Reading and Writing Reviewer

Claim and Thesis Statement

• Claim: A statement representing the writer's point.

• Thesis Statement: Central argument related to the chosen topic.

• Importance: Claims form the basis of the writer's argument, supported by details, explanations, and evidence.

• Claim Significance: Considered the most crucial part of a text.

Difference Between Fact and Claim

• Fact: A verifiable piece of information that can be proven with evidence.

• Claim: An assertion made without sufficient evidence; it may or may not be true.

Characteristics of Good Claims

1. Argumentable and Debatable: Should prompt discussion among readers.

2. Specific and Focused: A clear focus prevents the paper from becoming too broad.

3. Interesting and Engaging: Engages the reader's interest right from the start.

Types of Claims

1. Claims of Fact: State measurable assertions; usually answer the "What?" question.

   • Example: "Eating too much sugar increases one's risk of diabetes."

2. Claims of Value: Assert judgments based on standards—often moral viewpoints.

   • Example: "Eating animals is morally wrong."

3. Claims of Policy: Suggest specific actions or solutions to problems; typically use phrases like "should" or "must."

   • Example: "We must not text while driving."

Critical Reading

• Involves evaluating claims and thinking critically about texts.

• Approach includes keeping a reading journal, similar to a diary, which includes:

  • Annotating the Text: Highlighting and making notes on important points.

  • Outlining: Structuring the writer's ideas by identifying thesis statements, claims, and evidence.

  • Summarizing: Capturing the main points of the text.

  • Questioning the Text: Asking specific questions to deepen understanding.

Distinguishing Claims in Critical Reading

• Explicit Claims: Clearly articulated within the text.

• Implied/Implicit Claims: Ideas not overtly stated but suggested.

Writing Process

General Steps

1. Pre-Writing: Preparation phase for writing.

2. Writing: Actual creation of the text.

3. Revising: Reviewing and improving the draft.

Pre-Writing Techniques

• Identify the type of paper required.

• Determine the writing context:

  • Purpose: What the writing aims to achieve.

  • Audience: Consideration of who will read the work (age, gender, education).

Topic Selection

• Topic: The subject or specific issue being discussed.

• Consider the attitudes and feelings the writing should reflect towards the topic and audience.

Brainstorming Methods

• Brainstorming: Listing down ideas on paper to explore topics.

• Clustering or Mapping: Visual organizing of related ideas to generate more topics.

• Freewriting: Writing continuously for a set period without worrying about spelling or grammar to uncover thoughts.