HOW TO READ A DOCUMENT

“SCARABS”

Reading a primary document is not an easy task. Rather than read, you must investigate the document for the clues contained in the message. A document is a multi-layered item, with the words often the least useful part. The following are the major items you must uncover in each document you utilize. Taken together, these items will give you a complete picture of the subject matter; period; message, etc.

Area of investigation		Explanation
S	SUBJECT	What is the subject or topic of the document?
C	CIRCUMSTANCE	Time, place, occasion of the creation of the document?
A	AUTHOR	Who is the author, creator of the document?
R	REASON	Why was the document created?
A	AUDIENCE	Who was the document intended for?
B	BIAS	What is the point of view of the document?
S	SIGNIFICANT POINT	What is the significant reason the author is making?