Reading for Understanding

Often when reading controversial articles our own opinions may interfere with a thorough comprehension of the author's message.  The questions below are designed to assist you in creating an accurate interpretation of the author's thinking.  Attempt to momentarily put your own opinions to the side and reason empathetically within the point of view of the author.  Do not evaluate or critique the author - try to understand the author, their concerns or needs.  Try to "put yourself in the author's shoes."   Attempt to "get inside" the author's perspective and then specifically identify how the author is thinking. 

The following questions should help you identify the components of the author's thinking.
  1. Purpose
    What is the author's purpose in writing this article?

  2. Issue
    What is the question at issue or problem being discussed?

  3. Background knowledge
    What concepts, vocabulary, or background knowledge does the author expect the reader to understand?

  4. Assumptions
    5. What are the assumptions that underlie the author's position?  Which facts are so obvious that the other didn't feel it necessary to explicitly state them?  What are the unstated premises of the author's argument (NOT assumptions about the reader's knowledge)?

  5. Conclusions
    What conclusions, claims, or inferences does the author draw?

  6. Evidence
    What evidence does the author marshal to support his/her opinion?

  7. Implications
    What are the implications or consequences of accepting the position that the author advocates?

  8. Point of View
    How would you characterize or summarize the point of view (frame of reference) of the author?