Academic Reading

Elias Sukardi

Decide your purpose of reading

For overview For in-depth study For specific information

Main contents of Academic WritingFactual informationTerminology Concepts Principles Tables (find out message) Figures (find the message) Evidence (scientific evidence)

Scanning versus skimming

To scan To look through it quickly

To skim To read through it quickly

ScanningScan for main (principal) idea (thought)

Scan for tables, diagrams, illustrations, graphical representations9

SkimmingSkimming for key words, concepts, and principlesSkimming for main messages in the tables, diagrams, illustrations or graphical representations 10

Paragraph ReadingA paragraph is a section or subdivision of a piece of writing; it always begins on a new line and contains at least one sentence.Topic sentenceTypes of paragraphs: deductive & inductive11

Types of Paragraph Deductive Inductive GeneralGeneral SpecificSpecific

Paragraph

Identify the topic sentence(s) and find out the important message (idea, thought)

Deductive XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Inductive XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

What is a concept?Information about objects, events and processes, allowing us to differentiate various things and classes (identifying axamples and non-example!)Lack of understanding of concepts leads to lack of clarity in thinkingExample of concepts: mammal, primate, equity, justice, value, democracy, etc

Concept An abstract or generic idea generalized from particular instances Bacteria Acidosis, alkalosis Risk Neurotransmitter, receptor Coma, consciousness, etc

What is a principle?

The combination of two or more concepts in a statement or sentence.

Principle A comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption Scientific principle is general scientific law which explains how something happens or works

Uncontrolled hypertension is associated with greater risk for cardiovascular events.

Figures

Tables

What are the messages?

What is scientific evidence? Any reliable information or data Source of evidence: textbook, monograph, review article, and research e.g. experimental studies and clinical trials. Important characteristics of scientific evidence: up-to-datedness, validity, and applicability (best available evidence)

ScanTitle of passageSectionsParagraph titleReferencesSkimMain thought/idea in each paragraphFigures and tablesIntroductionConclusions/summaryRead & re-read the whole article/passageReflect on what you've read and connect with what you have known