of the piece you read. Standardized tests such as the ACT

What Is an Analytical Reading?Good reading skills require much more than just basic comprehension. Analytical reading is an approach that probes more deeply to understand the message and goal of the piece you read. Standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT, as well as classroom assignments like book reports and papers, may test your ability to read analytically.Breaking it Down Analytical readers break a book or text down into each of its parts, strive to understand how the work relates to other works and society as a whole, and examine the role of each character.For example, you might begin by identifying the conflict and resolution of a story, and then assess what role each character plays. From there, you might be able to find similarities to and parallels with other works of literature, political beliefs and general themes.Preparing to Read One way to read analytically is to skim the text first and then return to a deeper reading. Whether you're reading for the first or second time, though, you'll need to get into a quiet location and gather supplies, such as a pen and notebook. If the work is particularly dense or challenging, read the commentary first or consult the study guides provided by your teacher. This can often help you place a work in clearer context, making analytical reading an easier and smoother undertaking.Reading Techniques There's no single way to read analytically, so find a method that works for you. You might highlight relevant

2 passages, take notes or jot down thoughts on a particular character or theme as you read.If you're required to answer questions about what you read, consult the questions as you are reading, and then form your responses as soon as you're done.Re-Reading Sometimes it's insufficient to only read a work once. A book such as "Ulysses," for example, is so challenging that it's unlikely you'll understand much of anything on the first pass. When you re-read a book, do so with a particular goal in mind, such as understanding the goals of a particular character or gaining more insight into the work's historical context.Importance of Analytical Reading Skills Analytical or critical reading means approaching any book with a grain of doubt to deal with given information on deductive or inductive methods. It is about a deep understanding of what is said and in what manner.This method helps to grasp the means the author uses to reach a certain goal and provide insight into any type of writing. It is an active reading technique that requires a lot of patience and focus.There are several approaches and strategies that can help achieve this goal. As in any analysis, a person needs to dissect the book up to components and make a conclusion based on it.

What can it help you with:

• Develop critical thinking necessary in everyday life; • Help to study more effectively as you will get a deeper understanding of what you are reading; • Become a better writer as you can apply new skills to your writing; • Be more aware of any information you receive, whether it is news or academic research;

3 • Be proactive in your books’ perception.Develop Critical Reading Step-by-Step The first principle is to be active about the way you approach the text, whether it is a scientific article, explanatory book, or a fiction novel. Although they have different purposes, writing style, and delivery, they still have common features.Start with gathering information about the book.It means defining what type of book you are working with, and it matters for several reasons. The type of writing and the purpose impact how the text is structured, what figures are used, and gives the context. Classify what type of book it is.Pay attention to the title and description – what are they about?Can you predict the main idea? It would be harder with fiction books, but with explanatory writing, it works wonderfully. Try to state what the book is about.If you are not sure how to stay focus on it, ask pros from ca.essaywritingservice.com for help. It is OK if you don’t get it right – analytical skills are all about trying and learning from experience.Think about the possible problems or issues the author addresses in the book.Expectations help to have a critical approach. For example, if the title says “Ways to Be a Productive Student” and the text has nothing to do with it – it is a point of criticism. This is what will help you to make a conclusion.Learn about the historical context behind the text when appropriate.Nothing is created in a vacuum. Even if it is a fiction novel, it can be written in response to the events of a particular age or era. The piece is most likely to be connected to a set of ideas and beliefs of the time.

4 Define the structure of the text.The house is built of bricks, where every brick matters.The way they are organized makes sense in a final picture – the building. The structure of the text also consists of “bricks” that help to create something bigger. It is important to know how to do it if you want to be a better writer.Take notes.Underline the key statements, dates, or numbers. Take notes of what the author’s claims are. Find the arguments or common themes that appear in the book.Analyze whether the arguments are clear, concise, and credible.How does the author approach the problem? Are there any gaps in this approach? Can you add anything to the critique of the text?Interpretation of fiction.Fiction is entirely different from academic writing. Here, a reader is almost like a detective that picks clues and needs to find the underlying meaning. It requires one to make active analysis of figures of speech, metaphors used, narration, etc.Make a conclusion.Was the text relevant to the title and description? What was the main message and theme? How did the author approach it? Were the arguments clear?Always use logical reasoning for text critique. Show whether the author is uninformed or misinformed on the topic or illogical, use examples from the book. If the argumentation of the author is incomplete, comment on that.Use It in Your Writing Analytical skills can be trained in different ways, by observation, reading, and even playing board games,