Based on the provided reference, intensive reading is a deep reading of a text that is usually done for academic purposes. It involves a close analysis of the material to fully grasp its meaning and nuances.
Definition and Purpose
Intensive reading is characterized as a form of deep reading. Unlike reading for general understanding or pleasure, intensive reading requires careful attention to detail. According to the reference, this type of reading is typically undertaken in academic settings and focuses on a detailed examination of the text.
The purposes of intensive reading are varied but centered around a thorough comprehension and critical engagement with the material. These purposes include:
- To better understand the author's argument.
- To critically analyze the writing style, structure, or content.
- To find a deeper meaning embedded within the text.
Key Characteristics
The defining feature of intensive reading is the close analysis it demands. This means scrutinizing the text word by word, sentence by sentence, and paragraph by paragraph. It often involves:
- Identifying specific vocabulary and grammar.
- Analyzing sentence structure and rhetorical devices.
- Understanding logical connections between ideas.
- Evaluating the evidence or support provided for arguments.
While often associated with academic pursuits, the reference notes that this type of deep analysis can be applied for any purpose requiring a thorough understanding.
Applications (Examples)
Intensive reading is crucial when a surface-level understanding is insufficient. Examples of situations where intensive reading is applied include:
- Studying a complex philosophical text for a university course.
- Analyzing a piece of literature to write an essay about its themes.
- Examining a scientific paper to understand a specific methodology or finding.
- Critically evaluating a legal document or contract.
- Dissecting a historical source document to interpret past events.
In each case, the reader is engaging in a deep reading process involving close analysis to achieve specific goals related to understanding or critically evaluating the text.
Summary of Intensive Reading
Here is a quick overview of the key aspects of intensive reading based on the reference:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| What it is | A type of deep reading |
| Key Action | Involves close analysis of the text |
| Typical Context | Usually done for academic purposes |
| Primary Goals | Understand arguments, critically analyze, find deeper meaning |
This focused approach allows readers to extract maximum information and insight from a text, moving beyond simple comprehension to achieve a profound understanding and critical perspective.
