Determining Textual Evidence
To better evaluate the author's argument, you should be able to determine the evidence from the text. This will allow you to validate the assertions of the author and your…
How to formulate counterclaims?
To be an effective critical thinker, it is not enough just to be able to identify claims and assertions. The ability to analyze an argument is essential to understanding the…
How to identify assertions?
Becoming a good critical reader means that you are able to logically evaluate the claims of the writer. Any writer would want the reader to consider—and possibly agree with—the claims…
Identifying the Context of Text Development
Context Being a critical reader also involves understanding that texts are always developed with a certain context. A text is neither written nor read in a vacuum; its meaning and…
The Different Types of Claims
Now that you know the characteristics of a good claim, you will be introduced to the different types of claims that a writer can make: fact, value, or policy. You…
What are claims?
Knowing how to identify explicit and implicit information will help you with one of the most important skills needed in critical reading: evaluating the claims made by an author. This…
Determining Explicit and Implicit Information
Critical reading also means that you are able to distinguish the information that is clearly stated (explicit) in the text from ideas that are suggested (implicit). This will help you…
Different Techniques in Developing Critical Reading Skills
To show how some critical reading strategies are used, let us first read the following excerpt from the presidential address of Manuel L. Quezon delivered to students and teachers on…
The Policies and Achievements of the Government and Regeneration of the Filipino by Manuel L. Quezon
(Excerpt) National strength can only be built on character. A nation is nothing more nor less than its citizenry. It is the people that make up the nation, and therefore,…
What is critical reading?
Whenever you read something and evaluate claims, seek definitions, judge information, demand proof, and question assumptions, you are thinking critically. This type of reading goes beyond passively understanding a text…