Questions of a critical/sceptical reader
|
Questions of a critical/sceptical reader |
Remember: academics are trained to read with a critical and sceptical eye, and to be able to discriminate between conflicting arguments which each seek to convince the reader. If we look again at our 8 "dimensions" of delicacy, we can frame them in terms of critical questions the sceptical reader is likely to ask:
| Probability/Certainty: | Is that a fact ?/ Are you certain/sure (of that) ? |
| Scope/Generalisation: | All (people) ? / (People) everywhere ? |
| Fact/Belief Status: | How do you know (that) ? Did you actually ask them (that) ? Is that your opinion ? |
| Contingency/Circumstance: | Does that always happen ? (Only
if ….) Will that definitely happen ? (Unless ….) |
| Relativity: | More people/people are increasingly likely to |
| Attribution: | What do you base that on ? According to who(m) ? Where did you read/find that ? Is that the author's position ? |
| Concession: | I thought … (something
contrasting or contrary) You have to admit they have a case … |
| Presupposition: | What does (X) mean ? Did you introduce this earlier ? |