Chapter 7 CRCB Using Inference to Identify Implied Main Ideas

Inference is the process of making assumption, and drawing conclusions about information when an author's opinions or ideas are not directly stated.

Inference Strategies
Strategy 1: Understand an Author's Purpose
An author's purpose is an author's reason for writing.
Textbook authors want to inform you about specific subjects such as mathematics, biology, literature, sociology, or business.
Authors of other types of college reading material such as essays, journal articles, and stories write for other purpose : to persuade you of the importance of addressing the issue of global warming, to document new scientific theories or discoveries, or to stimulate your imagination and entertain you.
To understand an author's purpose in writing about a topic, ask yourself, "What is the author's reason for writing"

Strategy 2 : Note Comparisons and Implied Similarities
Strategy 3 : Understand an Author's Use of ToneThe tone authors use to discuss their subject matter can reveal their attitudes toward it.

Strategy 4 : Detect an Author's Bias
Strategy 5 : Recognize Information GapsIt is particularly difficult to draw inferences from reading material when limited information is presented or when information appears to be missing (information gaps)

Knowing How Much to InferRemember that reading is a two-way conversation; you cannot ignore the other person speaking, the author.

Implied Main IdeasImplied Main Ideas are the main points of paragraph, section, or chapter that are not stated explicitly.
1. Read carefully
2. Identify the topic of the reading material
3. Ask yourself what important point the author makes about the topic
4. Combine the topic with the new information you have learned

Chapter 7 TFY : Evaluations : What's Judged?

On Evaluations

Our values shape our ideals, decisions, and judgments.

Evaluate means (1) to determine or fix the value or worth of something or (2) to examine and judge, appraise, estimate.

Premature Evaluations

Our minds tend to evaluate situations before we have had the time to look them over

Evaluations are not facts

Critical thinkers try to be fair in their use of evaluation. They don't mistake evaluative words for facts.

Expectations Influence Evaluations

Expectations influence our perceptions as well as our evaluations.

Recognizing Evaluations in Word Connotations

Word connotations can be manipulative evaluations

Propaganda and Hidden Evaluations

The best defense against propaganda is to stay conscious.

Propaganda

1. Publicity to promote something

2. Deceptive or distorted information that is systematically spread.

Propaganda connotes deliberately false or misleading information that supports a political cause or the interest of those in power.

Propaganda involves the dexterous use of images, slogans and symbols that play on our prejudices and emotions.