Evaluating informational text in a range of media (spoken, written, visual, and multimedia) for clarity of meaning, purpose, form, and function:
1. Examine text structures for clarity of meaning and purpose: non-journalistic text: argumentative text
2. Examine linguistic features as tools to achieve organizational efficiency in informational texts:
• diction and style
• transition devices
• sentence structure and function
3. Examine how visual elements are used as tools to achieve the intended meaning of informational texts:
• vectors (for scientific, mathematical, or technical topics) and viewpoint
• technical editing
• animations
4. Extract significant information.
5. Analyze the real-world issues/occurrences presented in informational texts.
6. Analyze supporting evidence to validate assertions and counterclaims:
• factual knowledge
• statistical inferences
• informed opinion
• personal testimony
7. Distinguish facts from claims/opinions:
a. self-evidence
b. anecdotal evidence
c. argument from authority
d. empirical evidence
8. Evaluate claims explicitly or implicitly made in a text:
9. Analyze propaganda techniques used in informational texts for political correctness:
a. name calling vs. card stacking
b. ad nauseum propaganda vs. appeal to justice
10. Analyze persuasive techniques to support an argument:
11. Draw inferences and conclusions to formulate sound judgment:
• author’s purpose and meaning
• target audience: hypothetical vs. real, experts vs. laypeople, managerial vs. rank-and-file
12. Analyze textual evidence to support an argument/general statement:
13. Synthesize significant information.