What is Critical Reading?

What exactly is critical reading? Critical reading can be best defined as a reader who "applies certain processes, models, questions, and theories that result in enhanced clarity and comprehension." (Cleveland Sate University) In order for one to become a critical reader, it is vital that the text is read both carefully and under close observation.  Unlike skim reading, where all the reader gains is "the text, superficial characteristics and information." (Cleveland Sate University), critical reading, however involves one to look at the structure of the text "that is, logical consistency, tone, organisation, and a number of other very important sounding terms." (Cleveland Sate University).

 Beneficial and knowledge wise, it is far more useful to critically read.

Here are seven strategies that I found to be extremely helpful when it comes to mastering critical reading. One should bear the following mind, as it helps to critically read.

1. Previewing: Very similar to skim reading, previewing is reading the text closely so as to obtain both a rough idea and image. "Previewing enables readers to get a sense of what the text is about and how it is organised before reading it closely." (Salisbury University).
2. Contextualising:  Contextualising involves understanding the context of the text and the time frame it was written in. An open mind is key in this part of critical reading. You must be able to accept other time periods and settings.
3. Questioning to Understand & Remember: To fully understand something, there are always going to be questions. An effective way of learning is to ask questions. As readers, and especially as students, it is our job to make sure we know what we are studying so we can ask relevant questions.
4. Reflecting on Challenges to your Beliefs and Values: Debating your own opinions and beliefs when you read any piece of work is allowed. It is important to stand up for what you believe in, as there exists no law prohibiting disagreement, so if you need to disagree, do so.
5. Outlining &Summarising: I find this part to be the easiest when critically reading. This is done by "Identifying the main ideas and restating them in your own words." (Salisbury University).
6. Evaluating an Argument: This part of critically reading introduces the notion of 'bias', and not believing everything that is written to be a representation of the truth, but to "recognise every assertion as an argument that must be carefully evaluated." (Salisbury University).
7. Comparing & Contrasting Related Readings: Both comparing and contrasting is one of the most important things to do when critically reading. "Exploring likenesses and differences between texts to understand them better." (Salisbury University).

Reference List:
Cleveland State University Centre (2012),Critical Reading: What is Critical Reading, and why do I need to do it?, Available at: http://www.csuohio.edu/academic/writingcenter/critread.html [Accessed 3rd December]

Salisbury University, Seven Critical Reading Strategies, Available at: http://www.salisbury.edu/counseling/new/7_critical_reading_strategies.html [Accessed 4th Decemeber].

Image Derived from: http://schol.wordpress.com/2009/10/14/a-guide-to-critical-reading/ [Accessed 6th December].