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Critical Reading
Critical reading is actually a two-step process: reading for understanding and analyzing
what you have read. When you are asked to evaluate a piece of writing, you must first be
sure that you clearly understand what you have read. Only when you understand the
author's viewpoint, purpose, and methods of support are you ready to critique the piece
effectively.
Once you understand what is being presented, you are ready to evaluate. As you re-read,
it is helpful to jot down notes concerning the content; indicate the sections with which
you agree/disagree, question the puzzling sections, mark the sections that seem
contradictory or irrelevant, etc.
4. Analysis of the Issues- Are they examined completely? Does the author cover all
possible angles? What issues are left out, and why? Are you persuaded? Why
(not)?
Critical Reading: What is It? | How Do I Read Looking for Ways of Thinking? | Practical
Tips
Critical writing depends on critical reading. Most of the papers you write will involve
reflection on written texts - the thinking and research that has already been done on your
subject. In order to write your own analysis of this subject, you will need to do careful
critical reading of sources and to use them critically to make your own argument. The
judgments and interpretations you make of the texts you read are the first steps towards
formulating your own approach.
When you are reading, highlighting, or taking notes, avoid extracting and compiling lists
of evidence, lists of facts and examples. Avoid approaching a text by asking "What
information can I get out of it?" Rather ask "How does this text work? How is it argued?
How is the evidence (the facts, examples, etc.) used and interpreted? How does the text
reach its conclusions?
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Last modified September 19,
2007