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I am interested in knowing any tips about reading critically, particularly in terms of readings about history. For example, say I read a journal article written by person X on the French Revolution. The author has some point to make and argues it somewhat effectively. I just read an article on how to read critically. I'm wondering if anyone has any boilerplate questions that I can configure in my mind and apply to just about any work.If not, perhaps we can make up some boilerplate questions. For example:
- What are the weaknesses of the author's approach to his conclusion?
- Did the author merely make a conclusion which spit two established "extreme" conclusions?
Can anyone think of any other questions that begin an analysis of a work on the fly?
Yeah, but I don't know how far that one would go….or in other words, that may be a bit too broad of a question. Maybe if we could narrow it down to something more specific. Here's another way to look at it. Say you have to give a short presentation on a topic you've only read about once and then have to give some discussion questions (ok so this is based on a real life scenario that could potentially happen to me). Worst case scenario says that I haven't prepared these discussion questions in advance. What are some questions that I could raise without sounding like they're too generic?I know - or I "feel" - that there is some structure that may be created to help me craft these kinds of questions. Once I have this structure down I'll be able to think intelligently on the fly. I'll have to put my brain to this one....maybe get back to this thread sometime later with some answers. :-
? Read with this in mind. Again ….. ? Whom said so? Research is just a word. Dig into the really old documents, and then question the veracity of same. Reading is step one; believing is a lot longer journey. Does Brittany really need custody of two small children? Why does the chicken cross the road?You may be involved in this critical research, so consider you thoughts carefully.
Yeah, but I don't know how far that one would go....or in other words, that may be a bit too broad of a question. Maybe if we could narrow it down to something more specific. Here's another way to look at it. Say you have to give a short presentation on a topic you've only read about once and then have to give some discussion questions (ok so this is based on a real life scenario that could potentially happen to me). Worst case scenario says that I haven't prepared these discussion questions in advance. What are some questions that I could raise without sounding like they're too generic?I know - or I "feel" - that there is some structure that may be created to help me craft these kinds of questions. Once I have this structure down I'll be able to think intelligently on the fly. I'll have to put my brain to this one....maybe get back to this thread sometime later with some answers. :-
To be more serious, your query can be applied to listening.Anyone can step up and talk to an audience, but can the audience listen? If you are paying for it, you should listen. If cash is not leaving your wallet, you should listen.Were your listening? I will bet you were not! Start paying attention. This is a short lesson about listening. 1. Identify and ignore appearances - the speaker might be fat with a purple necktie, or a dress that is way too short. Ignore the bacon stain on his tie, and any other factor that deflects your attention from the speakers address.2. Pay attention - once you have realized the faults associatiated with the above mistakes, you are good to go!Listening will be easy!I normally charge big bucks for these lectures, but today, you are getting a free lesson !But don't feel badly; I too could never think on the fly, so your check will be forward to Tobasco, as state in Mexico, to feed homeless tortillas.
