How To Read Difficult Texts:

Skim, Select, Dissect

SKIM

Skim: 1. Flip through entire article. Note the Organization

Introduction I. Attempts to Control Gangs II. Standards for Determining First Amendment Protection III. Protection for Religious Expression IV. Protection Denied Non-religious Apparel V. Personal Appearance as Constitutionally Protected VI. Discrimination vs. Gang May Violate Equal Protection VII. Gang Insignia as Protected Speech

Conclusion

How do you note organization if there are no headings?

Remember what I told you about thesis statements and organization?

1. Find the thesis statement! Most large papers have an extended organizational part to their thesis or project.

→ Pay attention to the end of the introduction section. There is usually a paragraph that says “In this paper, I will...”

2. Read the topic sentences.

→ Pay special attention to transitions that change directions, like: However, Despite, Yet, In other cases, etc.

3. Key Words

Skim 2: Find thesis in Introduction and in Conclusion

Introduction: Look for Key Phrases: “This Note will examine...”

This Note will argue...”

“First...Secondly...Third...Finally...”

Conclusion: Read topic sentences and all of final “The courts, therefore, remain divided...” “The willingness of courts to allow school districts to

exercise veto power over what students wear...” Returns to cases at the beginning: Students are protected

by First Amendment- School loses

SELECT

Select: 1. What is my purpose for using this text?

Trying to decide whether or not the banning of Wiccan and Satanic religious practices and symbols is or is not a violation of religious freedom

Look for: freedom, Satanism, religion

Select: 2. Return to Organization. What sections will help me think

about “religious freedom”?

I. Attempts to Control Gangs II. Standards for Determining First Amendment Protection III. Protection for Religious Expression IV. Protection Denied Non-religious Apparel V. Personal Appearance as Constitutionally Protected VI. Discrimination vs. Gang May Violate Equal Protection VII. Gang Insignia as Protected Speech

I. Attempts to Control Gangs II. Standards for Determining First Amendment

Protection III. Protection for Religious Expression IV. Protection Denied Non-religious Apparel V. Personal Appearance as Constitutionally Protected VI. Discrimination vs. Gang May Violate Equal

Protection VII. Gang Insignia as Protected Speech

While Skimming and Selecting, keep in mind other Key Terms or Key Words...

1. Look for a particular word. For example, pay attention you may want to look for the

word “Satanism”

2. Notice words that the writer repeats. Why is that word repeated? Is it relevant to

your project?

DISSECT

Dissect: 1. Revisit the places you selected and read closely

II. Standards for Determining First Amendment Protection

III. Protection for Religious Expression VI. Discrimination vs. Gang May Violate Equal

Protection

Dissect: 2. Attempt to answer the following for each section

What is the main point?

What word/phrase is most important?

How does this information support, question, complicate, expand, dispute your criteria or

your argument?

Activity: Individual

Take a moment to Skim and Select the section from Ann Koras' “Losing my Religion: Controlling Gang Violence through Limitations on Freedom of Expression” in Boston University Law Review

Mark this text up! Underline, star, number, circle, write!!

Activity: Group

Pick 1-2 places you agree are worthy of “selection.” Read closely and dissect

1. Main point? 2. Words/phrases? 3. Your argument (support, question,

complicate, expand, dispute)?

So what? The West Memphis Three

Although there was no physical evidence, murder weapon, motive, or connection to the victims, the prosecution pathetically resorted to presenting black hair and clothing, heavy metal t-shirts, and Stephen King novels as proof that the boys were sacrificed in a satanic cult ritual. Unfathomably, Echols was sentenced to death, Baldwin received life without parole, and Misskelley got life plus 40

The police and the state managed to convince the media and the juries that "devil worshippers" were responsible, and that... the murders had been a part of a satanic ritual; a human sacrifice in the wooded areas of West Memphis, Arkansas