Critical reading
Within an academic environment, it is important to read critically, beyond the literal meaning of the text. This includes:
· Recognizing author’s purpose
· Recognizing author’s point of view
· Making inferences
· Drawing conclusions
· Separating fact from opinion
· Separating own opinion from text
· Evaluating arguments
o Generalizations with supporting info: Do examples sufficiently support general claims made?
o Inductive & deductive arguments: Is structure of argument clear?
o Comparison and contrast: Are items compared actually similar? Are contrasts differences? Do similarities & contrasts have effect/import claimed?
o Cause & effect: Is the causal relationship between factors cited and results demonstrated?
o Chronological order: Are events mentioned of equal importance?
o Classification: Are the categories really major? Do you agree with author’s definition of categories & choices of examples for each?
o Process: Is description effective? Is there enough info to understand & replicate procedure?
o Definition: Is it clear? Can readers use the term on their own? Are illustrations persuasive & informative? Do you agree with definition? Why? Why not?
o Introduction: Does it adequately define problem & establish importance? Is lit review adequate?
o Materials & Methods: Are they adequately described and justified?
o Results: Is data presented clearly and in enough detail to be explanatory? Do generalizations clearly follow from data?
o Discussion: Do claims made follow from data? Are implications and practical applications convincingly presented?