"How Can I Become An
Analytical Reader?"
Steps to Writing Well
pages 180-182
Read publication information
Step 1
Read biographical data given
about the author
Read anything that comes
before the passage begins.
This will give you a context.
Read the title of the piece
Step 2
When you read the essay
again, decide if the title helps
you understand the
purpose? tone? main idea?
Read the essay once for
understanding.
Step 3
Write a summary sentence or
two.

Step 4
Read the essay a second time.
Decide what you think about
the title and introduction.
Were they effective?
Locate the thesis statement.
Step 5
Is it plain (obvious) or
implied ?
Look for the supporting
details that support the
thesis.
Step 6
Number those points in the
margin.
Write a keyword in the
margin for each point.
How does the author clarify the
supporting details?
Step 7
Examples?
Statistics?
Testimony?
Compare and Contrast?
Cause and Effect?
Combination of Methods?
Examples
of notes
you could
add to
the
margin
convincing example
generalization without support
questionable authority cited
good comparison
?
Add a
What organizational structure
is used?
Step 8
expository
descriptive
narrative
argumentative
Bracket transition words
On the other hand
Consequently
Step 9
Does the essay seem to flow
logically and coherently?
How does the writer distinguish
his/her style?
figurative language
diction
repetition
Step 10
What words or sections help you to
understand the author's tone?
serious
happy
consoling
sarcastic
Be sure to
look up
unfamiliar
words!
These words could be a key
to understanding the
content of the essay.