ACT Prep Reading College Board

This subject is broken down into 13 topics in 3 modules:

  1. Craft and Structure 5 topics
  2. Integration of Knowledge and Ideas 5 topics
  3. Key Ideas and Detail 3 topics
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This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Reading

Craft and Structure

Analyze authors' word choices

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Analyze authors' word choices

Section 1: Understanding the Task

  • First and foremost, the task is to analyse the author's word choices.
  • This analysis refers to understanding why the author chose specific words or phrases and what meaning or impact they have.
  • In order to do this effectively, strong comprehension of the text is required.

Section 2: Identifying Word Choices

  • Certain words may stand out because they are repeated, because they hold a specific connotation or because they are unusual or novel.
  • Understanding the context of these words can aid analysis. Look for how they contribute to the wider meaning of the text.
  • Be aware of figurative language. Authors often use metaphors, similes, personification, etc., to express complex ideas, evoke emotions or create vivid imagery.

Section 3: Interpreting Word Choices

  • Consider the connotations of the words. Words can carry a positive, negative, or neutral connotation that affects the tone of the work.
  • A word's denotation (dictionary definition) and connotation (the emotional and cultural associations linked to a word) should not be confused.
  • Explore how certain words can change the mood or tone of a passage. For instance, is the author trying to evoke a sombre mood or an enthusiastic tone?

Section 4: Evaluating the Effect of Word Choices

  • Reflect on how the author's word choices influence the reader’s interpretation or perception of the text.
  • Consider the bigger picture, or the overall effect of these word choices on the text as a whole.
  • Word choices can shape character development, set the scene, or create impactful descriptions.

Section 5: Documenting Your Analysis

  • Use quotations from the text as evidence of notable word choices.
  • Use critical language when describing the effects of word choices. This could include terms like 'evokes', 'manifests', 'illustrates', etc.
  • Write and structure your analysis in a logical, coherent manner, breaking down the different aspects of the author's word choices into understandable points.

Course material for Reading, module Craft and Structure, topic Analyze authors' word choices

Reading

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

Evaluate reasoning and use of evidence

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Evaluate reasoning and use of evidence

Understanding Reasoning and Evidence

  • Grasp that reasoning refers to the logical steps and connections that link thoughts and ideas together in an argument.

  • Learn that evidence is information presented to support a reasoning process or to substantiate a claim.

  • Know that in critical reading, it’s not just about understanding the content, but also about evaluating the quality of the argument made.

Identifying the Evidence

  • Evidence can be facts, statistics, quotes, examples, or anecdotes among others. These pieces of evidence support or contradict a viewpoint or claim.

  • Look out for direct quotes, data, examples, case studies, and anecdotes as possible evidence used in the text.

  • Be aware that strong evidence is usually relevant, representative, and comes from a credible source.

Evaluating Reasoning

  • While evaluating reasoning, consider if the argument is logical, consistent and coherent.

  • Be on alert for logical fallacies. These are errors in logic that weaken an argument, such as making assumptions, using biased or irrelevant evidence, or employing false cause and effect.

  • Question the assumptions. These are statements taken for granted in an argument. Are they explicit or implicit? Are they justified?

Evaluating Use of Evidence

  • Consider the relevance of the evidence to the topic or argument.

  • Evaluate the credibility of the evidence. This includes considering the source of the information.

  • Ponder the sufficiency of the evidence. Are there enough evidence and examples to support the claim?

Critical Evaluation of Reasoning and Evidence

  • In critical reading, be prepared to question the reasoning and evidence presented.

  • Be open to examining the contradictions, inconsistencies, or gaps in reasoning or evidence.

  • Always look for bias in the presented arguments. Is there a slant of mood, tone, or wording that leans too favorably or unfavorably towards anything being discussed?

  • Reflect upon the implications of the arguments. What are the consequences if the argument is accepted? If rejected? Answering these questions can deepen comprehension and analysis of the text.

Course material for Reading, module Integration of Knowledge and Ideas, topic Evaluate reasoning and use of evidence

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