Workshop 2 Week 2
IMPORTANT TERMS
Read the below information carefully. These are tools you will use to analyze reading materials moving forward. You will need to find these items in each piece you read in order to better understand what is most important.
Context
Genre: Genre is another word for type. For the purposes of reading comprehension, genre helps you as the reader understand the typical features of a particular kind of text (or its generic conventions). Common genres include Letter, Email, Resume, Product Description, News Article, and Magazine Article. Each of these genres looks different on the page (that is, has specific formatting conventions), uses different kinds of language (that is, has specific stylistic expectations), and has a different kind of purpose (see more below on purpose). Identifying the genre will help you understand the general context and point of the text.
Purpose: The purpose of a text is the reason why it is written. Common purposes include:
· To inform. These texts are primarily trying to relay information to the reader. They are fairly neutral and unbiased.
· To persuade. These texts are primarily designed to get the reader to change his/her mind or take a specific action. For example, a persuasive text may advertise a product, encourage you to vote for or against something, or raise awareness about an issue.
· To entertain. These texts are primarily designed to engage and entertain the reader. Often such texts are fictional.
Most texts target all of the above purposes at least somewhat but focus on one more than the others. Identifying the purpose will help you understand the main objective and takeaway of the text.
Audience: The audience for a text is the imagined group for whom it is written. Another term for the same idea is the “imagined reader.” For example, a letter may be written to one particular person or group of people who are directly identified. A news article is written for a broad general audience, and a certain publication may expect their audience to share particular biases or values. For example, the New York Times is known to have a somewhat liberally-leaning readership. Identifying the audience will help you understand the context and how effective the text is.
Text
Main Point: The main point is usually stated at the beginning and then again at the end of a text. It is the most important idea the author is trying to convey.
Supporting Points: The supporting points further explain and evidence the main point.
Takeaway (Conclusion): The takeaway is often stated or suggested at the end of the text. The takeaway answers the question, what happens next? Or, how can we use and apply this information?
READING MATERIALS
Read each of the below pieces carefully, using the tips for effective reading from last week.
#1
Hi Andrea,
Thanks so much for your attendance at the technology seminar yesterday. We truly appreciate your participation and commitment to using technology in the classroom.
The next step is to register for Part II of the seminar. This is imperative for the successful use of the technologies detailed during Part I. Please follow the below link as soon as is convenient and register to reserve your spot.
www.register/techpart2/classroomtechnologies.com
We look forward to seeing you at Part II next week!
Best,
Kimberly Regis
Technology Instructor
www.classroomtechnologies.com
#2
Choose one article on a recognized news source of your choice (for example, The New York Times, the Washington Post, the Baltimore Sun).
#3
https://www.theonion.com/
Choose one article on the above site. Pay close attention to the purpose of the articles on the site.
ASSIGNMENT
Write a summary of each of the above sources in one substantial paragraph each, without quoting directly from the piece. Identify the genre, purpose, and audience. Describe the main point, important supporting details, and what the author wishes for you to take away.
For #2-3, include the link to the article you chose.
Submit your work below.
DIAGNOSTIC POST-TEST
Take this Reading Comprehension Quiz: https://spscc.instructure.com/courses/1345787/quizzes/2404742
How did you do this time?
Image preview for”describe the main point, important supporting details, and what the author wishes for you to take away.”
APA
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