In chapter two “Responding Critically to Sources”, Dorothy Seyler (Read, Reason, Write) lists the traits of the critical thinker as a step for the readers to check the rhetorical context and analyze the style. After the analysis, they are able to respond critically about the sources through writing and verbal communication. The word critical throughout this chapter means to evaluate carefully. Seyler describes that a critical thinker is someone “who reads actively, who thinks about issues, and who makes informed judgments”. To be a critical thinker, the reader must look at the facts for its relevancy to the issue. Being open-minded and creative does not mean that every point of view is covered. The reader is skeptical as he/she searches for the evidence and the reasons that the author used the persuasive strategies.
Seyler…show more content… Besides word choice and tone, readers also examine the level of diction, sentence structure, metaphor, and quotations. Using “The Gettysburg Address” for an example, the writer says that Lincoln’s word choice is formal and abstract, and most of the sentences are either complex or compound-complex sentences. When doing an analysis, readers must understand what the main idea is and how it can direct meaning or emotions toward the audience. Readers will evaluate and find the top three techniques. Examples for each technique should illustrate how it helps the main point stands out. Seyler also goes over how to analyze when there are two or more sources. To begin, readers should compare the context of each source as well as read actively. Then after reading, analyze for differences, while focusing on the contrast. Lastly, organize it and then discuss the points of difference for each
