Critical
Reading
(English Comprehension and Composition)
• Critical reading is a skill that involves actively engaging with a text,
analyzing its content, and evaluating its arguments.
• It goes beyond simply understanding the words on the page and
involves questioning the author's assumptions, biases, and evidence.
• Why is critical reading important?
• It helps you to think critically and analytically.
• It allows you to identify and evaluate different perspectives.
• It helps you to form your own opinions and arguments.
• It is essential for academic success.
• How to be a critical reader
• There are a number of strategies you can use to become a more critical
reader. Here are a few tips:
• Read actively. This means that you should be actively engaged with the
text as you read. Ask yourself questions about the author's purpose,
main ideas, and supporting arguments.
• Identify the author's purpose. What is the author trying to achieve with
this text? Are they trying to persuade you of something? Are they trying
to inform you about something?
• Evaluate the author's evidence. Is the evidence relevant and reliable?
Does the author provide enough evidence to support their claims?
• Consider the author's point of view. What are the author's
assumptions and biases? How might these affect their argument?
• Be open-minded. Be willing to consider different perspectives, even if
they don't agree with your own.
• Take notes. This will help you to remember what you have read and
to identify key points.
• Discuss what you have read with others. This can help you to clarify
your own thoughts and to learn from others.
