The document provides guidance on how to critically read essays, including establishing context about the author and intended audience, identifying the organizational strategy used such as narration or comparison, and how to annotate including marking memorable statements, questions, and analyzing the writer's topic, thesis, and effectiveness. Readers are advised to read selections at least twice, noting different things during initial and second readings such as key terms and questions.

1. In your journal, write down your thoughts
about and impression of the above photo.

2. READING
CRITICALLY

3. ESTABLISHING
CONTEXT
Essay Topic
Author’s background & reputation
Original publication
Intended audience
Prior knowledge

4. IDENTIFYING
ORGANIZATIONAL
STRATEGY
Narration Telling a story or giving an account
of an event
Description Presenting a picture in words
Illustration Using examples to explain a point
or idea
Process Analysis Explaining how something happens
or is done
Comparison/Contrast Demonstrating likenesses and
differences
Division/Classification Breaking down a subject into parts
and placing them in categories
Definition Explaining what something is
Cause/Effect Explaining the causes of an event
or the effects of an action
Argumentation Using reason and logic to persuade

5. READ, AND REREAD.
Always read a selection at least twice,
regardless of length and level of difficulty
What are you looking for in the:
• Initial Reading?
• Second Reading?

6. WHAT TO ANNOTATE
Memorable statements or key points
Key terms or concepts
Central issues or themes
Examples that support a major point
Unfamiliar words
Questions
Responses

7. ANALYZING AND
EVALUATING
What is the writer’s topic?
What is the writer’s thesis?
What is the writer’s purpose?
What strategy or strategies are used and how/where?
Does the strategy suit the purpose?
How effective is the essay?

8. Annotation
Example