C5- Assumptions

An assumption is something we accept as being true without sufficient proof. Assuming something can often lead to problems. We can all learn from wrong assumptions, this makes us stronger critical thinkers. Unconscious and unwarranted assumptions can cause errors in our reasoning. On the other hand, conscious and warranted assumptions can be helpful for solving any situation. Therefore, it is important that we learn to recognize the difference. We must not fall easily into assumptions, but we shoud look for assumptions when trying to find a solution.

Mind Map- What are Topics, Main Ideas, and Details?

C5- Locating Stated Main Ideas

Before we are able to identify main ideas, it is important to understand the differences between topics, main ideas, and details. A topic summaries the general idea by a word or short phrase. The main idea is most likely in a form of a sentence; it's the major point. Details are pieces of ideas that prove,clarify and justify. Details support the main idea. Four strategies you can use to think about your reading are; questioning yourself, looking in the usual place, noticing clue words, and categorizing.

Exercises - C4

Exercise 4- CRCB

Speeding- reading means to group words together for faster reading. This method is more visual and to the point. On the other hand, critical reading consists on taking your time and analyze in detail the information you are reading. Critical reading means thinking, and speed reading is to rush and finish. Therefore these two methods are conflicting activities.

Exercise 4- TFY

Inferences

No reasonable man can for one moment believe that such a beautiful country [America] was intended by its Author [God] to be forever in the possession and occupancy of serpents, wild fowls, wild beats and savages who derive little benefit from it. (Caleb Atwater, 1850)

1. No man in their right man can imagine that this country, which was intended for the good people to be in hands of the evil who don't deserve it.

It's reasoning is an inference because he uses a lot of detail to describe the evil who are living in this country.

2. The conclusion implied is that the evil people are taking over and don't deserve to live in this country.

3. The evidence offered in support of the the claim is the example and detail he gives to describe “ugly”.

4. The claim justifies the author's values by expressing how he feels about the people who live in this country.

5. Lies bring nothing but tears, pain and a guilty conscience. It's like a stab in the back, an open wound, which never heals. The worst imaginable thing.

Mind Map- Reading Time

C4-Managing Your Reading Time

Efficient reading means reading and comprehending what you read; not how fast you read. If you read fast you may finish quickly, but not understand as much.This is why it is important to take your time in order to retain more information. The reading tips recommended in this chapter can lead to reading faster when appropriate; skimming, rereading material you are having trouble with, and pacing your reading; which can all increase your ability to concentrate. At the end, learning how to manage your time reading is more important than how fast you are able to read. I have experienced this and I can stay that understanding the material is the key to efficient reading.

Mind Map- Inferences

C4- Inferences

When we use inferences we use our imagination to guess and provide explanations that are not necessarily true. Descriptive writing means to describe the obvious by selecting the correct words. In order to make an accurate generalization, we must first look for information, analyze it, and make a conclusion of all the given data that is presented. In conclusion, this chapter helps us understand that what we observe determines our facts, imagination, and reasoning with explanations. It helps us learn the importance of generalization, which summarizes a whole meaning.

Mind Map - Where I Stand

Where Do I Stand- Critical Thinking

I believe critical thinking is an essential tool to have as a foundation for success to understand anything you want to gain knowledge. It upsets me when I get distracted when trying to concentrate on understanding a certain material. I love the fact that when using different strategies you can truly understand whatever it is you want to focus on. I feel that critical is an extremely important part of dealing with any situation. I've heard only positive things about critical thinking. I see different ways of approaching any difficult material through critical thinking. I think that critical thinking will be used in any situation of your life, therefore you must learn different strategies in order to make the best decisions.

C3- Discovery Excercise

1. Know- to understand something as fact or truth clearly
2. Certain- no doubt, completely confident
3. Verified- confirmed truth by real evidence
4. Existence- being true; continuance
5. Real- actual existing thing
6. Fact- something known to exist by actual experience or observation

Mind Map - Memory

C3- Remembering

Memory consists of storing and retrieving information. You must use the memory strategies to completly remember and understand the material you are reading. The three stages in the memory process are sensory memory, short- term memory, and long- term memory. These are key stages in truly remembering any information. We depend on our memory; therefore it is very important to know these strategies.

Mind Map- Facts

C3- Facts

Facts do not necessarily represent what is real and true; facts are our interpretations of what is real and true. Our feelings can distort our perceptions and prevent us from seeing the reality. We base our facts from others, this can cause us to distort our way of thinking.

C2- Exercise - Word Boundaries

Terms        Class              Characteristics
1. Scissors; a cutting tool -  has two blades, each with a loop handle, joined by a swivel pin

2. Mailbag; a large bag used to carry mail - used by mail carriers, usually equipped with a shoulder strap

3. Moppet; a young child; baby - a mop rag doll

4. November; the eleventh month of the year - containing 30 days

5. Pneumonia; inflammation of the lungs with congestion - characterized by fever, cough with blood- tinged phlegm and difficult breathing

6. Cat; a small domesticated carnivore - family of Felidae such as the lion, tiger, leopard or jaguar, etc.

Mind Map - Vocabulary

Mind Map - Word Precision

Mind Map - Reading

Mind Map - Observations

C2- Developing Your College Vocabulary

You develop your vocabulary by knowing the meaning of new words and how to use them. For every subject studied you must learn specific vocabulary and be able to relate it with your field of study. Increasing your vocabulary increases your ability to learn and communicate effectively.

C2- Word Precision

When expressing your thoughts in writing you must carefully select your choice of words. Clear word definitions lead to clear thinking and expression. Writing helps us learn new words and communicate more efficiently with others and ourselves.

C1-Reading

Reading is a learning process. You must learn how to process new information and connect it with what you already know. You must have a learning strategy in order to remember what it is you're reading. Concentration is a very important skill to obtain because you have the ability to focus on a certain subject without interruption. You must maintain a positive attitude to have successful reading.

C1- Observations

Observation is a very important process. Chapter 1: Observation Skills, discusses the importance of observation and shows how one observes. After reading this chapter it has helped me improve my ability to observe and really think about what it is I'm truly observing. I personally enjoyed the exercises because I feel I learned from them; they made me think in detail what I was looking at and what I was observing; which at times were completely different. We must process our observations in depth in order to truly understand the meaning of anything. I believe that obtaining observations skills make us more understanding, creative and stronger.