Chapter 6: Reading Rhetorically - Practice Flashcards

A comprehensive set of Q&A flashcards covering the key concepts from the notes on Reading Rhetorically, infotention, slow/fast reading, cross-disciplinary reading, on-screen vs print, visuals, and genres.

What does it mean to read rhetorically?

Attending carefully and intentionally to a text; being open-minded; and being an active participant in understanding, thinking about, and responding to what is in the text.

Who coined the term 'infotention' and what does it describe?

Howard Rheingold; it describes a mind–machine blend of brain-powered attention and computer-powered information filters used to manage abundant information, especially online.

Why is infotention considered important for reading any text?

Because it involves synthesizing and thinking rhetorically about vast information in both print and digital sources.

What does Toni Morrison’s quote imply about reading?

“The words on the page are only half the story. The rest is what you bring to the party.” meaning the reader’s interpretation matters.

What are the five 'slow reading' practices described by Thomas Newkirk?

Make a mark; Find problems; Read like a writer; Elaborate; Memorize.

What does 'Make a mark' involve in slow reading?

Annotating key parts and noting what stands out as central or important to remember.

What does 'Find problems' involve in slow reading?

Stopping to note a problem or confusion in the text and developing a strategy to solve it, ideally with discussion.

What does 'Read like a writer' involve?

Asking why the writer makes certain moves—why a topic shifts, why a piece of evidence is placed there, why a word was chosen.

What does 'Elaborate' involve in slow reading?

Going beyond the text by comparing it with other texts or drawing out unstated implications.

What does 'Memorize' involve in slow reading?

Memorizing short bits such as key terms or phrases to aid understanding and memory.

What are the six components of the rhetorical situation to consider before reading?

Purpose, Audience, Genre, Medium, Context, and Stance.

Why should you reflect on your rhetorical bearings before reading?

To identify your current purpose, audience, genre, medium, context, and stance, guiding how you read the chapter.

Name a strategy that helps you become an active, engaged reader.

Find a comfortable space, choose a suitable device, make reading social, start with easy sections, and annotate as you read.

Why is finding a comfortable reading space important?

To improve concentration and sustained engagement with the text.

How can the choice of device affect your reading focus?

Some prefer print for notes or a device without internet distractions; the right device supports focus.

How can reading with others help with difficult texts?

Two heads are often better than one; discussion helps engagement and understanding.

Why start with easy material before tackling difficult sections?

Build understanding by starting simple, ensuring comprehension before moving to harder parts.

What is the benefit of annotating as you read?

It helps you understand, engage with, and respond to the text.

What does 'efferent' reading mean according to Louise Rosenblatt?

Reading aimed at getting into a text and extracting key information quickly, the gist and essential details.

What is the opposite of fast reading, and what does it emphasize?

Slow reading; attention to the text, careful analysis, and responsibility for reading practices.

What should you do on your first reading of a difficult text?

Read for what you can understand and mark places that are confusing.

What structural clues should you look for to understand a text’s organization (e.g., thesis, topic sentences)?

Headings, thesis statements, and topic sentences.

Why should you read summaries carefully when approaching difficult texts?

Summaries can provide a roadmap and clarify main points; reading them helps orient you.

How should you handle visuals in difficult texts?

Consider what the visuals contribute to the message and how they support key points.

How does reading across disciplines differ in terms of terminology and evidence?

Terminology varies by field; evidence varies (textual in humanities, experimental data in sciences, interviews/diaries in social sciences); be aware of what counts as credible evidence in each field.

How is information typically presented differently across disciplines?

Literature/history often use paragraphs with images; physics uses equations; psychology/political science rely on charts/graphs; art history uses images; music uses notation.

What should you consider when reading on-screen versus print?

On-screen reading can promote skimming and distraction; print is often easier for deep comprehension and memory; tailor your approach (purpose, note-taking, and whether to print).

What strategies help when reading on-screen?

Clarify purpose, close distracting tabs, take notes digitally or on paper, look up terms, and consider printing if helpful.

What is a key approach to reading visual texts like ads or memes?

Study the purpose, audience, message, and context; analyze tone and design elements; pay attention to how visuals and text work together.

What should you analyze in a meme as a visual text?

Context, purpose, audience, and tone.

Why is it important to consider the medium and context when reading spoken texts?

Spoken texts combine speech with visuals; you should listen to the speaker while interpreting accompanying visuals and avoid over-focusing on slides.

What is a core takeaway about genres from Reading Across Genres?

Genres guide expectations: reports seek credible sources; reviews present judgments with evidence; arguments consider counterarguments.

How should you approach evidence across disciplines?

Be aware of what counts as credible evidence in each field; humanities focus on textual evidence, sciences on data, social sciences on a mix including interviews or anecdotes.

What major idea about reading visuals was demonstrated with Thistle’s ad example?

Reading a visual begins with considering its purpose, audience, message, and context; the ad’s design (tone, values, and what is highlighted) aligns with its intended audience.