ANALYTICAL READING

Analytical reading is a systematic approach to reading that helps us to better understand and engage
with the text. Here are some strategies that we can use to apply the techniques of analytical reading:

1. Preview the text

Previewing the text is the first stage of analytical reading, which involves taking a few minutes to get an
overview of the text before reading it in detail. The purpose of this stage is to help you focus your
reading by giving you an idea of what the text is about and what to expect. Here are some guidelines for
previewing the text:

- Read the title of the text:

o Focus on the title of the text
o Consider what the title tells you about the topic or subject of the text
o Look for clues about the author's perspective or tone in the title
- Look at the subtitle of the text:
o Read the subtitle of the text
o Consider what additional information the subtitle provides about the topic or subject of the
text
o Look for clues about the author's intent or approach in the subtitle
- Look at any headings in the text:
o Scan the text for headings
o Identify the main topics or sections of the text
o Consider how the headings are organized and what they tell you about the structure of the
text
- Look at any subheadings in the text:
o Scan the text for subheadings
o Identify important subtopics or details within the main topics or sections of the text
o Consider how the subheadings relate to the main headings and the overall structure of the
text
- Look at any visuals, such as images or graphs:
o Examine any visuals included in the text
o Consider what information or context the visuals provide
o Look for any connections between the visuals and the text
2. Identify the author's purpose

Identifying the author's purpose is the second stage of analytical reading, which involves understanding
why the author wrote the text. The purpose of this stage is to help you understand the author's
perspective and approach the text with a critical eye. Here are some guidelines for identifying the
author's purpose:

- Read the introduction of the text:

o Focus on the introduction of the text
o Look for statements that explain why the author wrote the text or what they hope to
achieve
 o Consider how the author presents the topic or issue in the introduction
- Identify the author's intended audience:
o Consider who the author is writing for
o Look for clues in the language and tone used in the text
o Consider any assumptions the author may be making about their readers
- Look for clues in the conclusion of the text:
o Focus on the conclusion of the text
o Look for a summary of the author's main points or arguments
o Consider any additional insights or explanations provided in the conclusion
- Consider the context in which the text was written
o Research the historical or social context in which the text was written
o Consider how the context may have influenced the author's purpose or perspective
o Evaluate the relevance and significance of the context for understanding the text

3. Identify the main ideas and arguments

Identifying the main ideas and arguments is the third stage of analytical reading, which involves
understanding the key points and arguments presented in the text. The purpose of this stage is to help
you organize the information in the text and identify the author's main claims and supporting evidence.
Here are some guidelines for identifying the main ideas and arguments:

- Read the first sentence of each paragraph:

o Focus on the first sentence of each paragraph
o Identify the main idea or point expressed in the sentence
o Consider how the sentence relates to the overall argument or thesis of the text
- Identify the main point or thesis statement of the text:
o Read the introduction and conclusion of the text
o Look for a statement that expresses the main argument or thesis
o Consider how the main point or thesis is developed throughout the text
- Look for supporting evidence for the main ideas and arguments:
o Look for evidence that supports the main ideas and arguments presented in the text
o Identify examples, statistics, expert opinions, or personal experiences that support the main
ideas and arguments
o Evaluate the quality and relevance of the supporting evidence

4. Take notes

Taking notes is the fourth stage of analytical reading, which involves summarizing and recording the
main ideas and arguments presented in the text. The purpose of this stage is to help you organize the
information in the text and retain it for future reference. Here are some guidelines for taking notes:

- Write down the main idea of each paragraph:

o Read the first sentence of the paragraph
o Identify the main idea or point of the paragraph
 o Write down the main idea in a sentence or two
- Write down any important details or examples:
o Look for supporting evidence for the main ideas and arguments
o Note any important details or examples that support the main ideas and arguments
o Write down the details or examples in a concise and clear way
- Use abbreviations and symbols to save time:
o Develop a system of abbreviations and symbols that works for you
o Use common symbols or abbreviations for frequently used words, phrases, or ideas
o Practice using your system to take notes more quickly and efficiently
- Use headings and subheadings to organize your notes:
o Review your notes and group related ideas and arguments together
o Use headings and subheadings to create a clear and logical structure for your notes
o Use a consistent format for your headings and subheadings

5. Ask questions:

Asking questions is the fifth stage of analytical reading, which involves engaging with the text by asking
yourself questions and seeking answers. The purpose of this stage is to help you deepen your
understanding of the text and develop your critical thinking skills by encouraging you to approach the
text with curiosity and inquiry. Here are some guidelines for asking questions:

- Ask questions about the text as you read:

o Read the text actively and thoughtfully
o Ask yourself questions about the main ideas and arguments presented in the text
o Identify any areas of confusion or uncertainty and ask questions to clarify your
understanding
- Ask yourself what the author is trying to say:
o Consider the author's purpose and perspective
o Ask yourself what the author is trying to communicate to the reader
o Identify the main points or arguments and ask yourself how they relate to the author's
purpose
- Think about how the text relates to your own experiences and knowledge:
o Consider how the text connects to your own experiences and knowledge
o Ask yourself how the text challenges or confirms your existing beliefs or assumptions
o Use your personal experiences and knowledge as a lens to understand and analyze the text

6. Evaluate the evidence:

Evaluating the evidence is the sixth stage of analytical reading, which involves critically examining the
evidence presented in the text to determine its reliability, validity, and relevance. The purpose of this
stage is to help you assess the strength of the author's arguments and conclusions, and to develop your
own informed opinions and judgments about the text. Here are some guidelines for evaluating the
evidence:
- Look for evidence to support the author's claims:
o Identify the main arguments or claims made by the author
o Look for evidence to support these claims, such as statistics, facts, or expert opinions
o Consider how the evidence is presented and how it relates to the author's argument
- Evaluate the reliability and validity of the evidence:
o Consider the source of the evidence and whether it is credible and trustworthy
o Evaluate the quality of the evidence and whether it is relevant and sufficient to support the
author's claims
o Consider any limitations or weaknesses in the evidence that may affect its reliability or
validity
- Consider any biases or assumptions that may affect the author's argument:
o Identify any biases or assumptions that the author may have about the topic or issue
o Consider how these biases or assumptions may affect the author's argument and the
evidence presented
o Evaluate whether the author has considered alternative perspectives or evidence that may
challenge their argument
- Evaluate the author's credibility and expertise:
o Consider the author's credentials and expertise in the field or topic being discussed
o Evaluate the author's credibility and whether they have a reputation for accuracy and
integrity
o Consider whether the author's personal biases or interests may influence their argument