Smart Reading
Be curious. You’ll never be at a loss for ideas if you learn to read the world critically. Critically does not mean finding fault with everything but rather letting nothing you experience breeze by without scrutiny (How To 319).
1. Test facts, examples, statistics and authorities for believability.
a. Facts are statements that can be proved objectively to be true. Believability of facts depends on
1. their accuracy. They should not distort or misrepresent reality.
2. their completeness. They should not omit important details.
3. the trustworthiness of their sources. Sources should be qualified and unbiased.
b. Examples and anecdotes may or may not make you believe a general statement. They should be
1. representative (truly typical) and
2. specific (true to life because of details).
Even if a vivid example or gripping anecdote does not convince readers, it usually strengthens argumentative writing by clarifying the meaning and dramatizing the point.
c. Statistics are numerical data. Believability depends on
1. the comparability of the data (prices of apples in 1985 and 2010--adjusted to account for inflation)
2. the way the data was gathered and analyzed
3. the trustworthiness of the sources.
2. Test for consistency and completeness. Ask
a. Are any of the reasons and support contradictory?
b. Do they provide sufficient grounds for accepting the thesis?
c. Does the writer fail to counter argue (to acknowledge, accommodate, or refute any opposing arguments or important objections)?
3. Recognize emotional manipulation. Why would writers try to arouse emotions in their readers?
a. Excite their interest.
b. Make them care.
c. Move them to take action.
There is nothing wrong with appealing to readers’ emotions.
What is wrong: manipulating readers with false or exaggerated appeals. Be suspicious of writing that
a. is overly sentimental
b. cites alarming statistics and frightening anecdotes
c. demonizes others
d. identifies itself with revered authorities
e. uses potent symbols (for example, the American flag)
f. uses emotionally loaded words (racist)
Checklist:
a. Mark places in text where you sense emotional appeals are being used.
b. Assess whether they are unfairly manipulative.
4. Judge the writer’s credibility.
a. Test for knowledge.
1. Are the facts accurate?
2. Are the sources reliable?
3. Is the understanding sufficient?
You may need to research to see what others say about the subject. Check the credentials--the writer’s educational and professional qualifications, the respectability of the publication, and reviews of the writer’s work.
b. Test for common ground. Why would writers want readers to feel that they are on common ground with them? (They want to persuade you that you are on the same team.)
1. Writers base reasoning on shared values, beliefs, and attitudes.
2. They use inclusive language (we).
3. They qualify assertions to keep them from seeming too extreme.
4. They acknowledge differences of opinion.
Is it wrong for writers to convince readers that they have common ground?
c. Test for fairness. Writers reveal their character by how they handle opposing arguments and objections to their argument.
1. Pay particular attention to how writers treat possible differences of opinion.
2. Be suspicious of those who ignore differences and pretend that everyone agrees with their viewpoints.
3. When objections or opposing views are represented, consider whether they have been distorted in any way. ( example: quotations taken out of context)
4. If the writer refutes an opposing opinion, be sure they are challenged fairly--with sound reasoning and solid support (The St. Martins Guide to Writing, 605-08).
What type of fallacy might a disreputable writer use at this point?
Don’t be a gullible reader. Think about what you read. Question it. Don’t accept it just because it’s printed in a book or posted on the screen. Be an analytical reader; be a smart reader.