RDG 101 – Spring 2014Dr. Cheryl Novins

To non-critical readers, texts provide FACTS. Readers gain knowledge by memorizing the statements within a text.

To the critical reader, any single text provides but one portrayal of the facts, one individual’s “take” on the subject matter. Critical readers thus recognize not only WHAT a text says, but also HOW the author conveys the message.

1. To recognize an author’s purpose

2. To understand tone and persuasive elements

3. To recognize bias

1. Recognizing purpose involves inferring a basis for choices of content and language.

2. Recognizing tone and persuasive elements involve classifying the nature of the author’s language choices

3. Recognizing bias involves classifying the nature of the patterns of choice of content and language.

Consider the following statement:“The Senator admitted owning the gun that

killed his wife.”What can be inferred by this statement? There is a Senator. He owns a gun. He is married. His wife is dead. That gun caused her death. The Senator admitted owning that gun.

Now, what can’t be inferred?

We do not necessarily know if the Senator’s admission is true!

We do not really know whether the Senator is in any way responsible for his wife’s death, nor do we know that she died of a gunshot wound!

We do not even know if it was murder – it might have been suicide or an accicent!

Critical reading includes analyzing an author’s word choice.

Would it have mattered if the author used the word STATED or the word SAID rather than the word ADMITTED?

What connotation/denotation does the word ADMITTED have in the English language?

Does the word ADMITTED make the reader wonder if the Senator lied about something previously?

This is just one sentence!

Imagine how analytical critical readers must be when they read longer text!

You will be given the opportunity to be a critical reader.

This skill will enable you to get more meaning out of everything you read as well as help you navigate different types of texts.

As your professor, I will work hard to keep the readings interesting and thought-provoking.

As the student, your job is to keep up with your work and share our ideas and become part of the class community here on Blackboard.