Reading Comprehension: How do I evaluate the author's message when reading an academic textbook, passage, and article?

Answer 1

What's important to note here is the use of the word "evaluate". When we evaluate, we determine how well something is being done.

First, you must determine what the message is. What does the author want readers to take away from the writing? If you asked him/her why he/she wrote it, what would the answer be?

Then to evaluate it, look at specific examples from the text. Do these examples help the author achieve this purpose? Are they strong enough?

Ultimately, you are evaluating how well the author conveyed the message.

I hope this helps!