Critical Reading

As Reasoning
Group 4
 Identifying Assertions
Becoming a good critical reader means you are able
to logically evaluate the claims of the writer. Any writer
would want the reader to consider – and possible agree
with – the claims that he or she puts forward. In expository
writing, assertions become the primary channel for a reader
to assent to a claim.

Assertions are declarative sentences that claim

something is true about something else. Simply put, it is a
sentence that is either true or false.
 Examples of
The Assertions
sampaguita’s roots are used for medicinal purposes,
such as an anesthetic and a sedative.
The sampaguita belongs to the genus Jasminum of the
family Oleaceae.
The popularity of sampaguita flowers is most evident in
places of worship.
Sampaguitas are the most beautiful and most fragrant of
all flowers.
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 Formulating Counterclaims
To be an effective critical thinker, it is not enough just
to be able to identify claims and assertions. The ability to
analyze an argument is essential to understanding the text
more deeply, but understanding the claim is not the only facet
of the argument. You must also learn how to analyze the
counterclaims and evidence provided by the text.
Being able to recognize and formulate counterclaims
in reaction to an argument is a characteristic of a good
critical leader. Counterclaims are claims made to rebut a
previous claim. They provide a contrasting perspective to the
main argument.
Formulating Counterclaims
By being able to locate and provide
counterclaims to an argument, you show a deep
competence and familiarity with the writer’s topic. It
shows that you are examining different perspectives
and not just passively accepting the writer’s claim. It
shows that you have thoroughly considered the topic,
and are willing to engage different viewpoints from
your own, thus remaining objective. It also helps you
clarify what your personal position is on the topic.
 Formulating
What Counterclaims
are the major points on which you and the author
can disagree?
What is their strongest argument? What did they say to
defend their position?
What are the merits of their view?
What are the weaknesses or shortcomings in their
argument?
Are there any hidden assumptions?
Which lines from the text best support the counterclaim
you have formulated?
Determining Textual Evidence
To better evaluate the author’s argument, you should
be able to determine the evidence from the text. This will
allow you to validate the assertions of the author and your
own counterclaims as a response to reading.
Evidence is defined as the details given by the author
to support his/her claim.
The evidence provided by the writer substantiates
the text. It reveals and builds on the position of the writer
and makes the reading more interesting. Evidence is crucial
in swaying the reader to your side. A jury or judge, for
example, relies on evidence presented by a lawyer before it
makes a decision regarding a case.
 What can be
considered
facts and statistics as on
(objectively validated information
your subject);
evidence
opinion from experts (leading authorities on a topic, such
as researchers or academics); and
personal anecdotes (generalizable, relevant, and
objectively considered)
Determining evidence
from
What questions can Texts
you ask about the claims?
Which details in the text answer your questions?
What are the most important details in the paragraph?
What is each one’s relationship to the claim?
How does the given detail reinforce the claim?
What details do you find interesting? Why?
What are some claims that do not seem to have support? What kinds of support could they be
provided with?
What are some details that you find questionable? Why do you think so?
Are some details outdated, inaccurate, exaggerated, or taken out of context?
Are the sources reliable?
 Characteristics of
unified; Good Evidence
relevant to the central point;
specific and concrete;
accurate; and
representative or typical
 Prepared by
Leader: Group
Shyla Carace four
Members:
Juan Miguel Baleña
Daniel Francisco
Jed Mars Juson
Seth Neziah Samson
Jafet Kyle Velasquez
Audrey Nicole Aquino
Darlene Shaina Felix
Laramie Grava
Genevie Jepsane
 Identifying
Assertions
Identify the following assertions as statements of convention, fact, opinion, or
preference.
__________ 1. Social media is defined as the Internet and mobile-based tools and
devices that facilitate the integration of technology, telecommunications, and social
interaction
__________ 2. Facebook is a cooler social media platform than twitter.
__________ 3. In 2012, there were 1,4 billion users of social media worldwide.
__________ 4. Teachers should use social media in their lessons to get more students
interested.
__________ 5. Another name for social media is “Web 2.0” because both terms
emphasize the social aspects of the Internet as avenues for communication,
collaboration, and creative expression.
 Identifying
Assertions
Identify the following assertions as statements of convention, fact, opinion, or
preference.
__________ 6. Many teenagers’ present obsession with taking selfies shows they are the
most narcissistic generation.
__________ 7. Social networks are the most distracting websites on the Internet.
__________ 8. In the first quarter of 2014, nearly 300 million smartphone units were
sold all over the world.
__________ 9. Parents ought to enforce stricter guidelines in social media to safeguard
their children’s privacy.
__________ 10. Children are learning how to operate mobile devices at increasingly
younger ages; many of them have an idea of how to use a touchscreen tablet before
they are two.
 Types of Assertions
A
FACT
This is a statement that can be proven objectively by direct
experience, testimonies of witnesses, verified observations,
or the results of research. Because statements of fact can be
double-checked for accuracy, there is general agreement
about the truth they posit.
Example: The
sampaguita’s roots are
used for medicinal
purposes, such as an
anesthetic and a sedative.
 Types of Assertions

CONVENTION
A convention is a way in which something is done, similar to
traditions and norms. Conventions depend on historical precedent, b
laws, rules, usage, and customs. Thus, their truthfulness is verified
by how commonly held definitions and beliefs are interpreted.
They may also sound factual due to their being derived from
customs, but because they are
socially accepted ways of doing
things, they cannot be verified
objectively by measurements.

Example: The sampaguita belongs to

the genus Jasminum of the family
Oleaceae.
 Types of Assertions

OPINION
Opinions are based on facts, but are difficult to
objectively verify because of the uncertainty of producing
satisfactory proofs of soundness. Opinions result from
ambiguities; the amore ambiguous a statement, the more
difficult it is to verify. Thus, they are open to disputes. c
Example: The
popularity of
sampaguita flowers is
most evident in places
of worship.
 Types of Assertions

PREFERENCE
Preferences are based on personal choice; therefore,
they are subjective and cannot be objectively proven or
logically attacked.

Example: Sampaguitas
are the most beautiful
and most fragrant of all
flowers. d