Critical Thinking Skills: Reading and Communication

Competency 0001Identify a writer’s point of view and intended

meaning

Main IdeaWhat is the most important point the author

is making about the paragraph or passage.Not always directly stated, but inferred

Questions on test that are asking for main ideaThe best title for this selection isThe passage discussesThe passage focuses mainly onThe topic of this passage isThis passage concernsThe problem the author is discussing in this

passage isThe author is explaining the nature of

Recognizing ideas that support, illustrate, or elaborate the main ideaWhat additional information the author has

used to support the main ideaAdditional information that helps you

understand the main idea

Supporting Details may consist of:ExamplesDescriptionsCharacteristicsStepsPlacesNamesDatesStatsReasonsResults

Test questions about supporting details may be phrased as:According to the passageAccording to the information in the passageThe author states thatThe author states

Writer’s opinionsWhen asked what is author’s point of view,

you are being asked what is his position on an issue. Is he for it or against it.

When asked what is author’s purpose for writing the passage, you are being asked if the passage informs or explains, instructs or teaches, persuade or convinces, or if it entertains or amuses the reader.

Point of View & PositionThese are one in the same

Competency 0002Analyze the Relationship Among Ideas in

Written Material

Writing Patterns1. List2. Division/classification3. Sequence4. Process5. Definition6. Definition with example7. Comparison/contrast8. Cause/effect9. Spatial order

Deductive ReasoningTake a generalization and see how it applies

to a specific situation. Look at the big picture and draw a conclusion

Inductive ReasoningDrawing a conclusion that is based on

specific details or facts.Going from the smaller to the bigger picture

Competency 0003Use critical reasoning skills to evaluate

written material

FactsSomething you can prove

OpinionSomething that cannot be proved or

disproved: a judgment or a beliefSignal words: perhaps, greatest, better,

safer, apparently, one possibility

ValidityExamine the author’s logicWhat does the author take for granted?What type of support does the author

present? (facts, opinions, research)Does the support pertain directly to the

argument? Is the argument objective and complete?

Competency 0004Recognize the roles of purpose and audience

in written communication

Purpose for writingPersuadeDescribeTeach Entertain

ToneAuthors choice of words and styleSarcasm – contempt or ridiculeSome words that describe tone: serious,

emotional, critical, supportive, grim, humble, etc

Intended AudienceWho should read this?Who did the author write this for?

Competency 0005Recognize the unity, focus, and development

in writing

Writing Examples1. Does the point of view change? (shift from

1st to 3rd person) 2. Does the writing improve with revision?

Subarea IICommunications

Competency 0006Recognize effective organization in writing

Paragraph OrganizationTopic SentenceSupporting detailsCohesive and effective sequence of ideasTransitional words and phrases

Competency 0007Recognize sentences that effectively

communicate intended meaning

1. Ineffective repetition and inefficiency in sentence construction

2. Modifier placement, 3. parallel structure, 4. Use of negatives in sentence formation5. Inappropriate word choices

Competency 0008Recognize standard conventions of formal

written English usage in the United States.

1. Verb forms2. Pronouns3. Adverbs4. Adjectives5. Comparatives6. Superlatives7. Plural8. Possessive9. Standard punctuation10. Identify fragments and run-on sentences11. Subject-verb agreement