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CRITICAL READINGCritical reading is active reading that looks beyond the surface of words and thoughts on the printed page to explore their meaning and significance. The critical reader does not accept a writer's ideas at face value, but digs deeper into the text to weigh the writer's claims, evaluate the writer's evidence, and question the assumptions behind the writer's ideas. STRATEGIES FOR CRITICAL READINGPreview the Reading You can find valuable information about the writer's subject and perspective by asking questions about the background of the author, the publication in which the article originally appeared, the date of the original publication, and the title of the article. Skim the Reading Before reading the entire article from start to finish, read the first one or two paragraphs and the last paragraph to help you discover the writer's topic and point of view. Consider Your Own Experience Bring your own perspective, experience, education, and personal values to your understanding of the reading by reflecting on what you already know about the subject, what you've heard or read about it recently, and what you think about the subject. Annotate the Reading Respond actively to the writer's ideas by underlining or highlighting important passages, writing questions or comments in the margins, noting persuasive examples or evidence, and marking difficult sections that need a closer look. Summarize the Reading Capture the essential meaning of the reading by focusing on the writer's main ideas in each paragraph. Analyze and Evaluate the Reading Consider how each part of the essay functions by carefully examining such factors as the writer's assumptions, the use of evidence, the logic of the ideas, and the writer's treatment of opposing ideas. Argue With the Reading Ask questions and challenge assumptions to determine whether the writer's argument is sound, logical, and convincing. Create a Dialogue Between Two or More Readings Examine the ideas in two or more readings about the same issue to see how they compare and contrast with each other, how they are interrelated, and how they add dimensions to your knowledge of the subject. Deliberate About the Readings Consider each writer's claims, reasons, and supporting evidence as you define your own position on the issue. Look for Logical Fallacies Examine the reading for logical fallacies that result when a writer unintentionally or intentionally relies upon faulty reasoning or distorts evidence to make a point.
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