Part One Critical Reading Skills Chapter 1 Getting the Message 1. Finding the Stated Main Idea 2. Summarizing the Main Idea 3. Jnferring the Meaning 4. Drawing Conclusions 5. Predicting Outcomes Chapter 2 Identifying Patterns of Idea Organization 1. Cause and Effect 2. Sequencing 3. Comparison and Contrast Chapter 3 Decoding Words 1. Denotation and Connotation 2. Euphemism 3. Skill Review Part Two Critical Reading of Literature Chapter 1 Comprehending Prose 1. Setting and Characterization 2. Comparisons and Symbols 3. Plot and Tone Chapter 2 Comprehending Poetry 1. Poetry and Prose 2. Three Important Elements 3 . Skill Review Chapter 3 Comprehending Drama 1. Drama and Prose 2. The Format of Drama 3. Dialogue 4. SkillReview Part Three Critical Thinking Skills Chapter 1 Identifying Unsound Reasoning 1. Fact, Opinion, and Hypothesis 2. Invalid Conclusions 3. Author's Bias 4. Stereotypes 5. Faulty Analogy 6. IllOgical Persuasive Techniques Chapter Understanding Values and Beliefs Skill Review Key to Exercises