Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
What is the writer’s perspective? Does he/she write from an outsider’s or insider’s
perspective?
What relevant information is excluded from the text?
Do you agree with the writer?
Is the writer objective and accurate?
How would you describe the tone of the writer?
Does the text challenge your own values and beliefs?
Does the text contain fallacies? What are those?
Are the assumptions made by the writer?
Does the writer oversimplify complex ideas?
Does the writer use reasonable generalizations and inferences?
Hypertext vs. Intertext
An intertext refers to a work whose meaning is shaped by referencing or calling to mind other
texts. Basically, other texts help add meaning to the current text. The reader gets to understand
the context of the piece through other texts which parallel it in terms of plot, characters, premise,
and the like. In an interxtual work, the context is not given immediately; only through the wealth
of previous knowledge and experience of further research will be the reader be able to
understand the text. It can occur in either online or printed media, but it is not limited to
literature; it spans other media such as movies, songs, and the like.
On the other hand, a work set in hypertext is characterized by the external links embedded in a
text by the writer. In a hypertext, the reader can read the text in a non-linear way, because he is
led to other links outside the main text. A work in hypertext also enables the reader to arrive at
the intended interpretation, because he is led to where the author exactly wants him to go. The
context is taken through the links or commentaries directly connected to the text being read (i.e.,
definitions of some terms, explanations of certain phenomena mentioned, direction to the next
part of the plot, etc.). It is given directly, since the author has already provided the links and
explanations to the reader. In an online medium, a hypertext is evident through the embedded
links of the author while in printed media, it is seen as the commentaries and footnotes in the
margins.
Types of Claims
When reading texts critically, it is imperative that you identify the type of claims, or the
approach to the topic, to see the main argument. Although we focus on critical reading, it is
useful to note that these claims may also be used when you write your own paper.
To identify the claims, focus on the first and last sentences of a paragraph. The details in each
paragraph will also guide you as to whether a text supports or opposes a certain claim or
argument. Take note of the transitional devices used. The three general types of claims are claim
of fact, claim of policy and claim of value.
Logical Fallacies
Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that invalidate an argument. As a critical reader, you
have to identify and examine fallacies and manipulative language found in the text. It is therefore
important that you know what some of the common fallacies are.