How are you becoming a Critical Reader?
To be a critical reader, you must follow
the two previews. They are:
a. Using
Visual Signals:
Ø Look at the title.
Ø Look at the opening and closing paragraphs.
Ø Look at each paragraph’s first sentence.
Ø Look for headings.
Ø Look for italicized and boldfaced words.
Ø Look for numbered lists.
Ø Look for bulleted lists (like this one).
Ø Look at any visuals (graphs, charts, tables, photographs, and so on).
Ø Look at any information that is boxed.
Ø Look at any information that is in color.
b. Using Verbal Signals/Transitions
Ø Sequence or Addition: again first, second, third, next, also, furthermore, another and in addition, still, besides, last, too, finally, moreover,
Ø Time: afterward, finally, simultaneously, as soon as, immediately, since, at first, in the meantime, soon, at the same time later subsequently, before meanwhile then, earlier, next, until, eventually, now
Ø Comparison: also, likewise, in comparison, similarly, in the same way
Ø Contrast: although in contrast on the one hand . . . but instead on the other hand. conversely nevertheless still despite nonetheless whereas even though on the contrary yet however
Ø Examples: for example specifically for instance that is in fact thus namely
Ø Conclusions or Summaries: as a result in summary in conclusion therefore in short thus
Ø Causes or Effects: as a result so because then consequently therefore since.