One of the most important things to pay attention to is the type of document — or genre — you are reading. For example, if a source is an opinion column rather than an objective summary of an argument, you’re more likely to watch for a questionable use of logic or analysis. If you are reading an article in a company newsletter or an annual report, you’ll recognize that one of the writer’s most important concerns is to present the company in a positive light. If an article comes from a peer-reviewed scholarly journal, you’ll know that it’s been judged by experts in the field as well founded and worthy of publication.

Recognizing the type of document you are reading will help you create a context for understanding and questioning the information, ideas, and arguments presented in a source.