As a critical reader, before you begin an evaluation you should be able to

a)highlight and underline interesting facts.
b) outline the content.

c)locate the author's conclusion

And your answer is?

Shouldn't you consider the entire paper before you evaluate? Do you want your teacher to grade your paper only on your conclusion?

so outlining the content is that meaning the whole paper? I was confused

Yes, outline the whole paper. It doesn't have to be detailed, but it should cover the author's main points. You can't evaluate a paper without having a good idea of the main ideas presented.

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To locate the author's conclusion while critically reading a piece of text, you can follow these steps:

1. Understand the main idea: Start by reading the entire text to get a general understanding of the author's main argument or idea.

2. Identify supporting points: Look for statements or evidence that support the main idea. These may be facts, examples, or logical reasoning.

3. Look for contradictory statements: Pay attention to any statements that go against the main idea or present opposing viewpoints. These can help you identify the author's conclusion by contrasting it with alternative perspectives.

4. Analyze the structure: Examine the structure of the text to see if the author includes a clear statement or paragraph that presents their conclusion. The conclusion is typically found towards the end of an essay, or it may be explicitly stated as a separate section or paragraph.

5. Consider the tone and language: The author's conclusion is often conveyed through strong or persuasive language, indicating their stance on the topic. Take note of any key phrases or terms that suggest a definitive position.

6. Use context clues: Contextual information surrounding the main argument can also offer insights into the author's conclusion. Consider the introduction, title, headings, and subheadings, as they may provide clues to the overall purpose of the text.

By engaging in these reading techniques, you will develop a better understanding of the author's main argument and be able to identify their conclusion. It is essential to approach the text critically, evaluating the strength of the author's reasoning and evidence.