something that is essential, basic, or foundational

a core principle, concept, or element upon which more complex ideas or systems are built.

the process of visually interpreting written or printed symbols to understand the meaning of a text.

involves decoding the written words and comprehending the information, ideas, and messages conveyed by the text

are written materials that are created for educational or scholarly purposes within an academic context.

typically produced by experts, résearchers, scholars, and professionals in various fields.

It is typically created for an academic audience and is characterized by its use of specialized terminology, rigorous research, and logical organization.

it is a pathway to understanding the world around us and the accumulated wisdom of humanity.

allowing individuals to access academic content, textbooks, and reference materials.

exposes individuals to diverse vocabulary, phrases, and expressions

it challenges the brain to process and interpret complex information.

encourages creative imagination beyond boundaries.

transport readers to new worlds and experiences by engaging stories, mysteries, and fantasies.

enhances memory skills and cognitive functioning.

provides an escape from daily pressures and stress, it also offers moments of relaxation and mental rejuvenation.

enhance written and verbal communication abilities.

empowers individuals to make informed decisions, engage in discussions, and participate actively in society.

capture the essence of cultures and historical periods, preserving them for future generations (literary works).

learn to assess arguments, identify bias, and evaluate the credibility of sources through critical evaluation of information.

reading academic journals, reports, and industry-related publications keeps individuals updated on advancements and trends.

allows individuals to share experiences through discussions, and fostering social connections.

can offer encouragement, motivation, and guidance for personal and professional pursuits (inspirational books and biographies)

encourages continuous learning, curiosity, and intellectual exploration.

thought-provoking texts, self-help books, and philosophical can lead to introspection, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of oneself.

provides insights into different time periods and societies, connecting their cultural heritage

exposes perspectives, cultures, and experiences to foster empathy, broadens understanding, and promotes

Importance of Academic Texts

is a linguistic device used in writing and speech to indicate uncertainty, caution, or a degree of tentativeness in the statement being made.

allowing writers to convey their thoughts and ideas with appropriate caution and respect for the complexity of the subject matter.

may, might, can, could, would, should

express possibility, probability, necessity, obligation, or permission

seems, appears, assume, believe, suggest, so on.

express subjective judgments, perceptions, or the speaker's point of view about a situation or level of uncertainty.

somewhat, partially, to some extent, perhaps,likely, presumably, possible

suggest a degree of uncertainty

Underlining, highlighting, or taking notes on important information, unfamiliar terms, and key concepts.

Reading the text attentively, focusing on understanding the main ideas, arguments, and key points.

Going back to parts of the text that were unclear during the initial reading.

Stages of Reading

Pre-Reading

Quickly reading the text to get an overview of its main ideas, headings, and structure.l

Reading the title, headings, subheadings, and any introductory paragraphs to understand the topic and organization.

Initial Reading/During Reading

After Reading

Reading the text attentively, focusing on understanding the main ideas, arguments, and key points.

Underlining, highlighting, or taking notes on important information, unfamiliar terms, and key concepts.

Going back to parts of the text that were unclear during the initial.

Identifying and understanding specialized terminology that might be essential for comprehension.

Recognizing the organization of the text, such as introduction, body, and conclusion.

Evaluating the author's reasoning, evidence, and logic.

Assessing the credibility and reliability of the sources cited in the text.

Drawing conclusions based on the text's content and context.

Relating the text's concepts to your existing knowledge and experiences.

Formulating questions to deepen your understanding or challenge the content.

Creating concise summaries of the text's main ideas and arguments.

Rewriting sections of the text in your own words to reinforce understanding.

Documenting key quotes, examples, and references for future use.

The current text to other readings or sources you have encountered

Incorporating the text's concepts into your own knowledge framework.

Going over your annotations, summaries, and key points to reinforce memory.

Recollecting the main ideas and central arguments without referring to the text.

Considering your reactions, opinions, and insights in response to the text.

SQ3R

Before reading, quickly scan the entire text, including headings, subheadings, captions, and any visual aids. Get a sense of the overall structure, main topics, and key points of the text.

Formulate questions based on the headings, subheadings, and any other cues you gathered during the survey. •Create questions that address the main ideas, purpose of the text, and any specific points you want to understand.

Read the text actively and attentively, focusing on understanding the main ideas, arguments, and supporting details. •Take notes, highlight important information, and annotate the text as you go.

After reading a section or chunk of text, pause and try to summarize what you've just read in your own words. •Answer the questions you formulated earlier based on your understanding of the text.

Once you have finished reading the entire text, review your notes, summaries, and annotations. •Reflect on the main ideas, key points, and any insights you gained from the text.

KWL STRATEGY

Before reading, students list what they already know about the topic. This helps activate their prior knowledge and provides a foundation for understanding new information. •Students share their existing knowledge with the class or in a group discussion.

Students identify questions they have or things they want to learn more about regarding the topic. This helps set a purpose for reading and guides their focus. •These questions can be about specific details, concepts, or aspects of the topic that are not yet clear.

After reading, students summarize and reflect on what they have learned from the text. •They compare their new knowledge to what they knew before and address the questions they had in the "Want to Know" section.

aids in language acquisition, helping to reinforce grammar, syntax, and language patterns.

help maintain a level of objectivity and open-mindedness while acknowledging the limitations of the information or knowledge being conveyed.

Some examples of Hedging Expressions

Critical Reading Strategies