READING

UNIT II
• Content
I. Reading

II. Analytical Reading

III. Key Concepts

IV. Critical Thinking

V. Comprehension

VI. Identifying and Presenting Main Idea

VII. Writer/Author’s Point of View

VIII. Analysis of the Parts of a Text

 1. Reading
• Reading is the ability to interpret written or printed symbols to comprehend
and extract meaning from the text. It is a multifaceted process that goes
beyond mere word recognition, encompassing skills such as vocabulary,
comprehension, and critical analysis. Reading involves the following
strategies:
• Extensive Reading: Extensive reading is reading that is for pleasure and
relaxation.
• Intensive Reading: Intensive reading means reading deeply. It's a method
where you look at the text very closely and carefully.
• Skimming: Rapidly looking over a text to get a general sense of its content.
• Scanning: Quickly searching for specific information within a text.
• Close Reading: A more in-depth analysis of a text, focusing on details,
nuances, and the author's intentions.
• Critical Reading: Evaluating and analyzing a text's content, arguments, and
evidence, often questioning the author's perspective.
 2. Analytical Reading:

• Analytical reading is like taking a close look at a

text to really understand it. Instead of just reading
the words, you carefully examine the content to
find deeper meanings and think about it in a smart
way. It's not just about understanding the basics;
it's about asking questions, thinking about what
the author is saying, and connecting different
ideas. In the book "Study Teaching" by Glendinning
and Holmstrom, they talk about important ideas
that help you do this kind of reading better.
 3. Key Concepts in Analytical Reading
1. Active Engagement:
Analytical reading is an active process that goes beyond passive use of
information. It involves questioning, reflecting, and interacting with the text to
extract meaning.
2. Strategic Approach:
The analytical reader employs strategies to systematically approach a text. This
may include previewing, annotating, and outlining to enhance comprehension
and critical evaluation.
3. Contextual Understanding:
To truly grasp the meaning of a text, analytical readers consider the broader
context. This includes understanding the historical, cultural, and intellectual
context in which the text was produced.
4. Identification of Key Elements:
Analytical reading involves identifying and analyzing key elements of a text, such
as the main arguments, supporting evidence, and underlying assumptions.
 Cont.….
5. Questioning and Interrogation:
Readers engage in a continuous process of questioning the text, the author's intentions, and the
implications of the ideas presented. This critical interrogation fosters a deeper understanding.
6. Synthesis (Combination) of Ideas:
Analytical readers don't view a text in isolation. They synthesize ideas from different parts of the
text, connecting concepts and recognizing patterns to form a comprehensive understanding.
7. Evaluation of Evidence:
Assessing the quality and relevance of evidence is crucial in analytical reading. Readers consider
whether the author's supporting material is credible, convincing, and logically sound.
8. Reflective Analysis:
Analytical reading encourages reflective analysis, prompting readers to consider how the text
relates to their own experiences, beliefs, and knowledge.
9. Development of Interpretive Skills:
This emphasizes the development of interpretive skills, enabling readers to differentiate the
author's perspective, intentions, and the overall message of the text.
 4. Critical Thinking, A Foundation for Analytical
Reading

• Critical thinking is a really important skill for doing well in academics. It's like the

base skill that helps you analyze, evaluate, and put together information in a smart

way. With critical thinking, you can make well-thought-out decisions and

judgments.

• In academic reading, it's not just about understanding the surface of what you read.

Critical thinking means you actively interact with the material, question what you

assume, and figure out the main arguments. It's not just about taking in information;

it's about dealing with ideas, finding biases, and having a thoughtful conversation

with what you're reading. Critical thinking is the foundation for getting smarter and

is super important for handling the complexities of academic discussions.

 Cont.…
Critical thinking involves:
• Analysis: Breaking down complex ideas into component
parts for examination.
• Evaluation: Assessing the credibility, relevance, and logic
of information.
• Synthesis: Combining elements to form a new whole or
understanding.
• Inference: Drawing logical conclusions based on
available information.
• Reflection: Examining one's own assumptions and
perspectives.
 5. Comprehension

 Comprehension means the action or capability

of understanding something.
 Comprehension, in the context of language and
reading, refers to the ability to understand and
make sense of written or spoken information. It
involves the reader or listener processing and
interpreting the content, ideas, and meaning
conveyed by a text or a speaker's words.
Comprehension is a fundamental aspect of
language and cognitive skills and is crucial for
effective communication and learning.
 Key Aspects of Comprehension

 Understanding the Text: Comprehension means getting

what words, phrases, and sentences in a text mean.
This includes knowing the words, how they're put
together, and the big picture of the content.

 Inference: Sometimes, you need to make educated

guesses or conclusions based on what is in the text. It's
like connecting the dots to figure out things that aren't
directly said. For instance, if you observe that the sky is
cloudy, and there is a cool breeze. You infer that It
might rain soon, as the combination of clouds and cool
breeze often indicates approaching rain.
 Cont.…
 Context Matters: Context refers to the circumstances or
environment in which something happens, or the
information that helps you understand a situation,
statement, or event. Where and how the text is given to you
is important. It helps you understand the words and phrases
and the overall message.

 Critical Thinking: Comprehension often means thinking

carefully about what you're reading or hearing. You
assess if it's reliable and form your own opinions.

 Recalling Information: You need to be able to remember

and bring back what you read or heard. This is how you
keep the knowledge and use it later.
 Techniques for Effective Comprehension:
• Previewing:
– Before diving into the details, preview the text to get a sense of its structure,
headings, and key themes. This helps set the stage for effective
comprehension.
• Active Reading:
– Engage actively with the text by asking questions, making predictions, and
connecting new information to prior knowledge. This keeps the mind
focused and enhances comprehension.
• Annotation:
– Marking key points, underlining, and jotting down notes in the margins can
help in comprehension by highlighting important details and facilitating
later review.
• Summarization:
– Periodically summarize sections of the text to reinforce understanding. This
technique helps combine information and identify the main ideas.
• Visualization:
– Create mental images or diagrams related to the content. Visualization
enhances comprehension by providing a concrete representation of abstract
 6. Identifying Main Ideas

• Identifying the main idea in analytical reading

involves recognizing the primary concept or
central theme around which a passage or text
revolves. It is the main point that the author is
trying to convey, encompassing the core
message or argument. Main idea identification
is crucial for a deeper understanding of the
text, as it provides a roadmap for
comprehending supporting details and
contextualizing information.
 Presenting the main ideas
1. Look for Topic Sentences:
In paragraphs, the main idea is often expressed in the topic sentence. This
sentence provides the overall point or focus of the paragraph.
2. Identify Key Words:
Pay attention to words that are repeated throughout the text. These recurring
words or phrases are likely to be central to the main idea.
3. Consider the Headings and Subheadings:
Headings and subheadings can provide clues about the main ideas in different
sections of a text. They often encapsulate the key points.
4. Examine the First and Last Paragraphs:
The main idea is frequently introduced in the opening paragraph and
summarized or restated in the concluding paragraph.
5. Note Transitional Words:
Words like "however," "therefore," "in conclusion," or "moreover" can
indicate shifts in thought and help identify the main idea and supporting
details.
 Cont.…
6. Distinguish Between Main Ideas and Supporting Details:
– Main ideas are usually general statements, while supporting details
provide more specific information. Identify the overarching concept
that the details support.
7. Consider the Purpose of the Text:
– Understanding why the text was written can help identify the main
idea. Is the author informing, persuading, describing, or entertaining?
8. Ask Questions:
– Pose questions about the text, such as "What is the author trying to
convey?" or "What is the primary message?" This can guide you
toward identifying the main idea.
9. Focus on the Thesis Statement:
– In academic writing, particularly essays and research papers, the main
idea is often encapsulated in the thesis statement.
10. Paraphrase the Content:
– Restate the content of the text in your own words. This process can
help you distill the main idea from the supporting details.
 7. Understanding the Writer’s Point of View

• Point of view is a particular attitude or way of

considering a matter.
• Understanding the writer's point of view is a critical
aspect of reading and analyzing texts. It involves
recognizing the author's perspective, beliefs, opinions,
and intentions, and comprehending how these factors
shape the content of the text. Effectively understanding
the writer's point of view requires a combination of
critical thinking skills and careful analysis.

• Let's delve into this concept in more detail in the next

slide:
 Cont.…
1. Active Reading:
– Engage actively with the text, asking questions about the
author's intentions and perspectives as you read.
2. Annotate the Text:
– Take notes in the margins, underline key passages, and highlight
language choices that reveal the writer's point of view.

3. Contextualize the Text:

– Consider the broader context in which the text was written, including
historical, cultural, and social factors.
4. Author's Perspective:
– Explanation: Consider the author's background, experiences, and
cultural context. These factors influence how they perceive and
interpret the subject matter.
– Example: A historian writing about a historical event may have a
different perspective based on their cultural background or personal
experiences.
 Cont.…
5. Author's Purpose:
– Explanation: Identify the reason the author wrote the text. Authors may
seek to inform, persuade, entertain, or express personal opinions.
– Example: An advertisement's purpose is to persuade consumers to buy
a product, influencing the writer's tone and choice of language.
6. Tone and Style:
– Explanation: Analyze the tone and style of the writing. The author's
attitude toward the subject matter is often reflected in the choice of
words and overall writing style.
– Example: Optimistic Tone, Pessimistic Tone, Humorous Tone,
Melancholic Tone, Sarcastic Tone, Energetic Tone
7. Use of Language:
– Explanation: Examine the language used by the author. Consider
whether the language is neutral, biased, emotive, or persuasive.
– Example: The use of loaded words or language that evokes strong
emotions can indicate a biased perspective or an attempt to sway the
reader's opinion.
 Cont.…
8. Consider the Audience:
– Explanation: Understand the intended audience of the text. The writer may
tailor their message based on the expectations and preferences of their target
readers.
– Example: A scientific article written for experts in the field will likely use
specialized terminology, while a news article may simplify complex concepts
for a general audience.
9. Point of View and Bias:
– Explanation: Identify the author's point of view and any potential biases.
Authors may have a specific stance or agenda that influences how they
present information.
– Example: An article discussing a controversial topic may exhibit bias based
on the author's personal beliefs or affiliations.
10. Textual Evidence:
– Explanation: Look for evidence within the text that supports the author's
point of view. This may include examples, statistics, or anecdotes.
– Example: An author arguing for a particular policy may provide data and
case studies to bolster their perspective.
 8. Analyzing Different Parts of the Text
• Analyzing different parts of a text involves breaking down the content
into its components and examining each element to gain a deeper
understanding of the overall message. This process helps readers
identify key themes, structures, and rhetorical devices employed by the
author. Here are some key aspects to consider when analyzing different
parts of a text:
1. Introduction:
• Purpose: Understand the introduction's purpose, whether it aims to
provide background information, grab the reader's attention, or present
a thesis statement.
• Key Elements: Look for the main idea, any hypotheses or claims, and the
tone set by the introduction.
2. Thesis Statement:
• Purpose: Identify the central argument or main idea that the author is
trying to convey.
• Key Elements: The thesis statement is usually found in academic or
argumentative texts and summarizes the author's stance or position.
 Cont.…
3. Body Paragraphs:
• Purpose: Examine how the body of the text supports the thesis statement,
provides evidence, and develops the central ideas.
• Key Elements: Topic sentences, supporting details, evidence, and
transitions between paragraphs.
4. Supporting Evidence:
• Purpose: Evaluate the quality and relevance of the evidence presented to
support the author's claims.
• Key Elements: Examples, statistics, expert opinions, and anecdotes used to
reinforce arguments.
5. Transitions:
• Purpose: Understand how the author guides the reader from one idea to
the next, ensuring a smooth and logical flow.
• Key Elements: Transitional words and phrases, such as "however," "in
addition," or "on the other hand."
 Cont.…

6. Conclusion:
• Purpose: Summarize the main points and restate the
thesis in a way that leaves a lasting impression on the
reader.
• Key Elements: Final thoughts, implications, or calls to
action.
7. Rhetorical Devices:
• Purpose: Identifythe use of language and stylistic
elements to enhance the effectiveness of the text.
• Key Elements: Metaphors, similes, analogies, hyperbole,
alliteration, and other rhetorical devices that
contribute to the overall impact.
 Cont.…

8. Style and Tone:

• Purpose: Assess the author's writing style and
tone, considering whether it is formal, informal,
objective, subjective, humorous, or serious.
• Key Elements: Word choice, sentence structure,
and the overall attitude conveyed by the author.
9. Citations and References:
• Purpose: Evaluate the sources cited by the author
and assess their credibility and relevance.
• Key Elements: Proper citation format, diversity of
sources, and the recency of information.
THANK YOU