12e Reading and interpreting sources

12eReading and interpreting sources

Contents:

Keeping your research question in mind

Noting the author’s stance and tone

Considering the argument and evidence

For those sources that you want to analyze more closely, reading with a critical eye can make your research process more efficient. Use the following tips to guide your critical reading.

Keeping your research question in mind

As you read, ask yourself the following questions:

Noting the author’s stance and tone

Even a seemingly factual report, such as an encyclopedia article, is filled with judgments, often unstated. Read with an eye for the author’s overall rhetorical stance, or perspective, as well as for facts or explicit opinions. Also pay attention to the author’s tone, the way his or her attitude toward the topic and audience is conveyed. The following questions can help:

Considering the argument and evidence

Every piece of writing takes a position. Even a scientific report implicitly “argues” that we should accept it and its data as reliable. As you read, look for the main point or the main argument the author is making. Try to identify the reasons the author gives to support his or her position. Then try to determine why the author takes this position.

For more on argument, see the Argument section.