Critical Reading Response

Critical Reading Response

The Critical Reading Response is a written response to assigned readings (typed). These responses will enable you to learn about what you are reading through writing. The Critical Reading Response will be used as a basis for discussion; accordingly, please be prepared to share this work in class.

*You may not write a critical reading response on the same topic as your presentation. Should you find yourself in this situation, please choose a different essay from the list for your CRR.

Readings:

"How to Tame a Wild Tongue," Gloria Anzaldua

http://www.olypen.com/pnkdurr/as/mother_text.htm

"Mother Tongue," Amy Tan "

https://www.everettsd.org/cms/lib07/WA01920133/Centricity/Domain/965/Anzaldua-Wild-Tongue.pdf

In the first part of your response, summarize ONE of the above readings in 3-4 paragraphs (exception: for Jefferson and Stanton, summarize the reading in 2 paragraphs). See summary tips. Identify and put the author’s main argument and supporting arguments into your own words . Define any key terms that the author uses in the text of your summary. Then in an additional paragraph , compare and contrast the reading to another reading (choose a single point of comparison). To support your response, include a relevant quotation from each reading to support your response. Please use the following format: Begin with a topic sentence that gives the quotation some context. Quote the passage, properly introducing your quotation and citing the quotation in-text. Include 3-5 sentences of analysis discussing the connection between these 2 quotations. Paraphrase one of the above quotations using the instructions given in class; be sure to introduce the quotation with a signal phrase and citing the quotation in-text. This paraphrase is an element distinct from Step 2. Please clearly indicate which quotation you are paraphrasing. Include a complete Works Cited entry in MLA format (for most entries, follow the “Work in an Anthology” model; see the Directory of Works Cited models in your Writer’s Reference handbook). The Works Cited must contain entries for the reading and any other sources consulted. For your CRR, the Works Cited entry does not need to be listed on a separate page.

Tips for Summarizing Effectively

Use this information to help you with the summary portion of your Critical Reading Responses.

-Does the summary immediately identify the name of the author?

-Does the summary immediately identify the title?

-Does the summary identify the main idea of the reading up front?

-Does the summary avoid the use of “I,” so that the reader understands the ideas are those of the readers and not of the writer preparing the summary?

-Does the summary discuss the author’s ideas without commenting on them?

-Does the summary discuss the author’s ideas in the present tense?

Does the summary include quotation marks for phrases of three or more words borrowed from the reading?

-Does the summary include parenthetical citations/page numbers for any quotations?

-Does the summary reflect the order of the author’s ideas in the original reading?

-Generally, supporting claims are identified in the topic sentences of the essay. One effective approach to summarizing includes identifying and paraphrasing the thesis and subsequent topic sentences.