Critical Thinking: Close Reading of Texts

Presented by Dr. Cheryl Torok FlemingNovember, 2013

Based on Paul, R. & Elder, L. (2006). Critical Thinking: Learn the Tools the Best Thinkers Use. Pearson: Upper Saddle River, NJ.

Chapter 7, pages 133-187

Be sure your speakers are turned on!

ObjectivesDiscuss the importance of reading

skillsDefine close reading of texts.Contrast “deep” reading with

superficial reading.Connect close reading with critical

thinking.

Every book or text is a potential teacher.

As readers:◦We can access the thoughts and

ideas of creative and critical thinkers over time.

◦We can learn the essential meanings of an unlimited number of teachers whose teachings live on in the material they have written.

◦We can use these ideas productively in our own lives.

Importance of Reading Skills

Engage in a disciplined process by which you reconstruct the author’s thinking for yourself. (Paul & Elder, 2006)

Understand the author’s meaning well enough to accurately paraphrase and summarize.

Tie reading skills to writing and listening skills.

Deep v. Superficial Reading

Deep SuperficialAccurately and

precisely summarize a text.

Analyze and synthesize.

Read for understanding.

Vaguely comment on a text.

Understand.Skim and scan.

Requires the ability to:Clarify purposesFormulate clear questionsDistinguish accurate and relevant

informationDistinguish justifiable from unjustifiable

assumptionsIdentify significant and deep conceptsTrace logical implicationsIdentify and think from multiple

viewpointsReach logical inferences or conclusions

“By connecting with the mind of another through reading, we can better discover and refine our own thoughts and ideas.”

(Paul & Elder, 2006, p. 138)

The Best Readers:View reading as intellectual work.Construct a system of meaning

when reading a text.Read sentences in relation to

each other.Read paragraphs in relation to

each other.Relate whole to part and part to

whole.Relate meaning of text to own

understanding and experiences.

The Best Readers:Seek to discover the basic idea

behind a text.Relate the ideas of the text to

basic concepts or premises of the discipline.

Look for the underlying questions of the text material.

Preparation to readRead title and introduction to the text.Review chapter headings.Read objectives of the text/ chapter.Scan key vocabulary.Study tables, charts, graphs, diagrams.Look at pictures and read captions.View “callouts” or boxes with

information.Read the text or chapter summary.

Elements of ThoughtPurpose of the textBasic conceptsUnderlying questionsKey assumptions of the authorPoint of viewImplications of the textReasoningInferences or conclusions

Own your Reading: Mark the text!Circle key ideasUnderline definitionsWrite marginal notes

◦Agree, disagree◦Question◦Point of view

Use symbols to indicate specific problems, ideas, or conclusions

Wrap Up QuestionsWhy am I reading this?Are there parts I do not really understand?How can I clarify these parts?Can I paraphrase what I read?Are there key words I need to define or

look up?Did I “get” the author’s main point?Were my questions answered?Do I need more time or resources to

investigate this topic?

Questions?

Thanks!

2 Timothy 2:2