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