Hot Spot

Module 3 Discussions - Responding Critically

Reading against the grain begins the process of devising a strong (critical) response to a piece of writing. A good way to get started on your response is to look for hot spots in the piece of writing—phrases, statements or images that trigger a reaction in you. When you identify a hot spot, pay attention to the words used to name and describe, the sensory impressions, and any comparisons that are being made. Recall how you learned to use these strategies in the Two Descriptions assignment to create an angle of vision designed to persuade the reader to see things your way. Do the following exercise to compare a letter to the editor with the article that inspired it.

1. Read Chapter 5, pages 102-105 (Ramage, et al.) but stop at 'Questions for Peer Review.'

1. Use a print source or go to any online newspaper or magazine and find the letters to the editor. Choose one that you feel disagrees strongly with the piece of writing it refers to. Then find that article and read it. Post a brief summary of the article and a summary of the letter to the editor. In your summary letter, see if you can identify the letter writer's 'hot spot.'