The Quick and Easy Guide to Reading Essays

Introduction

Readers read in different ways for different reasons. You can read for enjoyment, for guidance, for distraction or for practice. In each of these cases, you can relax and leave the driving to the author. But the reader in a writing class cannot read casually. It takes attention, critical skills and practice to read an essay well enough to write about it. However, there are certain strategies that can help you do just that.

Suggestions for Critical Reading

Focus on "P.A.T.". What is the author's Purpose in the essay? Who is the Audience? What Techniques does the author use and why?
Find the thesis. What is the main point of the essay? You will probably find this in the introduction and conclusion of the piece. (But some authors like to make you search.)
Summarize the thesis. Restate, in your own words, the main point of the essay. You will use this in your own essay as you write your response.
Find the arguments. What supports the thesis? The author should "back up" the main idea with facts, examples, interpretations or other supporting ideas.
Summarize the arguments. Again, restate the arguments in your own words to use later.
Evaluate the thesis based on the arguments. Does the essay work? The author's arguments should seem reasonable and adequate. If the author has done a good job supporting the thesis, you should generally understand his/her position. You may even agree with the author.
Develop questions or challenges to the thesis and/or arguments. What questions does the author leave unanswered? What information is lacking? Do you agree with the arguments supporting the thesis? Are they reasonable? Are they adequate? What more do you want from the author?
Evaluate the technique based on the purpose and audience. Note the stylistic choices the author made in tone, emphasis, organization, etc. Also, pay attention to the presentation format (e.g., a formal report rather than an informal narrative.) Why did the author make these choices? Has the author presented the thesis and arguments in an appropriate and effective way?
Consider alternatives to the technique. What could be done differently in the essay to improve it?
Develop your own thesis in response to your evaluation of the essay. You may want to support and expand the author's thesis or refute it. Perhaps there is one element of the essay that needs clarification. Or perhaps there is another subject that seems to develop from the essay.

Start Your Own Essay

You should now have the basic elements necessary to write your own essay, either in response to the one you have just read, or inspired to a new subject because of your reading. You have a thesis, perhaps in rough form, to build your essay around. Your questions and challenges will point to arguments of your own to develop and present. Make sure to cite the elements in the essay you read if you use them in your own work. And remember, someone will be reading your essay as well.

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