces author, states thesis, state main points, conclude by pulling essay together; make brief outline of main points to begin; should only reflect author's words--no opinions
master unfamiliar words
unfamiliar words lessen understanding of material; when you don't know a word, circle, use context clues, and check dictionary then record meaning; when there are many words you don't know, read whole piece to find general drift of essay, look up key words, then reread
reading as a writer
use reading as a springboard for improving writing; views of others, experiences they relate, and information they present often deepen understanding of yourself, your relationships, and your surroundings; broadened perspective can offer new ideas; when ideas come, write them down; take down specific ideas, facts, and perhaps telling quotes; pay attention to techniques and strategies of other writers
additional readings
when material is difficult or need to know it well; carefully absorb ideas
questions for orienting reading
why am I reading this? how well do I need to know the material? is some material in this article more important? what will I need to do with the material? what kind of reading does the material suggest?
writing a critique
your views on essay; can agree with part and disagree with parts; combines a summary with your thoughtful reaction; context for essay, introduction to author; thesis for your critique, summary of the essay, statement of points with which you agree, reasons for disagreement, and conclusion
