Reading skills are not only limited to the comprehension of the meaning and analysis of a sentence structure, but also how to analyze the context, motivation, and purpose of a text as well as the causal relationships between paragraphs. Students must learn to comment effectively on the strengths and limitations of a text, which are essential for students' core competencies.

In order to train students to effectively master critical reading skills, Ascent Academy has designed a series of courses analyzing classic literature and international social issues, which help them broaden their international perspectives.

In these courses, students will practice analyzing texts, developing a contextual understanding of their meaning and logical connections between texts under the guidance of a lecturer.

At the same time, students will also practice thinking by writing; commenting on the strengths and limitations of texts in an academic writing style, and understanding how to distinguish between different sources of information and their reliability.

In order to judge students' progress, lecturers will also take students through the Oxford Thinking Skills Assessment (OSTA) questions in class.

Course objectives

• To build critical reading skills. This will develop students' awareness of world events and to enhance their sensitivity to current affairs, politics and economics, history, geography and culture. To enhance students' basic knowledge, especially in history, geography and economics.
• Enhance information analysis and system thinking skills

Course core

• Read a variety of news media and world literature.
• Practice analyzing and critiquing texts.
• Group discussion and sharing of ideas in a presentation format.

Course outline

• Basic steps in critical reading.
• Text reading: BBC, CNN, Animal Farm, etc.
• Thinking Skills Assessment (Oxford University)