Week 5: Critical Reading (English Composition)
- 1. English Composition Week 5: Critical Reading Week 5 SEMESTER1 2023-2024 Kamo araz Week 5
- 2. UG1 – English Composition I 2023- 2024 Kamo Araz E-mail: kamo.araz@ukh.edu.krd Office: T19
- 3. “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it (or rejecting it, one might add).” _Unknown
- 4. What is Critical Thinking? EN GL I S H C O MPO S I TI O N
- 5. Critical thinking involves analyzing available facts, evidence, observations, and arguments to make informed judgments through the application of rational, skeptical, and unbiased analyses and evaluation. The practice of critical thinking encompasses self-directed, self-disciplined, self- monitored, and self-corrective habits of the mind, making a critical thinker someone who actively engages in the skills of critical thinking or has received training and education in its principles. What is critical thinking?
- 6. Curiosity: A critical thinker is always curious about the world around them and why things are the way they are. They're not afraid to ask questions, even if they seem challenging or controversial. Open-mindedness: Critical thinkers are willing to consider all sides of an issue before forming an opinion. They're not afraid to change their minds if they're presented with new evidence. Logic and reasoning: Critical thinkers are able to identify patterns and draw conclusions from information. They can also use logic to evaluate arguments and identify flaws. Evidence-based thinking: Critical thinkers rely on evidence to support their claims. They're not swayed by emotion or opinion, and they're always looking for evidence that could disprove their own beliefs. Creativity: Critical thinking is not just about following rules. It's also about being creative and coming up with new ideas. Some of the key components of critical thinking:
- 7. Making better decisions: Critical thinking can help you weigh the pros and cons of different options before making a decision. Solving problems: Critical thinking skills can help you identify the root of a problem and develop a solution. Communicating effectively: Critical thinkers are able to communicate their ideas clearly and concisely. They're also able to listen to and understand other points of view. Being a lifelong learner: Critical thinking is a lifelong skill that can help you learn and grow throughout your life. Developing critical thinking skills can help you in many ways:
- 9. What is Critical Reading? EN GL I S H C O MPO S I TI O N
- 10. Critical reading involves going beyond simply understanding the surface meaning of the words and delving deeper into the author's ideas, arguments, and the overall context of the material. Critical reading is an active and reflective approach of carefully and thoughtfully analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating a text. What is critical reading?
- 11. The word "critical" has multiple meanings. For example, being critical of someone or something implies "disapproval or a negative response" to the person or the thing: Some people are critical of the authority. Additionally, "critical" can mean something as "very important": This meeting is critical for the company's success. It may also mean the utmost "seriousness" of a situation: The political situation in the region has reached a critical point. In a medical context, describing a patient's condition as critical suggests that "the situation doesn't look good for him or her": The victims of the shooting are in critical condition. What does “critical” mean in critical reading? However, in the context of "critical reading," the term "critical" is not meant to convey a negative meaning, nor any of the meanings discussed in the above-mentioned examples.
- 12. Critically reading a text does not imply having a negative attitude toward that text. "Critical" means that you are reading and thinking about a text from different perspectives and angles. You may comment on various aspects of a text, including the writing style, word choice, ideas discussed, and the author's weak or strong arguments. In other words, through reading a text critically, one can judge or evaluate it. Your critical analysis, therefore, can be quite positive about a text.
- 13. Think about the word critic. What does a movie critic do? He or she watches a movie—often a newly released movie—and writes a review of the movie. This review might include comments about the acting, the plot, the directing, the soundtrack, the special effects and more. This report might be negative, or it could just as easily be positive; no matter what, it expresses a judgment about the quality of the movie (Pattison, 2015). The key word here is judgment. When you read critically, you do similar things to those a movie critic does. In your case, you do not notice or comment on actors or special effects; you notice and comment on the text you are reading. Specifically: analyze question evaluate compare and contrast assess
- 15. you are reading critically when: you analyze the circumstances of the publication of a piece of writing: who wrote it, when and where it was published and why it was written; you question how the author reaches his or her conclusions and on what evidence these are based; you evaluate any original research the author might have done, as well as any other sources the author uses to support his or her points; you compare and contrast this piece of writing with what you already know about the topic; you consider whether it supports what others have written or whether it presents we a new Opinion; you assess the strengths, weaknesses and general validity of a piece of writing, based on your careful reading of it. Your response may be positive, or it may be negative; your evaluation of a text is your own, and it may not be the same as that of your friend, your classmate or even your teacher. (Pattison, 2015)
- 16. Active Reading VS. Passive Reading EN GL I S H C O MPO S I TI O N
- 17. Passive reading In passive reading, the reader may simply scan the text, absorb information without asking questions or forming opinions, and generally read in a more observational or relaxed manner. Passive reading is common in situations where the primary goal is entertainment, leisure, or a quick overview of information. 1. Reading without actively engaging with the text 2. Accepting information at face value without deep analysis or critical evaluation. 3. Reading for enjoyment or relaxation without a specific objective in mind. 4. Typically reading alone without engaging in discussions or sharing thoughts.
- 18. Active reading Active reading is an approach to reading where the reader engages with the material in a thoughtful and involved manner. It includes strategies that go beyond simply absorbing the words on the page, encouraging readers to interact with the text, think critically, and deepen their understanding. 1. Actively engages with the text by asking questions, making predictions, and forming opinions. 2. Analyzing and evaluating the content, considering the author's arguments and evidence. 3. Reading with a specific goal or purpose in mind, such as extracting valuable information. 4. It involves engagement in discussions, and sharing thoughts with others.
- 19. What is readers’ response? EN GL I S H C O MPO S I TI O N
- 20. Readers' responses to texts refer to the reactions, thoughts, and feelings that individuals have when engaging with written material. It encompasses a wide range of emotional, intellectual, and personal responses that readers may experience as they read and interpret a text. These responses can vary from person to person and may be influenced by factors such as personal experiences, beliefs, cultural background, and context.
- 21. Influence of Personal Beliefs Text: An opinion piece discussing a controversial social or political issue, such as climate change or immigration policies. Reader's Response: A reader whose beliefs align with the author's perspective may experience validation, agreement, or a reinforced sense of their own views. Conversely, a reader with opposing beliefs may feel frustration, disagreement, or even discomfort, prompting them to critically evaluate their own position and the arguments presented in the text.
- 22. Be careful! A critical response is not an emotional response. There are some topics that people will always have very strong feelings about; these feelings are sometimes based on religious or political beliefs. You may read an article in which the author presents an opinion very different from your own. It is easy to become angry with the writer and to dismiss the text as nonsense. Instead, you need to look objectively at the author's argument. Come to a reasoned analysis, not an emotional reaction.
- 23. Text: An article advocating for the complete legalization of drugs, arguing that it would lead to reduced crime rates and improved public health outcomes. Emotional Response: If you strongly oppose the legalization of drugs due to concerns about societal harm and health implications, encountering such an article may evoke emotional reactions. You might feel frustration, disbelief, or even anger, as the content challenges your deeply held beliefs about drug policies. Critical Response: Despite the emotional impact, you consciously adopt a critical response. Instead of rejecting the article outright, you engage with the arguments put forth. Analyzing the evidence and reasoning presented, you seek to understand the perspective advocating for drug legalization. Through critical examination, you evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks, recognizing that informed discourse is essential for addressing complex societal issues.
- 24. Text: An article advocating for the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide, arguing that individuals facing terminal illnesses should have the right to end their lives with dignity and avoid prolonged suffering. The article emphasizes autonomy, compassionate care, and reducing burdens on both patients and families. Emotional Response: If you oppose euthanasia due to concerns about the sanctity of life, potential abuses, or slippery-slope risks, reading this article could evoke feelings of discomfort, sadness, or even anger. You may feel the article disregards the value of life or underestimates the emotional impact on families and society. Critical Response: Instead of rejecting the argument outright, you examine the points made about personal choice, compassionate care, and potential safeguards. You analyze the ethical and practical evidence provided, weighing it against your concerns. By considering the complexities of end-of-life issues, you build a nuanced understanding of both the arguments for and against euthanasia, recognizing that such topics require thoughtful, balanced engagement.
- 25. In critical reading, readers' responses to texts involve restatement, description, and interpretation, each level or way of reading playing a distinct role in understanding and engaging with the material. 3 ways/levels of responding to a text 1. Restatement: Reading What a Text Says It involves expressing the main ideas or arguments of a text in one's own words while preserving the original topic. The aim is to ensure a clear understanding of the text's content, demonstrating the reader's grasp of key points without incorporating personal opinions.
- 26. 2. Description: Describing What a Text Does Description involves providing a detailed account of specific elements within the text, such as the author's writing style, tone, or use of evidence. It is not simply repeating what the text says, but it describes what the text does. We can identify how evidence is used and how the final conclusions are reached. some helpful questions to describe a text: what topics are discussed? what examples and evidence are used? what conclusions are reached?
- 27. 3. Interpretation: Analyzing What a Text Means In the final level of reading, interpretation goes beyond restatement and description, requiring the reader to engage critically with the text. involves offering a personal analysis or evaluation of the text, exploring its meaning, implications, and broader significance. Thus, It encourages the expression of opinions, insights, and reflections.
- 28. Reading Strategies EN GL I S H C O MPO S I TI O N
- 29. Reading strategies are approaches or techniques that readers use to comprehend and engage with texts more effectively. These strategies can vary depending on the purpose of reading and the nature of the text. Previewing This involves quickly scanning a text before reading it in depth. Then, you form expectations about what you'll read. The goal is to get a quick idea of the material, find main ideas, headings, subheadings, and any pictures like charts or graphs. Previewing helps you understand how the text is set up, its organization, and make first impressions.
- 30. Skimming Skimming is employed when one needs a rapid overview of the main ideas in a text. It involves reading headings, subheadings, and the initial and concluding sentences of paragraphs to quickly understand the general content without delving into details. Scanning Scanning is utilized to swiftly locate specific information or answers to particular questions within a text. The technique involves moving the eyes quickly over the text to find keywords, phrases, or numbers, allowing for the targeted retrieval of information without reading every word.
- 31. Annotation This refers to engaging with a text by marking it with notes, highlights, or comments. It involves interacting with the material to identify key points, highlight important passages, and writing down reflections or questions (quickly). Annotation helps readers better understand and remember the content, facilitating a more thoughtful and analytical approach to the text.
- 33. Summarization It is a reading strategy that involves condensing the main ideas and key points of a text into a concise and coherent form. Readers use this strategy to capture the essential information, excluding less crucial details. The goal of summarizing is to present the core concepts and arguments in a more digestible format, facilitating a quick understanding of the text's content. Remember: The complexity and length of the summary will depend on the complexity and length of the text you've read.
- 34. Paraphrasing It's rephrasing a text's content in your own words while keeping its original meaning. Paraphrasing helps readers demonstrate comprehension, engage with the text, and avoid relying on verbatim repetition. it is also one of the three methods for incorporating others' ideas into your own, alongside summarizing and quoting. Remember: Summarizing and paraphrasing are two different techniques. To paraphrase means to restate someone else's ideas in your own language at roughly the same level of detail. To summarize means to reduce the most essential points of someone else's work into a shorter form.
- 35. Contextualizing It's placing a text within its broader context to better understand its meaning. This includes considering the historical, cultural, social, and political factors that may influence the text. By examining the larger context, readers can gain insights into the author's intentions, the text's purpose, and the implications of its content.
- 36. How to Form Your Critical Response? EN GL I S H C O MPO S I TI O N
- 37. Forming a critical response involves several steps to help you engage with a text more deeply and thoughtfully. Analysis 1. 2. Interpretation 3. Synthesis 4. Asking questions
- 38. Analysis a detailed examination of a text's components to understand how they contribute to the overall meaning, impact, and effectiveness. It is a careful separation and dissection of something into its individual elements or parts. You may search for and analyze in a text: Arguments and evidence (Accuracy, relevance, types of evidence, logical fallacies, adequacy) Organization and structure Contextual Factors (history, culture, politics, belief systems, etc) Author's Perspective (Author’s opinions and point of view) ...
- 39. Interpretation Interpretation involves offering a personal analysis or evaluation of the text, exploring its meaning, implications, and broader significance. Interpretation encourages the expression of opinions, insights, and reflections, allowing readers to delve into the deeper layers of meaning within the text.
- 40. Synthesis After breaking down the text into its constituent parts, analyzing them, and interpreting the content, it is essential to establish new connections with what you know and have learned about the text. It may include: Integration of ideas Examining the relationships Generating new insights Asking key questions again
- 41. Questions to consider when engaging in critical reading: What are the main points of this text? What are the primary arguments or key points presented by the author? Are any assumptions being made in this text? Do these assumptions seem reasonable in this context? Why or why not? Are any generalizations being made? Are these generalizations reasonable here? What is missing from the text? What is the historical, cultural, or social context in which the text was written? How does it influence the content? Is there anything problematic in the text? Are any groups being excluded or marginalized in the text or in the implications of the claims? How does this text relate to my personal experience? Can my personal experience help me to evaluate the claims? Overall, what can I conclude from this text?
- 44. Critically read the short article on the next slide, focusing on pro-choice advocacy. Subsequently, aim to restate the main topic, describe the presented arguments, and interpret the text. Additionally, you're encouraged to address the following questions related to the content: What are the main points of this text? What are the primary arguments or key points presented by the author? Is there anything problematic in the text? How does this text relate to my personal experience? Overall, what can I conclude from this text?
- 45. Pro-Choice Advocacy: Empowering Women's Reproductive Rights The pro-choice movement champions women's autonomy over their reproductive choices, asserting that individuals have the right to make decisions about their bodies free from external interference. Central to this perspective is the belief that women should have access to safe and legal abortion services, allowing them to navigate crucial decisions about their health, well-being, and life trajectories. Proponents of the pro-choice stance often highlight the importance of comprehensive reproductive healthcare, emphasizing the need for support systems that prioritize women's choices. They argue that restricting access to abortion can disproportionately impact marginalized communities, limiting their reproductive freedoms and perpetuating social inequalities. Moreover, pro-choice advocates stress the importance of destigmatizing abortion and fostering an environment where women feel empowered to make informed decisions without judgment or shame. They contend that comprehensive health education and accessible healthcare services are crucial components of supporting individuals in making choices that align with their circumstances.
- 46. Remember do not read the passage passively and do not accept all the arguments at face value. Try to present Counter-arguments and engage with the dialogue by asking the following questions: What are the main points of this text? What are the primary arguments or key points presented by the author? Is there anything problematic in the text? How does this text relate to my personal experience? Overall, what can I conclude from this text?
- 47. THANK YOU!