An Introduction to Critical Reading

What is “critical reading?”  Preface – “Critical” is not intended to have a negative meaning in the context of “critical reading.”  Definition: 1. expressing adverse or disapproving comments or judgments.  2. expressing or involving an understanding and analysis of a work of literature, music, or art.  synonyms:evaluative, analytical, interpretative, expository, explanatory

Passive vs. Active Reading  Passive Reading: - (4 traits)  1. Largely inactive process.  2. Low motivation to examine the text critically or at an in-depth level.  3. Important pieces of data and assumptions may be glossed over and missed.  4. Data and assumptions that are perceived by the passive reader are accepted at face value or are examined superficially, with little thought.

Passive vs. Active Reading Active Reading: - Active reading involves interacting with the text and therefore requires significantly more energy than passive reading. Critical reading ALWAYS involves active reading. The active reader invests sufficient effort to understand the text and its key parts.

Our rules  Take your time  Have a phone or computer nearby to look things up  If you don’t understand something, take more time on it  Be able to explain why you did what you did

Step #1  Scan the title, date, headlines, bold words, etc for clues on the subject  Read the article without making any marks on it. See what you understand, what you don’t, and where you should focus your critical efforts.

Step #2  Read a second time  Make notes in the margins  Look up any words, events, places, or concepts that you do not understand.  Highlight or underline especially important passages

Step #3  Re-read the material one more time now that you have full context and understanding of the meaning of all words, events, places, and concepts.