Critical Reading as Looking for Ways of Thinking

Critical Reading as Looking for Ways of Thinking What is Critical Reading? Reading critically is more than being critical of what you read. It is engaging in what you read by asking yourself questions such as: What is the author trying to say? What is the main argument being presented?

stereotyping in their speaking and writing. To do so is an essential mark of irrational prejudice. Nevertheless, such speaking and writing are protected by the Philippine constitution, which prohibits anyone from abridging freedom of expression. Today, many colleges and universities in a well-meaning attempt to shield particular groups from unwelcome or insensitive words are subverting this prohibition. A former Supreme Court justice noted for his liberal views has stated "If there is a bedrock principle underlying the

Being critical, therefore - in an academic sense -

clause in the constitution is that the government

means advancing your understanding. understanding.

may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply

As readers, you should always examine what you are reading and look for limitations, omissions,

because society finds the idea offensive or disagreeable.”

inconsistencies and arguments against what you are reading.

Argument:

As a critical reader you should reflect on:

abridging freedom of expression.

The Philippine constitution prohibits anyone from

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What the text says

Assumption:

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What the text describes

Educated people do not indulge in name-calling

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Interpretation Interpretation of the text

"If we sense that assertions are ridiculous or irresponsible (critical thinking) , we examine examine the text more closely to test our understanding (critical

reading).“  Identifying Assumption, Argument and Evidence Assumption -is a statement accepted or supposed as true without proof or demonstration.

Argument -is a reason offered against or in support of a claim or action

Evidence -refers to the data on which a judgment or conclusion might be based or by which proof or

and stereotyping. Name-calling and stereotyping are a mark of irrational prejudice.

Evidence: The bedrock principle that covers the argument is that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea offensive or disagreeable. When reading argumentative texts, you need to employ certain procedures. 1. Identify the arguments. 2. Analyze and criticize the argument. 3. Assess the evidence. 4. What are the conclusions, and are they supported by the evidence?

probability might be established.

5. What are the alternatives?

Most of us would agree that that the educated

Effective Argumentation: Argumentation:

people should not indulge in name-calling and

Premises and Conclusions

In argumentation, one of the most common

The increase in CO2 has caused climate change.

comments given is:

Humans are responsible for an increase in CO2. Therefore, humans are responsible for global

“So what?” To answer this question, we must look at the basic building blocks of any logical argument:

Premises and Conclusions. Premises.  The starting point of deductions. Premises are assertions that, when joined together, will lead the reader to the conclusion.

climate change. The increase in CO2 has caused climate change.

(p1) Humans are responsible for an increase in CO2.

(p2) Humans are responsible for climate change.

(conclusion)

Conclusions. What the author wants you to believe by the end of the argument Arguments can be on any topic: •

•

premises; conclusions are said to follow from

One can argue for legalized abortion; one

premises, to be implied by or to be entailed by

can argue against legalized abortion.

premises. Finally, premises are said to support or

Some argued for intervention in Iraq; others argued against intervention.

•

Conclusions are not only said to be supported by

Some argue that pornography should be banned; others argue that it should not be banned.

Here are examples of arguments: Jack is conservative; so, he’s probably a

Republican.

Jack is conservative is the reason (premise) . He’s probably a Republican is the claim supported

(conclusion).

imply conclusions.