Critical Reading, Thinking, & Writing

Analysis

Analysis: Reading Critically

Analyze a text by identifying its significant parts and examining how those parts are related to each other to make a whole.

Ask and answer questions about the what, how, and why of a text.

Topic and point

Identify what the text is about and the main point the writer makes about that topic. State the main point at the

beginning and the end Respond to some question or issue

the topic raises Signaled by words such as in short,

hence, therefore, or my point is

Writer’s stance and voice

A writer’s stance—where he or she stands in relation to the audience and subject—involves his or her style, values, and way of establishing credibility. Is the writer speaking at, to, or with the

audience? What is the writer’s voice?

How does the writer sound—like a reasonable judge, an enthusiastic preacher, a thoughtful teacher, or a reassuring friend?

Purpose

To what extent is the writer’s purpose

informative?

interpretive?

argumentative?

Development of ideas

What kind of support does the writer use to develop the main point?

Does the writer

define key terms?

tell relevant stories?

provide logical reasons?

Appeals to emotion

Are the writer’s words, phrases, clichés, images or examples emotionally charged?

How much does the writer depend on emotional appeals to support his or her point?

Effect

What is the text’s effect on your images, ideas, beliefs, and actions?

Analysis: Thinking Critically

Recognize an argument—a path of reasoning aimed at demonstrating the truth or falsehood of an assertion.

The assertion must be arguable, an issue about which reasonable people can disagree.

A journalism student may assert:

As Saturday’s game illustrates, the Buckeyes are on their way to winning the Big Ten title.

Analysis: Thinking Critically

Concentrate on the type of reasoning the writer is using

Question the logical relation of a writer’s claims, grounds, and warrants

Types of reasoning

Inductive reasoning Also called the scientific method

Does not prove the argument is true; instead it convinces reasonable people that it is probable by presenting evidence (facts, statistics, anecdotes, and expert opinions).

With three games remaining Buckeyes have a two-game lead over the second-place Badgers.

The Buckeyes’ final three opponents have a combined record of 10 wins and 17 losses.

The Badgers lost their two star players to season-ending injuries last week.

The Buckeyes’ last three games will be played at home, where they are undefeated this season, giving them the home-field advantage.

Types of reasoning

Deductive reasoning

Makes two or more assertions [premises] and then draws a conclusion

The reasonableness of the conclusion depends on the accuracy of the premises.

Premise: Football teams with a two-game lead in their conference in early November usually go on to win their division.

Premise: As of November 8, the Ohio State Buckeyes have a two-game lead in the Big Ten.

Conclusion: The Buckeyes are probably on their way to winning the title.

Assessing Evidence

Inductive reasoning

Is it accurate?

Is it relevant?

Is it representative?

Is it sufficient?

Analysis: Thinking Critically

Concentrate on the type of reasoning the writer is using

Question the logical relation of a writer’s claims, grounds, and warrants

Source

Elaine P. Maimon and Janice H. Peritz, A Writer’s Resource

Chapter 2: Writing Papers pp. 21-32