What would you call: analytical reading/writing of non-fiction/current events?

[Tap]

I was talking to the highschool advisor in our homeschool program recently. I asked him what he thought was an important topic that gets underemphasized in homeschool curriculums and public school curriculums.

 

His resounding answer was: being able to read an article that is non-fiction ie newspaper or any 'article for information only' (not solely designed to entertain) and for the child to be able to write a summary or argument about the article. Especially (!) being able to actually answer the question, directly, and citing examples from the article to back up the answer.

 

He feels that it is a life skill that is not taught and should have just as much emphasis as the more creative processes of writing.

 

I would like to incorporate such a program for my son, but don't know what to search for. I am an inadequate writing teacher, so ds takes a writing class. I want to supplement his writing instruction but it really needs to be a very scripted, complete curriculum or I won't be able to help him.

 

Do you know of a program like this? Or what type of program it would be called?

[Laura in VA]

It is usually included as part of an English class. Since it's just one of the many types of writing, I wouldn't spend a lot of time on it. My son wrote one or two this year. Here is a link describing what it is and how to write it:

 

http://lonestar.texas.net/~mseifert/precis1302.html

 

And here is one that gives more detailed info:

 

http://academic.evergreen.edu/curricular/eduvalues/precis.htm

HTH!

[Suzanne in ABQ]

I believe it's called "Analytic Writing" (at least that's what they called it when I was in college). It was my second semester, freshman English class. I know I wasn't taught this in high school, but that's not saying much (I wasn't taught much of anything in high school). A google search on Analytic writing, or Analytical writing, might bring up something.

[Anne in S'pore]

You could also consider working it into other subjects. Sections requiring such skills are part of A level curricula (British system; roughly equivalent to grades 11-12) for some subjects. For instance, in history, two sources might be given and a series of questions asked based on them, including the main message of each source, line of reasoning, whether there is enough evidence to support a particular point of view, etc.. In economics, a table of data or an article might be given.

 

This will probably involve a lot more work than if you are able to find a dedicated curriculum, though. I hope this is helpful in some way :)

 

Anne