Students Must Use The Following Template When Critically Rea

Students Must Use The Following Template When Critically Reading Artic

Students must use the following template when critically reading articles assignments. What do we mean by “read criticallyâ€? Critical reading means more than just skimming the subheadings of a textbook chapter or highlighting the occasional phrase. Critical reading means taking the time to think carefully about what is being said in a text. It involves identifying key features in the reading, such as the author’s argument and the evidence being used to support it.

It means not taking for granted that whatever you are reading is objective or absolute fact, but analyzing and evaluating the credibility of a the text using a set of criteria. Once you have read the article, answer the following five questions: What is the main topic of the article? What is the issue being discussed? What position (argument) does the author make? What evidence does the author put forward?

How convincing is this evidence (quality of evidence, inclusion/discussion of counter-arguments, glaring omissions)? Your Article Analysis should be no less than 3 pages in length, double-spaced. Write 1-2 paragraphs for each question and ensure that you’ve given sufficient detail in your answer. Paragraphs must be at least FIVE SENTENCES.

Paper For Above instruction

Critical reading of articles is an essential skill in academic and professional contexts, enabling readers to evaluate the validity, relevance, and bias within a text. This skill transcends mere surface-level engagement, requiring an active and analytical approach that involves dissecting the author's arguments, scrutinizing evidence, and considering alternative perspectives. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a comprehensive critical analysis of an article by answering five targeted questions, each requiring detailed and thoughtful responses. This process promotes a deeper understanding of the material and fosters critical thinking abilities necessary for scholarly work.

The first question addresses the main topic of the article, which serves as the foundation of the entire analysis. Determining the central theme requires identifying the primary subject matter the author discusses and clarifying its scope. For instance, if the article pertains to climate change, the main topic could be the impact of global warming on coastal ecosystems. Clearly articulating this main subject helps establish context for subsequent evaluations. The second question focuses on the issue being discussed, which often involves specific problems, debates, or questions within the broader topic. For example, the article might explore whether renewable energy sources can sufficiently replace fossil fuels. Recognizing the core issue enables the reader to comprehend the stakes involved and to assess how the author frames the conversation.

The third question pertains to the author's argument or position, which is the stance the author advocates regarding the issue. Analyzing the argument involves identifying the thesis statement and understanding the logic linking the author’s claims. For example, an author might argue that policy reforms are necessary to curb carbon emissions, supporting this with scientific data. The fourth question examines the evidence presented by the author. This includes empirical data, case studies, expert testimony, or statistical analysis that underpin the claims made. Critical evaluation involves assessing whether this evidence is credible, sufficiently supports the argument, and whether counter-evidence or alternative viewpoints are acknowledged.

The fifth question challenges the reader to assess the overall persuasiveness of the evidence and the strength of the author's position. This involves analyzing the quality and relevance of the evidence, considering any potential bias, and examining whether counter-arguments are addressed. Glaring omissions—such as ignoring significant contrary evidence—undermine credibility. A well-structured critique considers how convincingly the author establishes their case and whether the conclusions are justified based on the evidence provided. This comprehensive approach ensures a nuanced understanding of the article’s strengths and weaknesses, fostering critical engagement rather than passive consumption.

In conclusion, critical reading as outlined by this template is an invaluable academic exercise that enhances comprehension and evaluative skills. By systematically dissecting an article’s main topic, issues, arguments, evidence, and persuasiveness, readers develop a more sophisticated understanding of scholarly texts. This methodical process encourages skeptical inquiry, sharpens analytical abilities, and prepares students for more rigorous academic writing and research endeavors. An effective critical reading not only clarifies complex ideas but also cultivates an active scholarly mindset essential for academic success and informed citizenship.

References

• Critical thinking: A concise guide, Tracy Bowell & Gary Kemp, Routledge, 2014.
• Writing Analytically, David Rosenwasser & Jill J. Stephen, Bedford/St. Martin's, 2014.
• How to Read a Book, Mortimer J. Adler & Charles Van Doren, Simon & Schuster, 1972.
• The Craft of Research, Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, & Joseph M. Williams, University of Chicago Press, 2018.
• Reading Critically, Lee A. Jacobus, Routledge, 2014.
• Academic Reading: Critical Thinking and Active Reading Strategies, David Piccinin, Oregon State University, 2010.
• Evaluating Evidence: How to Read Scientific Literature, University of California, Berkeley, 2015.
• Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument, Stella Cottrell, Palgrave Macmillan, 2017.
• The Elements of Critical Thinking, Richard Paul & Linda Elder, Foundation for Critical Thinking, 2006.
• Thinking, Fast and Slow, Daniel Kahneman, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2011.