Reading, argument and writing exercise

It is important to think about the writer’s background and value assumptions when reading • What is the writer’s background and how might this affect their approach to the topic and the selection and interpretation of the evidence presented? • What are the writer’s value assumptions regarding this topic? • Why did the researcher undertake the research? • Who funded the research? It is important to remember that you as a reader also come to the topic with preconceived ideas and so you need also to think about your own, the reader’s, background and value assumptions • What do I know about the topic? • What are my beliefs and values regarding the topic? • What is my purpose for reading this material? Rather than reading noting down the information contained in the article, read the text with purpose – that is with some questions in mind: • What is the writer’s key argument? • What is the primary argument made by the author? • Why is the argument significant? • What sort of evidence does the writer present? • What evidence does the author offer in support of the position put forth? Identify all pieces of evidence you find and summarise them. What does all this information tell you, that is, what conclusions can you draw from the information. • What is the nature of the evidence presented? How was it collected? • You need to examine the methodology used. Some areas to consider are: • What are the stated aims and objectives of the study? Are they clear and ‘doable’? What is the overall research design? Is it clearly explained? • Was it appropriate in relation to the research aim? For example if an author wants to present an ‘in depth understanding’ of a topic is it appropriate to use a yes/no questionnaire format?                                                  

Sample Solution