Week 9
Today, we discussed the topic of how bias can be found in written works. I also provided you with many examples of this can be found in the news that we read today. Although bias is really only meant for the editorials of the news it has been presented, on many occasions, as news. Remember to carefully review what you read. Is something that is stated based on a fact or is it just an opinion?
Think critically, at all times, about both sides of a given argument/position.
One of our reading exercises today discussed the topic of gun control; a hot button issue in present day America. A little over a year ago, I became aware of this fight between a CNN anchor and his guest. I want you to watch this and to consider the positions that both of them are taking.
Ask yourselves one question: Is this a debate or a fight?
Although our class is not one that focuses on the elements of effective argumentation or the manners of handling a conflict of ideas, I believe that you can utilize a basic understanding of how to argue effectively and apply it to both reading comprehension and your writing!
The key point I made in class is that you want to present both sides of a given topic: not just the one you are in favor of. Even if you disagree with the other side of a given topic. Rather, open your thoughts and ears to the other perspective.
It takes a really mature individual to accept that the other side exists while also providing solutions that lead to a common ground. As far as I am concerned, neither of the two in the video you will watch below have this capacity.
Don't accept statements as facts!!!
Enjoy!
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Week 8
Our focus this week in the reading material was identifying bias. Now when we read nonfiction prose, authors may be bias in regards to many things including their views, thoughts, beliefs, and responses. There are many forms of this in our daily lives as well.
I mentioned a video that, in my opinion, presents 2 very clear types of bias. On the one hand, you have the way that Fox News is alleged to have performed their journalism and its affects on its American viewers. However, on the other hand, you have the view that is trickier to see even though we are looking through that view. That is the very bias of the ones who made this video.
Remember, class, it is important to think critically at all times; not just when reading a passage in an academic setting but in our daily lives. Do not just believe what you are shown or told without doing a bit of independent research.
Assignment:
The assignment was simple. I wanted you to list out 5 forms of bias you found in this video. Take any notes you wish and we can discuss it in class.
Remember that the use of this video is to analyze bias in a media form --- not scrutinize anyone's political standpoints.
Enjoy.
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Week 5
Over the past 3 weeks, we have been reviewing various strategies necessary to effectively analyzing the things we read.
The best way to improve these skills is to apply them. I discovered this site that I believe will help you practice the things we have learned in class such as making inferences, making predications, and/or identifying the main idea of something you read.
The best way to improve these skills is to apply them. I discovered this site that I believe will help you practice the things we have learned in class such as making inferences, making predications, and/or identifying the main idea of something you read.
It is fairly self-explanatory. Let me know how did next Tuesday!
Ensure that you are reading something every day --- a book, newspaper, magazine, gum wrapper --- develop and strengthen your lexicon! Discover the meaning to new words and once you have learned them, use them in your daily speech!
Enjoy!
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Week 2
We focused heavily today on developing our comprehension skills. This is something that gets developed over time.
I will continue provide opportunities for you to practice this, but I also want you to challenge yourselves --- read a newspaper topic, pick an article in a magazine --- what are they trying to tell you? Can you identify the main idea? What is the purpose of the reading material?
If you come across any words you do not know, try using the context clues to figure out its meaning. Or do as I do --- take out a dictionary. If you don't have one, visit Dictionary.com and look up the meaning of the word.
Remember when looking up the definition of a word, pay close attention to the context in which the word is being used (such as the word Devour in our class reading today, remember?).
Remember when looking up the definition of a word, pay close attention to the context in which the word is being used (such as the word Devour in our class reading today, remember?).
I found this resource and I encourage you all to check it out (Click here).
It provides you with a reading passage on the Civil War and some questions related to it. For this activity, read the entire passage first and then answer the questions. The activity is somewhat self explanatory. Hit the arrow to proceed to the next question or hit the Show All Questions button on the top right.
It provides you with a reading passage on the Civil War and some questions related to it. For this activity, read the entire passage first and then answer the questions. The activity is somewhat self explanatory. Hit the arrow to proceed to the next question or hit the Show All Questions button on the top right.
Let me know how you did!
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Week 1
Main idea of a paragraph: Every paragraph should have a main idea. The main idea tells what the entire pargraph is about. To find the main idea of a paragraph, follow these steps:
1. Read the entire paragraph.
2. Decide what the paragraph is saying. What is it about?
3. Reread the first and last sentence. The main idea of a paragraph is usually expressed there.
Main idea of a passage: a passage consist of one or more related paragraphs. The main idea of a passage consists of the following:
1. Carefully read the entire passage.
2. Identify the main idea of each paragraph.
3. Find the connection between the main ideas of each paragraph in the passage.
4. Account for all these ideas in one comprehensive statement.
Supporting details: facts in a written work that describe or explain the main idea of a passage.
Purpose of a selection: this is the ultimate goal of a written work. Some types of written material do not have main ideas, but all written material should have a purpose.
Example: A recipe does not have a main idea, but it certainly has a purpose.
- The purpose of a selection can vary. It is usually up to the reader to identify the purpose of a selection.
- Is it intended to inform?
- Is it trying to persuade you of something?
- Is the passage merely trying to entertain?
Context Clues: identifying the meaning of a word or expression by using the surrounding words or sentences.
Example: Nutritious foods, such as fruits and vegetables, help our bodies grow.
In the above example, the word nutritious means healthy.
- There are four primary kinds types of clues:
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Explanation
- Example
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