A Guide to Reading

1. Identify the author's point of view.
What is the frame or reference and how does he/she view the subject? These may be implied rather than plainly stated.

2. Identify the author's major hypothesis.

3. What are the most important pieces of evidence (documents, studies, photographs, observations, etc.) the author has used to substantiate the hypothesis?

4. Examine the whole structure of the book or article: Have you identified the major hypotheses and supporting evidence? Are there too many hypotheses for adequate or convincing treatment? Are some hypotheses asserted rather than supported? Is there coherence in the sequence of hypotheses and in their support?

5. Analyze the quality of the evidence offered in support of the author's hypotheses: Are you satisfied that the evidence is used convincingly? Are the sources of information important and extensive?

6. Is the author's point of view toward the topic appropriate? Be sure you are reviewing the work the author wrote, not the one you would have liked him or her to write or the one you would have written.

7. Do you think you will be able to find other works on a similar or related topic? Are there indications that the work may be unique?

8. Based on your earlier considerations, evaluate the work in terms of the number and appropriateness of the hypotheses and in terms of the author's use of supporting evidence. Does the author present a convincing argument?

9. If possible, compare the work to similar works you have read or that you are familiar with. You may also be able to draw upon your own background to make an evaluation.

10. Do you recommend this book or article to your readers (your classmates, teacher)? Why? Why not? Is the work readable and intellectually satisfying? Memorable?

 

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