Critical Reading as Looking for Ways of
To do so
Thinking
What is Critical Reading?
Reading critically is more than being critical of what
you read. It is engaging in what you read by asking
yourself questions such as:
What is the author trying to say?
What is the main argument being presented?
Being critical, therefore - in an academic sense -
means advancing your understanding.
As readers, you should always examine what you
are reading and look for limitations, omissions,
inconsistencies and arguments against what you
are reading.
As a critical reader you should reflect on:
What the text says
What the text describes
Interpretation of the text
"If we sense that assertions are ridiculous or
irresponsible (critical thinking), we examine the
text more closely to test our understanding (critical
reading).
Identifying Assumption, Argument and Evidence
Assumption
-is a statement accepted or supposed as true
without proof or demonstration.
Argument
-is a reason offered against or in support of a claim
or action
Evidence
-refers to the data on which a judgment or
conclusion might be based or by which proof or
probability might be established.
Most of us would agree that that the educated
people should not indulge in name-calling and
stereotyping in their speaking and writing.
is an essential mark of irrational prejudice.
Nevertheless, such speaking and writing are
protected by the Philippine constitution, which
prohibits anyone from abridging freedom of
expression. Today, many colleges and universities
in a well-meaning attempt to shield particular
groups from unwelcome or insensitive words are
subverting this prohibition. A former Supreme
Court justice noted for his liberal views has stated
"If there is a bedrock principle underlying the
clause in the constitution is that the government
may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply
because society finds the idea offensive or
disagreeable.
Argument:
The Philippine constitution prohibits anyone from
abridging freedom of expression.
Assumption:
Educated people do not indulge in name-calling
and stereotyping.
Name-calling and stereotyping are a mark of
irrational prejudice.
Evidence:
The bedrock principle that covers the argument is
that the government may not prohibit the
expression of an idea simply because society finds
the idea offensive or disagreeable.
When reading argumentative texts, you need to
employ certain procedures.
1. Identify the arguments.
2. Analyze and criticize the argument.
3. Assess the evidence.
4. What are the conclusions, and are they
supported by the evidence?
5. What are the alternatives?
Effective Argumentation:
Premises and Conclusions
In argumentation, one of the most common The increase in CO2 has caused climate change.
comments given is: Humans are responsible for an increase in CO2.
Therefore, humans are responsible for global
So what?
climate change.
To answer this question, we must look at the basic
The increase in CO2 has caused climate change.
building blocks of any logical argument:
(p1)
Premises and Conclusions.
Humans are responsible for an increase in CO2.
Premises. The starting point of deductions. (p2)
Premises are assertions that, when joined together,
Humans are responsible for climate change.
will lead the reader to the conclusion.
(conclusion)
Conclusions. What the author wants you to believe
by the end of the argument
Conclusions are not only said to be supported by
Arguments can be on any topic:
premises; conclusions are said to follow from
One can argue for legalized abortion; one premises, to be implied by or to be entailed by
can argue against legalized abortion. premises. Finally, premises are said to support or
imply conclusions.
Some argued for intervention in Iraq; others
argued against intervention.
Some argue that pornography should be
banned; others argue that it should not be
banned.

Here are examples of arguments:

Jack is conservative; so, hes probably a
Republican.

Jack is conservative is the reason (premise).

Hes probably a Republican is the claim supported
(conclusion).