Recommended
More Related Content
What's hot
What's hot (20)
Similar to Chapter 5 ambiguity
Similar to Chapter 5 ambiguity (20)
Recently uploaded
Recently uploaded (20)
Chapter 5 ambiguity
- 1. Asking the Right Questions Chapter 5 What Words or Phrases are Ambiguous
- 2. HELPFUL WEBSITE FOR CHAPTER 5 http://critical-readings.blogspot.com/2010/10/guide-to-critical-reading-what-words-or.html
- 3. What does the word ambiguous mean? • A term or phrase is ambiguous when its meaning is unclear • It is the existence of multiple meanings of a word or phrase
- 4. Tourism is getting out of control. Tourism can be good for the economy, but it can also harm the locale and its residents. We need to do more to regulate tourism. If we keep allowing these people to do whatever they please, surely we as residents will suffer.
- 5. The Confusing Flexibility of Words • The English language is very complicated • Words can have multiple meanings in different context
- 6. Examples of Ambiguous Terms • Freedom, patriotism, obscenity, rich, poor, etc
- 7. Checking for Ambiguity • Do I understand the meaning ?
- 8. OURBRAND SLEEP AID: WORKS GREAT IN JUST 30 MIN!!! WHAT IS THE AMBIGUOUS TERM/PHRASE? Issue: What sleep aid should you buy? Conclusion (implied): Buy OurBrand Sleep Aid
- 9. No-Pain is the extra strength pain reliever How to find and keep a good man
- 10. Determining Ambiguity • Remember to begin by identifying the issue, conclusion, and reasons.
- 11. example • We absolutely must put limits on tanning. Tanning is a substantial health risk with severe consequences. Studies have shown that those who tan are at a higher risk of skin diseases as a result of tanning.
- 13. Context!!!! • Look at the writer’s background • Look at traditional uses of the term within the controversy • Look at the words or phrases around the possible ambiguity
- 14. Example: Let’s say you found the words “human rights” in an essay • You should automatically think what rights are those.
- 15. Her Definition of human rights • Her definition of human rights would differ from ours. • She had in mind: to be employed, receive free health care, and obtain adequate housing.
- 16. example • The amusement park has given great satisfaction to most of its customers. More than half of the people surveyed agreed that the park had a wide variety of games and rides and that they would return to the park soon.
- 17. Ambiguity, Definitions, and the Dictionary • The meaning of terms should come in three forms: Synonyms, examples, or definition by specific criteria • Ex. Anxiety feeling nervous, the candidate is nervous, or it is when a feeling of discomfort and increased sensitivity of the nervous system
- 18. Using a Dictionary • Definitions are not always helpful when clearing up ambiguity
- 19. example • The quality of education at this university is not declining. In my interviews, I found that an overwhelming majority of the students and instructors who responded saw no decline in the quality of education here.
- 20. When looking up “quality” in the dictionary. . . • It shows excellence or superiority • These are synonyms that, unfortunately, lead us to uncertainty • You must go back to searching the author’s background
- 21. Ambiguity and Loaded Language • Certain words/phrases have strong emotional meanings • They are used to pull you in • Loaded language is usually ambiguous • Be aware-it is appealing to your emotions
- 22. A Few Examples. . . • Which do you believe is a greater threat to society: global warming or climate change? • Would you be more likely to vote for tax relief rather than a tax cut? • Would you be more willing to vote for the reduction of death taxes than estate taxes?
- 23. Limits • You cannot catch or correct all ambiguity • If we have searched and asked critical questions and still have questions, we must set aside the argument
- 24. Ambiguity in your writing • Avoid ambiguity in your reasoning • Carefully define terms for your audience • Provide specific examples • Never assume your audience knows