Critical Reading

When you practice critical reading, you apply your critical thinking skills to your reading. To do this, you need to read actively, paying close attention to the text and asking yourself questions about the author’s purpose, his or her main point, the support he or she gives, and how good that support is. It is important to think critically as you read, looking out for assumptions and biases (both the writer’s and your own). You should also consider whether you agree or disagree with the points being made.

Here are the four steps of the critical reading process:

2PR The Critical Reading Process

  • Preview the reading.
  • Read the piece, double underlining the thesis statement, underlining the major support. Consider the quality of the support.
  • Pause to think during the reading. Take notes and ask questions about what you are reading. Imagine that you are talking to the author.
  • Review the reading, your marginal notes, and your questions.