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R2 reading handbook
1.3 reading a play Strategies for Reading
• Read the stage directions to help you visualize the setting and characters.
• Question what the title means and why the playwright chose it.
• Identify the main conflict (struggle or problem) in the play. To clarify the conflict, make a chart that shows what the conflict is and how it is resolved.
• Analyze the characters. What do they want? How do they change during the play? You may want to make a chart that lists each character’s name, appearance, and traits.
1.4 reading literary nonfiction Strategies for Reading
• If you are reading a biography, an autobiography, or another type of biographical writing (such as a diary, a memoir, or letters), use a family tree or word web to keep track of the people mentioned.
• When reading an essay, evaluate the writer’s ideas. Is there a clear main idea? Does the writer use appropriate details to support a main idea?
Reading any text—whether it is a short story, poem, magazine article, newspaper, or Web page—requires the use of special strategies. For example, you might plot the events of a short story on a diagram, or use text features to spot main ideas in a magazine article. You might also need to identify patterns of organization in the text. Using such strategies can help you read different texts with ease and also help you understand what you’re reading.
1 Reading Literary TextsLiterary texts include short stories, novels, poems, and dramas. Literary texts can also be biographies, autobiographies, and essays. To appreciate and analyze literary texts, you will need to understand the characteristics of each type of text.
1.1 reading a short story Strategies for Reading
• Read the title. As you read the story, you may notice that the title has a special meaning.
• Keep track of events as they happen. Plot the events on a diagram like this one.
Rising Action Falling Action
• From the details the writer provides, visualize the characters. Predict what they might do next.
• Look for specific adjectives that help you visualize the setting—the time and place in which events occur.
1.2 reading a poem Strategies for Reading
• Notice the form of the poem, or the number of its lines and their arrangement on the page.
• Read the poem aloud a few times. Listen for rhyme and rhythm.
• Visualize the images and comparisons.• Connect with the poem by asking yourself what
message the poet is trying to send.• Create a word web or other graphic organizer to
record your reactions and questions.
Title and author of poem
Question about poem
Opinion of poem
Meanings of difficult words
Favorite line in poem
Included in this handbook: TEKS 10C, 11, 11B, 12, 12A–B, RC-8(A)
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reading handbook R3
2 Reading Informational Texts: Text Features An informational text is writing that provides factual information.
Informational materials—such as chapters in textbooks and articles in magazines, encyclopedias, and newspapers—usually contain elements that help the reader recognize their purpose, organization, and key ideas. These elements are known as text features.
2.1 understanding text featuresText features are design elements of a text that indicate its organizational structure or otherwise make its key ideas and information understandable. Text features include titles, headings, subheadings, boldface type, bulleted and numbered lists, and graphic aids, such as charts, graphs, illustrations, and photographs. Notice how the text features help you find key information on the textbook page shown.
A The title identifies the topic.
B A subheading indicates the start of a new topic or section and identifies the focus of that section.
C Questions may be used to focus your understanding of the text.
D A bulleted list shows items of equal importance.
E Graphic aids, such as illustrations, photographs, charts, diagrams, maps, and timelines, often make ideas in the text clearer.
F A caption, or the text that accompanies a graphic aid, gives information about the graphic aid that isn’t necessarily obvious from the image itself.
practice and apply
1. What is a surplus?
2. What facts do the photograph and caption add to the text?
3. What informational texts do you read outside of class? Why are they informational?
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R4 reading handbook
I. Villages Around the WorldA. Surpluses
1. Lead to growth a. support more people b. specialized skills
Strategies for Using Text Headings• Preview the headings and subheadings in the text
to get an idea of what different kinds there are and what their positions might be in an outline.
• Be consistent. Note that subheadings that are the same size and color should be used consistently in Roman-numeral or capital-letter entries in the outline. If you decide that a chapter heading should appear with a Roman numeral, then that’s the level at which all other chapter headings should appear.
• Write the headings and subheadings that you will use as your Roman-numeral and capital-letter entries first. As you read, fill in numbered details from the text under the headings and subheadings in your outline.
practice and apply
Reread “So You Want to be an Entomologist?” pages 894–895. Use text features in the selection to take notes in outline form.
Preview the subheadings in the text to get an idea of the different kinds. Write the headings and subheadings you are using as your Roman numeral and capital letter entries first. Then fill in the details.
2.4 graphic aids Information is communicated not only with
words but also with graphic aids. Graphic aids are visual representations of information. They can be charts, webs, diagrams, graphs, photographs, or other visual representations of information.
2.2 using text features You can use text features to locate information,
to help you understand it, and to take notes. Just use the following strategies when you encounter informational text.
Strategies for Reading• Preview the text by looking at the title,
headings, and subheadings to get an idea of the main concepts and the way the text is organized.
• Before you begin reading the text more thoroughly, skim it—read it quickly—to get an overview.
• Read any questions that appear at the end of a lesson or chapter. Doing this will help you set a purpose for your reading.
• Turn subheadings into questions. Then use the text below the subheadings to answer the questions. Your answers will be a summary of the text.
• Take notes by turning headings and subheadings into main ideas. You might use a chart like the following.
The First Communities
Villages Around the World
1. prosperity means growth
2. specialized skills3. varied economies
• As you read to locate particular facts or details, scan the text. Look for key words and phrases as you move slowly down the page.
2.3 turning text headings into outline entries After you have read a selection at least once,
you can use text features to take notes in outline form. An outline can help you see relationships between ideas in a text and can reveal the logical order of ideas. The following outline shows how one student used text headings from the sample textbook page on page R3. Study the outline and use the strategies that follow to create an outline based on text features.
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reading handbook R5
Graphic aids usually make complex information easier to understand. For that reason, graphic aids are often used to organize, simplify, and summarize information for easy reference.
Graphs Graphs are used to illustrate statistical information.
A graph is a drawing that shows the relative values of numerical quantities. Different kinds of graphs are used to show different numerical relationships.
Strategies for ReadingA Read the title.
B Find out what is being represented or measured.
C In a circle graph, compare the sizes of the parts.
D In a line graph, study the slant of the line. The steeper the line, the faster the rate of change.
E In a bar graph, compare the lengths of the bars.
A circle graph, or pie graph, shows the relationships of parts to a whole. The entire circle equals 100 percent. The parts of the circle represent percentages of the whole.
MODEL: CIRCLE GRAPH
Line graphs show changes in numerical quantities over time and are effective in presenting trends such as changes in temperature. A line graph is made on a grid. Here, the vertical axis indicates degrees Fahrenheit, and the horizontal axis shows dates. Points on the graph indicate data. The line that connects the points highlights a trend or pattern.
MODEL: LINE GRAPH
In a bar graph, vertical or horizontal bars are used to show or compare categories of information, such as the heights of different buildings. The lengths of the bars in this case indicate height.
MODEL: BAR GRAPH
Evaluate carefully the information presented in graphs. For example, circle graphs show major factors and differences well but tend to reduce the importance of smaller factors and differences.
75 119 130
Daily High Temperature Dec. 1 – Dec. 14
How Often Do People Exercise?
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R6 reading handbook
Charts and Tables A chart presents information, shows a process, or
makes comparisons, usually in rows or columns. A table is a specific type of chart that presents a
collection of facts in rows and columns and shows how the facts relate to one another.
Strategies for ReadingA Read the title to learn what information the
chart or table covers.
B Study column headings and row labels to determine the categories of information presented.
C Look down columns and across rows to find specific information.
The Domestication of AnimalsAnimal Location Use
llama South America transport, meatturkey North America meatcattle Europe, Asia, Africa milk, meathorse Asia (southwest
dog Asia (possibly China)
guarding, herding, hunting
Diagrams A diagram is a drawing that shows how something
works or how its parts relate to one another. A picture diagram is a picture or drawing of the
subject being discussed.
Strategies for ReadingA Read the title.
B Read each label and look at the part it identifies.
C Follow any arrows or numbers that show the order of steps in a process, and read any captions.
MODEL: PICTURE DIAGRAM
In a schematic diagram, lines, symbols, and words are used to help readers visualize processes or objects they cannot normally see. A cutaway diagram is a drawing or model of something with part of the outside removed, to show the inside.
MODEL: CUTAWAY DIAGRAM
Light Rail Meadowview Route Monday–Friday A.M.Meadowview City College Arden/
6:05 6:14 6:42 6:53
7:05 7:14 7:42 7:53
7:20 7:29 7:57 8:08
7:50 7:59 8:27 8:38
8:05 8:14 8:42 8:53
8:35 8:44 9:12 9:23
9:05 9:14 9:42 9:53
9:50 9:59 10:27 10:38
10:05 10:14 10:42 10:53
11:05 11:14 11:42 11:53
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reading handbook R7
Maps A map visually represents a geographic region,
such as a state or country. It provides information about areas through lines, colors, shapes, and symbols. There are different kinds of maps.
• Political maps show political features, such as national borders.
• Physical maps show the landforms in areas.• Road or travel maps show roads and highways.• Thematic maps show information on a specific
topic, such as climate, weather, or natural resources.
Strategies for ReadingA Read the title to find out what kind of map it is.
B Read the labels to get an overall sense of what the map shows.
C Look at the key or legend to find out what the symbols and colors on the map stand for.
MODEL: PHYSICAL MAP
MODEL: THEMATIC MAP
practice and apply
1. According to the circle graph, how many days a week do most people exercise?
2. On which date was a temperature of 60˚ F recorded?
3. According to the bar graph, where is the world’s tallest structure located?
4. How many kinds of canals were used in ancient irrigation?
5. What material formed the bottom layer of Roman roads?
6. According to the chart, which animal was domesticated in South America?
7. What time would you have to leave City College to get to the Watt/I-80 train station by 11:00?
8. What body of water is on the east coast of India?
9. What is the main economic activity of Afghanistan?
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R8 reading handbook
• To find an implied main idea, ask yourself: Whom or what did I just read about? What do the details suggest about the topic?
• Formulate a sentence stating this idea and add it to the paragraph. Does your sentence convey the main idea?
Notice how the main idea is expressed in each of the following models.
model: main idea as the last sentence
His body tried to maintain a healthy temperature by producing large amounts of sweat. Because the air was so humid and there was no breeze, the sweat didn’t evaporate and cool him at all. It just dripped unpleasantly, and he grew even hotter as he angrily tried to wipe it away. Despite losing all that water, he wasn’t even thirsty. Though he didn’t know it, he was in danger of becoming dehydrated.
model: implied main idea
As he walked along the street looking for something to drink, he began to feel light-headed. He ignored the feeling for a few minutes, but then became so dizzy that he had to sit down. Soon he started to feel sick to his stomach. As he stretched out, he began to shiver. “How can I be cold when it’s 110 degrees?” he wondered before he fainted.
model: main idea as the first sentence On the second day of the heat wave, the temperature soared to a sweltering 110 degrees. The sun melted the tar of the newly paved driveway. It was almost impossible to escape the fumes, which caused him to hold his nose and breathe through his mouth. The air felt like a wet blanket smothering his lungs. Each breath was a struggle.
Implied main idea:
He was dehydrated, which was a serious problem.
3 Reading Informational Texts: Patterns of Organization Reading any type of writing is easier once you
recognize how it is organized. Writers usually arrange ideas and information in ways that best help readers see how they are related. There are several common patterns of organization:• main idea and supporting details• chronological order• cause-effect organization• compare-and-contrast organization• problem-solution organization
Writers also typically present arguments in ways that will help readers follow their reasoning.
For more about deductive and inductive methods of organization, see Analyzing Logic and Reasoning, pages R22–R25.
3.1 main idea and supporting detailsMain idea and supporting details is a basic pattern of organization in which a central idea about a topic is supported by details. The main idea is the most important idea about a topic that a particular text or paragraph conveys. Supporting details are words, phrases, or sentences that tell more about the main idea. The main idea may be directly stated at the beginning and then followed by supporting details, or it may be merely implied by the supporting details. It may also be stated after it has been implied by supporting details.
Strategies for Reading• To find a stated main idea in a paragraph,
identify the paragraph’s topic. The topic is what the paragraph is about and can usually be summed up in one or two words. The word, or synonyms of it, will usually appear throughout the paragraph. Headings and subheadings are also clues to the topics of paragraphs.
• Look for the topic sentence, or the sentence that states the most important idea the paragraph conveys. It is often the first sentence in a paragraph; however, it may appear at the end.
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reading handbook R9
writers use order words such as after, next, and later and time words and phrases that identify specific times of day, days of the week, and dates, such as the next morning, Tuesday, and March 13, 2007.
Strategies for Reading• Scan the text for headings and subheadings
that may indicate a chronological pattern of organization.
• Look for words and phrases that identify times, such as in a year, three hours earlier, in a.d. 1066, and the next day.
• Look for words that signal order, such as first, afterward, then, during, and finally, to see how events or steps are related.
• Note that a paragraph or passage in which ideas and information are arranged chronologically will have several words or phrases that indicate time order, not just one.
• Ask yourself: Are the events in the paragraph or passage presented in time order?
Notice the words and phrases that signal time order in the first two paragraphs of the following model.
modelThe Life of Jack London Jack London was born in San Francisco, California, in 1876. His family was poor and moved frequently in search of work. In 1881, the family began working on farms. London’s dislike of farming drew him to literature as a way “to get beyond the sky lines of my narrow California valley.” The Londons were unlucky in farming. When they lost their land, they moved across the bay to Oakland. To help support his family, the 10-year-old London took his first job. By the time he was 15, he had quit school and was working long hours in a factory. London became a tough teenager who knew how to fight but who never lost his burning passion for books.
Time words and phrases
3.2 chronological order Chronological order is the arrangement of events
in the order in which they happen. This type of organization is used in many short stories and novels, historical writing, biographies, and autobiographies. To show the order of events,
Read each paragraph, and then do the following:
1. Identify the main idea in the paragraph, using one of the strategies discussed on the previous page. Tell whether it is stated or implied.
2. Evaluate the pattern of organization used in the paragraph. Does it express the main idea effectively?
practice and apply
The earthquake shook down in San Francisco hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of walls and chimneys. But the conflagration that followed burned up hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of property. There is no estimating within hundreds of millions the actual damage wrought. Not in history has a modern imperial city been so completely destroyed. San Francisco is gone. Nothing remains of it but memories and a fringe of dwelling houses on its outskirts.—Jack London, “The Story of an Eyewitness”
They never saw him. Now and then they heard whispered rumors to the effect that he was in the neighborhood. The woods were searched. The roads were watched. There was never anything to indicate his whereabouts. But a few days afterward, a goodly number of slaves would be gone from the plantation. Neither the master nor the overseer had heard or seen anything unusual in the quarter. Sometimes one or the other would vaguely remember having heard a whippoorwill call somewhere in the woods, close by, late at night. Though it was the wrong season for whippoorwills.
—Ann Petry, Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad
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R10 reading handbook
3.3 cause-effect organization Cause-effect organization is a pattern of
organization that shows causal relationships between events, ideas, and trends. Cause-effect relationships may be directly stated or merely implied by the order in which the information is presented. Writers often use the cause-effect pattern in historical and scientific writing. Cause-effect relationships may have several forms.
One cause with one effectCause Effect
One cause with multiple effects
Multiple causes with a single effect
A chain of causes and effectsCause EffectEffect/Cause
Strategies for Reading• Look for headings and subheadings that indicate
a cause-effect pattern of organization, such as “Effects of Food Allergies.”
• To find the effect or effects, read to answer the question “What happened?”
• To find the cause or causes, read to answer the question “Why did it happen?”
• Look for words and phrases that help you identify specific relationships between events, such as because, since, had the effect of, led to, as a result, resulted in, for that reason, due to, therefore, if . . . then, and consequently.
• Look closely at each cause-effect relationship. Do not assume that because one event happened before another, the first event caused the second event.
• Use graphic organizers like the diagrams shown to record cause-effect relationships as you read.
Notice the words that signal causes and effects in the following model.
practice and apply
Reread the preceding model and then do the following:
1. List three words or phrases in the last three paragraphs that indicate time or order.
2. Describe how London became interested in books.
3. Explain why he returned home after living as a tramp.
Living by the sea, London became fascinated by the ships that promised contact with faraway places. At the age of 17, he joined the Sophia Sutherland on a seal-hunting voyage to Japan. This trip provided material for his first short story, “Story of a Typhoon off the Coast of Japan,” for which he won first prize in a writing contest. London then returned to California with a passion for travel. The next year, he “hopped a train” heading east and lived as a tramp. However, homelessness persuaded him to return to high school in Oakland. In 1896, with only one year of high school behind him, he passed the entrance exam for the University of California at Berkeley. Unfortunately, London had to give up his university studies for lack of money. After working for a while in a laundry, he joined the rush north to Canada’s Klondike River in search of gold. Although London never struck it rich, his Klondike experiences inspired his later writing.
modelWe’re Destroying Our Rain Forests According to a study done by Brazilian scientists, nearly 5 million acres of rain forest are disappearing a year. That’s equal to seven football fields a minute. The cause of this destruction is simple—cutting down trees. Every minute, around 2,000 trees are felled to create highways, railroads, and farms. Some trees, such as mahogany and teak, are harvested for their beautiful hardwood.
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reading handbook R11
3.4 compare-and-contrast organizationCompare-and-contrast organization is a pattern of organization that provides a way to look at similarities and differences in two or more subjects. A writer may use this pattern of organization to compare the important points or characteristics of two or more subjects. These points or characteristics are called points of comparison. There are two ways to develop compare-and-contrast organization:
Point-by-point organization—The writer discusses one point of comparison for both subjects, then goes on to the next point.Subject-by-subject organization—The writer covers all points of comparison for one subject and then all points of comparison for the next subject.
Strategies for Reading• Look in the text for headings, subheadings,
and sentences that may suggest a compare-and-contrast pattern of organization, such as “Common Behaviors of Different Pets,” to help you identify where similarities and differences are addressed.
• To find similarities, look for words and phrases such as like, all, both, every, and in the same way.
• To find differences, look for words and phrases such as unlike, but, on the other hand, more, less, in contrast, and however.
• Use a graphic organizer, such as a Venn diagram or a compare-and-contrast chart, to record points of comparison and similarities and differences.
Subject 1 Subject 2
Subject 1 Both Subject 2
As you read the following models, use the signal words and phrases to identify the similarities and differences between the subjects and how the details are organized in each text.
practice and apply
Refer to the preceding model to do the following:
1. Use one of the graphic organizers on page R10 to show the multiple effects of cutting down trees described in the model.
2. List three words or phrases used to signal cause and effect in the last four paragraphs.
model 1Mr. Frank and Mr. Van Daan Moving into a tiny apartment with people you have never met is a sure way to discover your differences. In the play The Diary of Anne Frank, Mr. Frank and Mr. Van Daan are in a similar situation, but have very different personalities, behaviors, and relationships with their families. Both men are Jews living in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam during World War II. Both have children: Mr. Frank, two daughters; and Mr. Van Daan, a son. They try to hide
Comparison words and
This destruction of the rain forests has wide-ranging effects on living things. About 30,000 plant species live in the Amazon rain forest alone. These plants provide important foods such as bananas, coffee, chocolate, and nuts, as well as medicinal compounds found nowhere else. Just four square miles of a rain forest shelters more than 550 species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Almost 100 species worldwide face extinction every day, many due to habitat loss in rainforests. Rain forests also act as climate regulators, balancing the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and helping to offset global warming. The earth’s well-being will suffer as a result of the rain forests’ destruction. It is crucial that steps be taken immediately to reduce the number of trees being cut down. If this destruction is not reversed, within 50 years, thriving rain forests will be no more than a memory.
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R12 reading handbook
Although Mr. and Mrs. Van Daan are close, they quarrel often. Mr. Van Daan criticizes his son’s slowness and threatens to get rid of his beloved cat. In contrast, Mr. Frank shows only love and respect for his wife and daughters. Even when he scolds Anne, he does it privately and gently. After Anne hurts her mother’s feelings, Mr. Frank tells her that parents “can only try to set a good example. The rest you must do yourself.” The differences between Mr. Frank and Mr. Van Daan in The Diary of Anne Frank far outnumber their similarities. Mr. Van Daan’s selfishness endangers both families, while Mr. Frank’s compassion and consideration help them all make the best of a terrible situation.
model 2Two for Tea Next to water, tea is the most popular drink worldwide. Served hot or iced, it comes in a variety of flavors to suit every taste. Yerba maté and green tea are two varieties that seem to suit the tastes of increasing numbers of people of all ages and nationalities. Yerba maté is native to South America. Made from the dried leaves of the yerba maté tree, it is traditionally brewed in hollow gourds, which are themselves called matés. The gourd is filled three-quarters full with leaves, and they are then covered with hot water. When the leaves have completely absorbed the moisture, more water is added. The brewed tea is then drunk through a tube with a strainer at one end called a bombilla. Yerba maté is sometimes served with milk, sugar, or lemon juice to cut its slight bitterness. Yerba maté is thought to offer many health benefits. It is loaded with antioxidants that may boost
Comparison words and
their families from the Nazis in the same apartment. Despite these similarities, there are many differences between the two men. First, they have nearly opposite personalities. Mr. Van Daan is very concerned with appearances and wears expensive clothes. He can be kind, but often loses his temper. He also has strong opinions about the roles of men and women. For example, he acts embarrassed that his son Peter likes his pet cat and disapproves of Anne’s outspokenness. He tells her, “A man likes a girl who’ll listen to him once in a while.”
In contrast, Mr. Frank doesn’t seem to care about material things. He always stays calm and has compassion for other people. Even when Mr. Van Daan is caught stealing food, Mr. Frank tries to understand the man’s behavior. Mr. Frank’s attitude about women differs from Mr. Van Daan’s as well. Mr. Frank never criticizes Anne for being unladylike; instead, he encourages her to be herself. He gives her a diary because he knows she loves to write, and he is proud of her creativity when she makes Hanukkah presents for everyone. As Anne says about her father, “He’s the only one who’s ever given me the feeling that I have any sense.” The two men also respond differently to their situation. Mr. Van Daan is self-centered and believes he suffers more from hunger than the others. He even tries to take Anne’s piece of cake. Mr. Frank, on the other hand, always puts the needs of others before his own. For example, he makes the newcomer, Dr. Dussel, feel welcome and gladly offers him food. He also risks his own safety to investigate when a robber enters the downstairs warehouse. Mr. Frank and Mr. Van Daan relate differently with their families.
Comparison words and
Contrast words and
Contrast words and
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reading handbook R13
3.5 problem-solution organizationProblem-solution organization is a pattern of organization in which a problem is stated and analyzed and then one or more solutions are proposed and examined. This pattern of organization is often used in persuasive writing, such as editorials or proposals.
Strategies for Reading• Look for an explanation of the problem in the
first or second paragraph. • Look for words such as problem and reason that
may signal an explanation of the problem.• To find the solution, ask: What suggestion does
the writer offer to solve the problem?• Look for words such as propose, conclude, and
answer that may signal a solution.
practice and apply
Refer to the preceding models to do the following:
1. Find one similarity and one difference in the organization of these two models.
2. For each model, list three words or phrases that signal comparisons or contrasts.
3. Identify two points in each model that the writer compares or contrasts.
4. Make a Venn diagram or compare-and-contrast graphic to show the similarities and differences in one of the models.
model Teachers, administrators, school board members, and parents have begun expressing concerns that the foreign language students aren’t getting enough practice using their languages in conversation. Students read dialogues from their textbooks and respond to questions. They also use the language lab to get more practice speaking the language. The facilities are limited, though, and have to be used after school, which conflicts with other activities. Also, the language lab doesn’t give them real-life experience with using the new language to listen to others, either. One solution to this problem would be to establish language tables in the lunchroom. Students taking a given language would eat lunch at a specific table one day a week. For that time, they would speak only the foreign language. This plan has several advantages. First, it doesn’t require any additional equipment, staff, or materials. Second, it wouldn’t take time away from other classes or activities. Language students have to eat lunch just like everyone else, so why not make it an enjoyable learning experience? Setting up language tables would let students supplement their language skills while nourishing their bodies. That’s a recipe for success!
the immune system and help prevent cancer. It also seems to aid digestion. Green tea, on the other hand, is native to China and was exported to Japan in about a.d. 800. Unlike yerba maté, green tea usually is brewed in teapots. Only about a teaspoonful of leaves is used per pot. The leaves are steeped for only around two minutes—much less than the soaking time for yerba maté. Green tea has a very mild taste and generally is served plain in ceramic cups so the delicate taste can be savored. Like yerba maté, green tea also is beneficial to health. Similarly rich in antioxidants, it has been reputed to lower cholesterol and blood sugar and also to relieve the pain of arthritis. So, the next time you have tea for two, try one of these two popular drinks—yerba maté and green tea.
Contrast words and
Comparison words and
practice and apply
Reread the model and then answer the following questions:
1. According to the model, what is the cause of the problem?
2. What solution does the writer offer? What words are a clue?
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R14 reading handbook
4 Reading Consumer, Public, and Workplace Documents Informational texts can be grouped into three major categories: consumer, public,
and workplace documents. In this section, you will learn strategies for reading these different kinds of texts. At the end of this section, you will also have the chance to use these texts to explain decisions and solve problems.
4.1 reading consumer documents Consumer documents are printed
materials that accompany consumer products and services, such as product care tags, warranties, contracts, schedules, and assembly instructions. Take a moment now to familiarize yourself with the text features and information commonly found in these types of documents, using the strategies provided.
Strategies for ReadingA Look for the product name, which
is usually in the largest type.
B Skim subheadings to identify the types of product facts you can find.
C Don’t be swayed by appealing language in a product description. Focus on facts rather than feel-good phrases.
D A warranty explains the rules you must follow to get the item repaired or replaced for free.
E Always read the fine print. It often tells what the warranty won’t cover or what will release the manufacturer from having to keep its promises.
F Before throwing anything away, read the warranty to find out what proof(s) of purchase you must provide to qualify for its protection. A proof of purchase is a document that verifies you paid for the item. It may be your receipt, a bar code from a box, or the product information tag.
If any part of your Student Traveler Luggage is ever broken or damaged, we will repair it free of charge if you send or bring it to an Authorized Repair Center.
To locate an Authorized Repair Center near you, call 888–555–TRAV or go to www.studenttravelerluggage.com.
NOTE: You must pay for shipping the bag to us, but we’ll take care of the cost for its repair and return. Allow 2–3 weeks from your bag’s date of arrival for its repair and safe return.
EXCEPTIONS: Cosmetic damage and cleaning are not covered under this warranty. We are not responsible for the replacement of lost or stolen bags or their contents.
To qualify for our repair service, please supply the following items with your luggage:*
• Warranty certificate (this card)• Proof of purchase (original receipt or product information tag)
*Alternatively, to avoid having to provide paper documentation in the future, register your product online now. Just go to www.studenttravelerluggage.com, click on “activate warranty,” and answer the prompts.
WARRANTY CODE 276U RX-8A
model: product information tag
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G When reading a consent form or other contract, review all the options before picking one.
H Notice write-on lines, which are lines provided for signatures and handwritten information you may need to supply.
I To figure out what you need to put on a write-on line, look to its left for a question or a noun phrase followed by a colon. Also follow any instructions in parentheses.
4.2 reading public documentsPublic documents are texts written to provide information that is of interest or concern to the general public. Such documents include speeches, laws, government documents, and posted rules and regulations. For example, the following public document was issued by a school for its eighth grade field trip to Washington, D.C. Study this document, using the strategies provided.
Strategies for ReadingA Read the heading to see what
the document is about.
B Regard each numbered item as important.
C Pay close attention to verbs describing actions you should or should not take.
D Pay close attention to statements that identify the consequences for breaking or failing to properly follow a rule.
practice and apply
Use the three preceding consumer documents to do the following. 1. Compare the product information tag and the warranty. What purpose
and text features do they share? What else do they have in common? 2. Contrast all three documents. What is unique about each document?
PARENT/GUARDIAN CONSENT FORM___ I hereby GRANT permission for my child’s photo to be used in school
district materials and distributed to local newspapers.
___ I hereby DO NOT GRANT permission for my child’s photo to be used in school district materials or to be distributed to local newspapers. (I understand this means photographs of my child in plays, athletic competitions, awards ceremonies, and recitals will not be included in promotional materials or in the local newspaper.)
Student’s Name: (please print) _________________________________Name of Parent/Guardian: (please print) _________________________Signature of Parent/Guardian: (please sign) ______________________Date: _______________________________________________________
1. Keep your itinerary with you at all times.
2. Arrive promptly for departures and report directly to your chaperone.
3. Answer promptly whenever a head count is taken.
4. When out touring, dress and behave with decorum. Unacceptable clothing includes torn jeans, pants that fall 4 inches or more below one’s natural waistline, skirts shorter than mid-thigh, tops that expose any part of the midriff, and T-shirts with hostile messages.
5. When out touring, do not wear shoes that might bother your feet, including flip flops, clogs, and high heels.
6. At the hotel, you are not permitted to order from room service or attach any electronic devices to the hotel television (leave your TV game stations at home).
7. By 10 p.m. you must be in your assigned hotel room for the night. If you break the 10 p.m. curfew, you will be expelled from the trip.
practice and apply
Refer to the preceding public document to answer the next questions. 1. On this trip, would you wear a pair of flip flops to tour Washington, D.C.?
Why or why not? 2. What will happen if you are discovered in the hall after 10 p.m.?
model: rules and regulations
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R16 reading handbook
4.3 reading workplace documents Workplace documents are texts produced or used within the workplace, such
as memos, business letters, and company policy statements. You can become familiar with some of the conventions used in workplace documents by reading the following business letter, using the strategies provided.
Strategies for ReadingA Read the heading to find out
when the letter was written and by whom.
B Read the inside address to identify the person for whom the letter is intended.
C Notice the salutation, or initial greeting. It is usually impersonal (as in “To Whom It May Concern”) or formal (as in “Dear”).
D As you read the body of the letter, notice what the sender wants the reader to know or do.
E Slow down when reading a bulleted list, which is meant to make complex information clearer. Every item on a bulleted list is of equal importance.
F In the closing, you can find the sender’s name, his or her position, and, sometimes, an e-mail address or other contact information.
model: business letter
practice and apply
Refer to the business letter to answer the following questions.
1. Who is the sender of this letter, and what does he want?
2. By what method are submissions supposed to be made?
May 5, 2010
Jerry Meyers, Features EditorShady Grove Press1154 Main StreetShady Grove, VT 05064
Ms. Corinne AndersonNewgate Middle SchoolShady Grove, VT 05064
Dear Ms. Anderson:
Thank you for informing me of your eighth grade students’ upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. On behalf of Shady Grove Press, I would like to invite your students to submit feature articles about their trip for possible publication in our special “back to school” edition.
We can only publish one student-written article, but the writer of that article will receive a byline (sorry, no cash payment). Interested students must follow these submission guidelines:
• Articles should be no longer than 750 words.
• Lines must be double-spaced. Type must be 12 pt. Times Roman.
• Article should focus on descriptions of historic sites and personal thoughts about these sites.
• If photos are included, they must come with captions as well as the full names and phone numbers of all students appearing in them.
• All submissions must be made electronically (as e-mail attachments), to the e-mail address provided below no later than June 15.
• The writer’s contact information must be provided with the article.
I look forward to reading your students’ work.
Sincerely,Jerry MeyersJerry Meyers, Features [email protected]
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4.4 using consumer, public, and workplace documents to explain a decision or situation or to solve a problemThe information you need to make decisions, handle situations, and solve problems can often be found in consumer, public, or workplace documents. For example, imagine that you are going on a class field trip to Washington, D.C. Use the preceding consumer, public, and workplace documents to tackle the following decisions, situations, and problems.
1. Use the notice from the airlines shown here and the product information tag on page R14 to determine whether you can use the Deluxe Carry-On manufactured by Student Traveler Luggage as your carry-on bag. Then share what you decide and explain how you reached your decision.
2. What would you do if the zipper on your Deluxe Carry-On broke just 3V weeks before your flight was scheduled to depart? To solve this problem, consult the warranty on page R14. Then explain your decision.
3. Review the consent form on page R15. What cannot happen if your parent or guardian chooses the second option on that contract?
4. Use the rules and regulations on page R15 to decide whether you would pack any of the following: a TV game station, torn jeans, a T-shirt printed with a controversial message that you use only as a pajama top. Share your decisions and your reasons for them.
5. Imagine that the letter on page R16 was sent to your teacher. Reread it to decide whether you would want to write an article for the paper. State your decision and note details from the letter that led you to make this choice.
model: airline regulations
CARRY-ON BAGGAGEFor travel worldwide on our airlines, you may carry on one bag and one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop computer. • Carry-on bag dimensions should not exceed 9˝ x 14˝ x 22˝ (length x
width x height) or 45 linear inches (the length, height, and width added together).
• A carry-on bag must fit under your seat or in an overhead bin.If your carry-on item cannot be safely stowed on a particular flight, the item will have to travel as checked baggage.
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R18 reading handbook
5 Reading Technical DirectionsTechnical directions are a type of procedural text, or text that explains how to do something. Specifically, technical directions are detailed instructions for assembling or operating a product, such as a cell phone. They often can be found in manuals that accompany electronic devices.
Because you need to be able to follow technical directions precisely and locate information within them quickly, you may find it helpful to learn the following strategies for reading technical directions.
Strategies for ReadingA Look at the heading to find out
the purpose of the document. B Scan the subheadings to see what
kinds of information are covered.C Examples may be provided to
help you with measurements or calculations.
D Numbers will show you the order in which steps should be followed or actions taken.
E As you read the steps, look for key terms, codes, or parts. These may be printed in capital letters to make them easier to spot.
F Study any diagrams closely, noticing labels that match terms, codes, or parts mentioned in the steps. Then review the steps to better visualize what you will need to do.
practice and apply
Refer to the technical directions to answer the following questions.
1. What must you do before entering your stride length into the pedometer?
2. Is any information missing from the directions? Do they contain any unnecessary information?
3. How helpful is the diagram to your understanding of the directions?
model: technical directions from an instruction manual
PEDOMETER INSTRUCTIONSSet Your Stride
1. Measure your stride length by walking 10 steps, then dividing the total distance by 10.
example: 20 ft ÷ 10 = 2 ft 00 in 2. Press the mode (A) button until
dist is displayed on the screen. 3. Press the set (B) button to enter
your stride length. Keep pressing until the correct value is displayed.
4. To enter a new value later, press reset (C) while the unit is in distance mode, then repeat step 3.
Set Your Weight 1. Press the mode (A) button until weight is displayed. 2. Press the set (B) button to enter your weight. Keep pressing until
the correct value is displayed.
3. To enter a new value later, press reset (C) while the unit is in weight mode, then repeat step 2.
Get Going 1. Clip the pedometer to your waist. 2. Press the mode (A) button until step is displayed. 3. Press reset (C) to reset the display to 0. 4. Close the case and start walking.
Review Your DataAfter exercise, press the mode (A) button until scan is displayed. The screen will show, in sequence:
• the number of steps taken
• the distance covered (in miles)
• the calories consumed (based on weight and distance)
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6 Reading Electronic Texts Electronic text is any text that is in a form that a computer can store and display
on a screen. Electronic text can be part of Web pages, CD-ROMs, search engines, and documents that you create with your computer software. Like books, Web pages often provide aids for finding information. However, each Web page is designed differently, and information is not in the same location on each page. It is important to know the functions of different parts of a Web page so that you can easily find the information you want.
Strategies for ReadingA Look at the title of a page to
determine what topics it covers.
B For an online source, such as a Web page or search engine, note the Web address, known as a URL (Universal Resource Locator). You may want to make a note of it in case you need to return to the page later.
C Look for a menu bar along the top, bottom, or side of a Web page. Clicking on an item in a menu bar will take you to another part of the Web site.
D Notice any hyperlinks to related pages. Hyperlinks are often underlined or highlighted in a contrasting color. You can click on a hyperlink to get to another page—one that may or may not have been created by the same person or organization.
E For information that you want to keep for future reference, save documents on your computer or print them. For online sources, you can pull down the Favorites or Bookmarks menu and bookmark pages so that you can easily return to them. Printing the pages you need will allow you to highlight key ideas on a hard copy.
practice and apply
1. What is the URL of this Web page?
2. Which hyperlinks would you click on to find further information about the photograph?
3. How could you find information about subscribing to National Geographic magazine?
model: web page
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R20 reading handbook
7 Reading Persuasive Texts7.1 analyzing an argument An argument expresses a position on an issue
or problem and supports it with reasons and evidence. Being able to analyze and evaluate arguments will help you distinguish between claims you should accept and those you should not. A sound argument should appeal strictly to reason. However, arguments are often used in texts that also contain other types of persuasive devices. An argument includes the following elements:
• A claim is the writer’s position on an issue or problem.
• Support is any material that serves to prove a claim. In an argument, support usually consists of reasons and evidence.
• Reasons are declarations made to justify an action, decision, or belief. For example: “My reason for walking so quickly is that I’m afraid I’ll be late for class.”
• Evidence consists of the specific references, quotations, facts, examples, and opinions that support a claim. Evidence may also consist of statistics, reports of personal experience, or the views of experts.
• A counterargument is an argument made to oppose another argument. A good argument anticipates the opposition’s objections and provides counterarguments to disprove or answer them.
Read the following book review and use a chart like the one shown to identify the claim, reason, evidence, and counterargument.
practice and apply
HatchetReviewed by Kristen Loos What would you do if you suddenly found yourself in the middle of a wilderness with no one else around and only a hatchet to help you survive? That’s what happens to Brian Robeson, a boy about my age, in Gary Paulsen’s book Hatchet. Even if this sounds like a situation you’ll never be in, Hatchet is worth reading for what it says about facing your fears. After his parents get a divorce, Brian heads up to northern Canada to spend the summer with his dad. But the pilot flying the airplane has a heart attack, and Brian is forced to crash-land it by himself. From then on, he has to handle everything by himself. From the beginning all the way to the end of the book, Brian faces big problems just to survive. He’s a city kid, so he’s used to opening up the refrigerator any time he wants to eat. Now, at the edge of the woods, he has to figure out things like how to be safe from wild animals and how to make a fire without matches. At first, he panics. He doesn’t even know what to drink or how to find and prepare food. Even so, he doesn’t give up. One of the things I like about the book is how Brian changes. At first, he hopes he will be rescued very soon. He thinks he can hold out for a few days until his parents or a search party finds him. Then, when a plane flies over without seeing him, he realizes that he is really on his own. He learns to make tools to fish and hunt with and to depend on himself for everything he needs. Some readers may not like the book because they think this is an unusual situation that most people will never have to face. I don’t agree, though, because I think the real message is not just about being lost in the wilderness, but about bravely dealing with whatever challenges we face in our lives.
I need a larger allowance.Claim
I don’t have enough money to pay for my school lunches, fees, and transportation.
I had to borrow money from my friend two weeks in a row to buy lunch.
My parents say I just need to budget my allowance better, but they don’t realize what my expenses are.
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The next paragraph introduces an editorial in which the writer uses the strawman method.
7.3 recognizing persuasive techniques Persuasive texts typically rely on more than
just the logical appeal of an argument to be convincing. They also rely on ethical and emotional appeals and other persuasive techniques—devices that can convince you to adopt a position or take an action.
Ethical appeals establish a writer’s credibility and trustworthiness with an audience. When a writer links a claim to to a widely accepted value, the writer not only gains moral support for that claim but also establishes himself or herself as a reputable, moral person readers can and should trust. For example, with the following appeal,
7.2 recognizing proposition and support patternsTo find an author’s claim, support, and counterarguments, it’s helpful to identify the author’s method for making his or her case. Here are two ways writers often make their cases:
• Proposition and Support The writer presents a proposition, which is a claim that recommends a policy, and two or three reasons for accepting the policy. For example, “Cigarette smoking should be banned in public places because it’s bad for people’s health and smelly.” Then the writer supports each reason with evidence.
• Strawman The writer presents a proposition. Instead of supporting it, though, he or she sums up the other side’s position and disproves it. Once that “strawman” has been defeated, the writer declares his or her proposition the best or only option.
Writers usually reveal how they are going to present their cases in the first few paragraphs of their work. Study the following paragraph to see how it signals that the argument to come will use a proposition and support pattern.
modelThe city should create bike lanes on
busy streets. Opponents of bike lanes will tell you that such lanes are a waste of money because drivers just ignore them, but that’s not true.
practice and apply
Now use the preceding models and instruction to help you identify the way in which the author of this next introduction plans to persuade her readers to adopt her proposition. Explain how you arrived at your conclusion.
model Have you wanted to ride your bike to school but been frightened off by the car traffic? If so, you’re not alone. The city should create bike lanes on busy streets because it would make cycling safer and easier.
Every neighborhood should have a community garden. If the people in our neighborhood all had the chance to grow their own fruits, flowers, and vegetables in side-by-side garden plots, they would eat better, feel better, and get along better. Of course, not everyone would participate, but those who did would reap the benefits!
I’m not going to spoil the book for you by saying how it ends or whether Brian gets rescued. Read it yourself for an exciting adventure and some good lessons about surviving in the wilderness. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
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R22 reading handbook
the writer reminds readers of a value they should accept and suggests that if they share this value, then they should support the writer’s position: “If you believe that all children deserve a good education, then vote for this legislation.”
The chart shown here explains several other means by which a writer may attempt to sway you. Learn to recognize these techniques, and you are less likely to be influenced by them.
Sometimes persuasive techniques are misused to create rhetorical fallacies. A rhetorical fallacy is writing or speech that is false or misleading. For example, an athlete who endorses a line of athletic shoes would be misleading the public if he or she wears a different kind of shoe in competitions.
7.4 analyzing logic and reasoningWhile persuasive techniques may sway you to side with a writer, they should not be enough to convince you that an argument is sound. To determine the soundness of an argument, examine the argument’s claim and support and the logic or reasoning that links them. Identifying the writer’s mode of reasoning can help.
The Inductive Mode of ReasoningWhen a person uses specific evidence to arrive at a generalization, that person is using inductive reasoning. Similarly, when a writer presents specific evidence first and then offers a generalization drawn from that evidence, the writer is making an inductive argument. Here is an example of inductive reasoning.
Fact 1 Wind and water wear away rocks over time.
Fact 2 Earthquakes and volcanoes create immediate and drastic changes in the land.
Fact 3 The slow movement of the continents and spreading of the sea floor create new landforms.
Natural forces continually change the surface of the earth.
Strategies for Determining the Soundness of Inductive Arguments Ask yourself the following questions to evaluate
an inductive argument:• Is the evidence valid and sufficient support
for the conclusion? Inaccurate facts lead to inaccurate conclusions.
practice and apply
Identify the persuasive techniques used in this model.
A Dry Future? One of the most talked-about books published this year is Glass Half Empty. This informative book paints a frightening picture of our dwindling water resources. In the next few decades, fresh drinking water may become more expensive and harder to find than gasoline! The author warns that competition for water will
Persuasive Technique ExampleBandwagon appealTaps into people’s desire to belong.
Join the millions of health-conscious people who drink Wonder Water!
TestimonialRelies on endorsements from well-known people or satisfied customers
Send your game over the top with Macon Ace—the racket designed and used by tennis legend Sonja Macon.
Snob appealTaps into people’s desire to be special or part of an elite group
The best deserve only the best—you deserve Beautiful Bubbles bath soap.
Appeals to pity, fear, or vanityUse strong feelings, rather than facts, to persuade
Why go unnoticed when Pretty Face can make you the center of attention?
cause nations to go to war with each other. Over 40 scientists have spoken in praise of the book. If you care about the planet, rush out and get a copy of Glass Half Empty.
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• Does the conclusion follow logically from the evidence? From the facts listed, the conclusion that Earth’s core as well as its surface are constantly changing would be too broad.
• Is the evidence drawn from a large enough sample? These three facts are enough to support the claim. If you wanted to claim that these are the only forces that cause change, you would need more facts.
The Deductive Mode of Reasoning When a person uses a premise, or general principle,
to form a conclusion about a particular situation or problem, that person is using deductive reasoning. For example,
Premise, or general principle
The situation being observed or considered
Conclusion (also considerd a deduction)
To drive a car well, all drivers must give driving their complete attention.
Talking on a cell phone takes some of a person’s
Drivers shouldn’t talk on cell phones while driving.
Similarly, a writer is making a deductive argument when he or she begins the argument with a claim that is based on a premise and then presents evidence to support the claim. For example, a writer might begin a deductive argument with the claim “Drivers should not talk on cell phones while they are driving.”
Strategies for Determining the Soundness of Deductive Arguments Ask yourself the following questions to evaluate
a deductive argument:
• Is the premise actually stated, or is it implied? Writers often present deductive arguments without stating the premises. They just assume that readers will recognize and agree with the premises. So you may want to identify the premise for yourself.
• Is the premise correct? Don’t assume it is true. Ask yourself whether it is really true.
• Is the conclusion valid? To be valid, a conclusion in a deductive argument must follow logically from the premise and the specific situation.
The following chart shows two conclusions drawn from the same premise.
All spiders have eight legs.
Accurate Deduction Inaccurate Deduction
The black widow is a spider, therefore it has eight legs.
An octopus has eight legs, therefore it is a spider.
An octopus has eight legs, but it belongs to a different category of animals than the spider.
Now, as you read the following model, pay attention to how the author arrives at her conclusion.
The other day when I was waiting at the stoplight on my bike, I noticed that the car in front of me was in the right lane and had its right turn signal on. Wouldn’t you have assumed, just like I did, that the driver was going to turn right? Well, I was wrong, and you probably would’ve been, too. As soon as the light turned green, the car swerved across two lanes and turned left. Then there was the surprise birthday party the neighborhood kids and I had for one of our friends. We’d managed to keep it a secret, so we all expected her to be really surprised and pleased. Instead, she was upset and embarrassed because she wasn’t dressed properly for a party. It’s dangerous to make assumptions about how other people will act. I’ve learned that the hard way!
practice and apply
Refer to the preceding model and instruction to do the following:
1. Identify the mode of reasoning used in the model.
2. In your own words, explain the difference between inductively and deductively organizing ideas.
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R24 reading handbook
Identifying Faulty Reasoning Sometimes an argument at first appears to make sense but isn’t valid because
it is based on a fallacy. A fallacy is an error in logic. Learn to recognize these common fallacies.
type of fallacy definition exampleCircular reasoning Supporting a statement by simply repeating it
in different wordsMy mother is always busy because she has too much to do.
Either/or fallacy A statement that suggests that there are only two choices available in a situation that really offers more than two options
Either I grow two inches this summer or I’ll never make any friends at my new school.
Oversimplification An explanation of a complex situation or problem as if it were much simpler than it is
All you have to do to get good grades is listen carefully in class.
Overgeneralization A generalization that is too broad. You can often recognize overgeneralizations by the use of words such as all, everyone, every time, anything, no one, and none.
Nobody has as many chores as I do.
Hasty generalization A conclusion drawn from too little evidence or from evidence that is biased
I sneezed after taking a bite of the salad, so I must be allergic to something in it.
Stereotyping A dangerous type of overgeneralization. Stereotypes are broad statements about people on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, race, or political, social, professional, or religious group.
Artists are emotional and hard to get along with.
Attacking the person or name-calling
An attempt to discredit an idea by attacking the person or group associated with it. Candidates often engage in name-calling during political campaigns.
The senator only supports this bill because he is corrupt.
Evading the issue Responding to an objection with arguments and evidence that do not address its central point
I forgot to get the milk, but dairy products are hard to digest anyway.
False cause The mistake of assuming that because one event occurred after another event, the first event caused the second one to occur
It rained this afternoon because I left my umbrella at home.
Non sequitur A conclusion that does not follow logically from the “proof” offered to support it
Mrs. Lewis will make Steve the baseball team captain. He is already the captain of the volleyball team.
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7.5 evaluating persuasive texts Learning how to evaluate persuasive texts and
identify bias will help you become more selective when doing research and also help you improve your own reasoning and arguing skills.
Strategies for Identifying BiasBias is an inclination for or against a particular opinion or viewpoint. A writer may reveal a strongly positive or negative bias on an issue by
• presenting only one way of looking at it• overlooking key information• stacking more evidence on one side of the
argument than the other• using unfairly weighted evidence, which is weak
or unproven evidence that a writer treats as if it is more important than it really is
• using loaded language, which consists of words with strongly positive or negative connotations
EXAMPLE: At the Village Star, we bring you up-to-the-minute news. That’s why so many people read our paper. (Someone who works for the paper is making the claim. Up-to-the-minute has very positive connotations. The writer also fails to mention important information: the paper is free.)
Strategies for Identifying PropagandaPropaganda is any form of communication that is so distorted that it conveys false or misleading
information. Logical fallacies such as name-calling, the either/or fallacy, and false causes are often used in propaganda. The following example shows false cause. The writer uses one fact to support a particular point of view but does not reveal another fact that does not support that viewpoint.
EXAMPLE: Since Jack Carter was elected mayor, unemployment has decreased by 25%. (The writer does not mention that it was the previous mayor, not Jack Carter, who was responsible for bringing in the new factory that provides the extra jobs.)
For more information on logical fallacies, see Identifying Faulty Reasoning, page R24.
Strategies for Evaluating Evidence It is important to have a set of standards by
which you can evaluate persuasive texts. Use the questions below to help you critically assess facts and opinions that are presented as evidence.
• Are the presented facts verifiable? A fact, or factual claim, is a statement that can be proved by consulting a reliable source or doing research.
• Are the presented opinions and commonplace assertions well informed? An opinion is a statement of personal belief, feeling, or thought that does not require proof. A commonplace assertion is a statement that many people assume to be true but isn’t necessarily so. When evaluating either type of statement, consider whether the author is knowledgeable about the topic and uses sound reasoning.
• Is the evidence thorough and balanced? Thorough evidence leaves no reasonable questions unanswered. Be alert to evidence that is weighted unfairly and contains loaded language or other signs of bias.
• Is the evidence authoritative? The people, groups, or organizations that provided the evidence should have credentials that support their authority.
• Is it important that the evidence be current? Where timeliness is crucial, as in the areas of medicine and technology, the evidence should reflect the latest developments in the areas.
practice and apply
Look for examples of logical fallacies in the following argument. Identify each one and explain why you identified it as such.
Store clerks are so rude. A cashier was impatient with me in the supermarket the other day because I bought too much yogurt. They must train the employees to treat customers that way so more people will use the self-checkout lines. I need to budget more money for groceries.
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R26 reading handbook
practice and apply
Read the argument below. Identify the facts, opinions, and elements of bias.
Ultra Bars are the tastiest and most efficient way to get your daily requirement of important nutrients. Our bodies need a well-balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements to function most effectively and make us feel our best. The ingredients in Ultra Bars have been chosen in the perfect proportion to ensure you get the maximum benefit. Best of all, they taste terrific. And they aren’t just for athletes—ordinary people should carry these bars with them, too, for a quick boost throughout the day!
Strategies for Determining a Strong Argument Make sure that all or most of the following
statements are true:• The argument presents a claim or thesis.• The claim is connected to its support by a premise
or generalization that most readers would readily agree with. Correct premise: Doing your best will bring you personal pride. Incorrect premise: Doing your best will bring you success.
• The reasons make sense.• The reasons are presented in a logical and
effective order.• The claim and all reasons are adequately
supported by sound evidence.• The evidence is adequate, accurate, and
appropriate.• The logic is sound. There are no instances of
faulty reasoning.• The argument adequately anticipates and
addresses readers’ concerns and counterclaims with counterarguments.
practice and apply
Use the preceding criteria to evaluate the strength of the following proposal.
modelSummary of Proposal I propose that the city government create a park on the unused plot of land at the edge of town.Need We must preserve the natural beauty of the area for all to appreciate and enjoy.Proposed Solution The five-acre plot of land on the south side of town is now being considered for improvement. Some people want to sell the land to a building developer. They say that doing this would be profitable for the town and also provide good housing for new residents. It’s true that the town could make money by developing the land. A park could also be a source of income, however. The park would generate income in a number of ways. It could charge a small admission fee for summer concerts and other events. It also could lease the space to neighboring communities for their gatherings and to local food concessions and special-interest groups. The cost of creating and maintaining a park is less than what it would bring in. Community groups already have agreed to donate plants, provide volunteers to landscape and take care of the grounds, create gazebos, and install benches, water fountains, and trashcans. Without a park, we can’t ensure the safety and health of our residents. It would have playgrounds and areas to bike, skate, picnic, and walk or jog. Unlike commercial and even residential buildings, parks do not encourage vandalism and graffiti. The chief of police has confirmed that parks are easier to supervise, too, because it isn’t as hard to police them. No one who cares about our community could fail to see how important it is to create this park.
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reading handbook R27
8 Adjusting Reading Rate to Purpose You may need to change the way you read certain
texts in order to understand what you read. To adjust the way you read, you first need to be aware of what you want to get out of the text. Then you can adjust the speed at which you read in response to your purpose and the difficulty of the material.
Determine Your Purpose for Reading You read different types of materials for different
purposes. You may read a novel for enjoyment. You may read a textbook unit to learn a new concept or to master the content for a test. When you read for enjoyment, you naturally read at a pace that is comfortable for you. When you read for information, you need to read more slowly and thoroughly. When you are being tested on material, you may think you have to read fast, especially if the test is being timed. However, you can actually increase your understanding of the material if you slow down.
Determine Your Reading Rate The rate at which you read most comfortably
is called your independent reading level. It is the rate that you use to read materials that you enjoy. To learn to adjust your reading rate to read materials for other purposes, you need to be aware of your independent reading level. You can figure out your reading level by following these steps:
1. Select a passage from a book or story you enjoy. 2. Have a friend or classmate time you as you
begin reading the passage silently. 3. Read at the rate that is most comfortable for you. 4. Stop when your friend or classmate tells you
one minute has passed. 5. Determine the number of words you read in
that minute and write down the number. 6. Repeat the process at least two more times,
using different passages. 7. Add the numbers and divide the sum by the
number of times your friend timed you.
Reading Techniques for Informational Material You can use the following techniques to adapt
your reading for informational texts, to prepare for tests, and to better understand what you read:
• Skimming is reading quickly to get the general idea of a text. To skim, read only the title, headings, graphic aids, highlighted words, and first sentence of each paragraph. Also, read any introduction, conclusion, or summary. Skimming can be especially useful when taking a test. Before reading a passage, you can skim the questions that follow it in order to find out what is expected. This will help you focus on the important ideas in the text.
When researching a topic, skimming can help you decide whether a source has information related to your topic. This will save time.
• Scanning is reading quickly to find a specific piece of information, such as a fact or a definition. When you scan, your eyes sweep across a page, looking for key words that may lead you to the information you want. Use scanning to review for tests and to find answers to questions.
• Changing pace is speeding up or slowing down the rate at which you read parts of a particular text. When you come across explanations of familiar concepts, you might be able to speed up without misunderstanding them. When you encounter unfamiliar concepts or material presented in an unpredictable way, however, you may need to slow down to understand the information.
Reading too slowly can affect your ability to understand what you read. Make sure you aren’t just reading one word at a time. Practice reading phrases.
practice and apply
Find an article in a magazine or textbook. Skim the article. Then answer the following questions:
1. What did you notice about the organization of the article from skimming it?
2. What is the main idea of the article?
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