Critical

Reading as
Reasoning
Critical Reading as Reasoning
Critical Reading
Is engaging in analytical activity which involves
the reader by asking questions about the text
and the author's claim. Critical readers are doing
the process of evaluating, analyzing, and
interpreting the assertion of the hidden meaning
of the entire text.

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Critical Reading
The definition of critical reading means reading
with the goal of finding a deep understanding of
the material, whether it is fiction or nonfiction.
It is the act of analyzing and evaluating what
you are reading as you make your way through
the text or as you reflect back upon your
reading.
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Critical Reading
Critical reading is a process of actively and
analytically engaging with a text in order to
understand, evaluate, and interpret its content. It
involves more than just reading the words on
the page; it requires the reader to think deeply,
ask questions, and make judgments about the
author's ideas and arguments.
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Critical Reading as Reasoning
Reasoning
On the other hand, reasoning as defined
in Merriam-Webster dictionary, is an act
of giving statements for justification
and explanation. It is the ability of
someone to defend something by giving
out reasons. 6
Therefore, when reading critically, it is
necessary to question the different
arguments used by the author, as any
problem can weaken the authenticity of
the conclusion.

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Remember that critical reading is
not meant to criticize but to assess
the validity of textual evidence.
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Steps Used in Critical Reading as
Reasoning
by Maxine Rafaella C. Rodriguez and Marella Therese A. Tiongson

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1. Identifying assertions
Identify by a common type of
assertion such as fact, convention,
opinion, and preference

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2. Formulating a counterclaim
Counterclaims are made to rebut a
previous claim

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3. Determining evidence

Evidence is the details given by the

authors to support his/her claims

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EXAMPLES
A lot of rich parents send their children to University
Lake. So, it must be an esteemed university.

Laptop Y is very popular among university students.

Therefore, it must be the best laptop.

GST is a good way to boost a nation’s economy

because many other countries have implemented it. 13
Example
You are asking your father for an Android phone—that is your
claim.
Then, your father answers you, “I am sorry, but you couldn’t.”—
this is his counterclaim.
He might say that you already have a cellphone. Now, you are
going to formulate a reason for your counterclaim. You may say
that the reason you are asking for an Android phone is because you
need to use it for your online class and would be very helpful in the
new normal classroom setup.
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When you write your counterclaim, you are
expressing unfavorable statements.

Therefore, it is needed that you use hedges,

which are words or phrases that give a
courteous tone.
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Hedges can be used to politely respond negatively to
commands and requests by others.

Different forms of hedges

Modals: may, could, would, should, might, certain, must,

etc.

Frequency adverbs: usually, generally, commonly

Probability adverbs: probably, possibly, presumably

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Example:
The common cold is caused by a virus.

With hedges:
The common cold must be caused by a virus.
The common virus is certain to be caused by a
virus.

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ACTIVITY
ASSESSMENT
1. Which is an example of a probability adverb?
A. Could C. Usually
B. Probably D. None of the above
2. Fact, convention, opinion, and preference are common
types of assertion used in
A. Identifying assertion C. Determining evidences
B. Counterclaim D. None of the above
ASSESSMENT
3. Hedges are used to be courteous in expressing
A. Evidence C. Counterclaims
B. Assertions D. Critical reading
4. Critical reading is not to criticize but to assess the validity
of the text.
A. True C. Both A & B
B. False D. Not so sure
ASSESSMENT
5. Your tone must be courteous when you are writing
counterclaims.
A. True C. Both A & B
B. False D. None of the above
6. Critical reading is meant to assess the validity of textual
evidence and not to criticize
A. True C. Both A & B
B. false D. None of the above
ASSESSMENT
7. Interaction with the text is not necessary in
evaluating judgment.
A. True C. Both A & B
B. False D. None of the above
ASSESSMENT
8. Which is an example of Frequency adverb?
A. Could C. Usually
B. Probably D. None of the above
9. Which of the following is a body of facts given by
authors to support their claims?
A. Counter claim C. Evidence
B. Opinion D. None of the above
ASSESSMENT
10. It is the act of giving statement for justification and
explanation.
A. Hedges C. Asserting
B. Reasoning D. Evidence
11. The following are the forms of hedges, except
A. Modals C. Location adverbs
B. Frequency adverbs D. Probability adverbs
ASSESSMENT
12. It is an engaging in analytic activity which
involves the reader by asking questions
about the text and the author’s claim
A. Evidence C. Counterclaims
B. Assertions D. Critical reading
Assessment
1. B
2. A
3. C
4. A
5. A
6. A
7. B
8. C
9. C
10. B
11. C
12. D