READING AND WRITING

What is Critical reading?

 a type of reading whereby the reader analyzes and interprets the reading material to know
if it presents logical ideas and connection of ideas
 done when a reader would like to understand the text’s deeper meaning because it is a
way of knowing how a writer thinks
 involves presenting reasoned argument that evaluates and analyses what you have read
 takes place when the reader applies certain processes, models, questions, and theories that
result in enhanced clarity and comprehension

What is Critical Thinking?

 disciplined thinking that is clear, rational, open – minded, and informed by evidence
 “the art of analyzing and evaluating thinking with a view of improving it” Richard Paul
& Linda Elder (2006)
 “thinking critically, in the academic sense, involves being open-minded - using
judgement and discipline to process what you are learning about without letting your
personal bias or opinion detract from the arguments”
 “involves being rational and aware of your own feelings on the subject – being able to
reorganize your thoughts, prior knowledge and understanding to acco mmodate new ideas
or viewpoints”

Three Types of Thinking

1) reasoning
2) making judgements
3) problem solving
Facts and Opinions
Facts are true statements that can be proven or can be verified.
Opinions are statements that are based on someone’s thoughts, feelings, or beliefs.
What is a Claim?
A claim is a statement that is arguable and can be proven with the use evidence.
Three Types of Claim
1) Claim of Fact
2) Claim of Value
3) Claim of Policy
Claim of Fact
 When the author is claiming that a particular statement is true
 Asserts that a condition has existed, exists or will exist
 Relies on factual information for support
 Can be objectively proven
Claim of Value
 When the author is claiming in the argument that something should be implemented
 Asserts that some action, belief or condition is right or wrong, good or bad, desirable and
undesirable
 Relies on providing reasonable standards of judgements for support
 In general, claims of value involves making judgement, that express approval or
disapproval of standards, taste and/or morality
 Subjective in nature; cannot be proven objectively
Claim of Policy
 When the author is claiming in the argument that something is important
 Asserts that certain conditions should exist
 Relies on supporting claims of fact and claims of value
 In general, claims of policy contains auxiliaries like should, ought, or must
 Proving claims of policy involves proving that current conditions are less desirable than
what they would be with the suggested change