How to Read Critically

Ideas and Viewpoints:

Each person has his or her own opinions. And, that's not a bad thing! Ideas about important subjects lead us to consider our own ways of living, and perhaps question our ways of doing things. Every article, editorial, news story, letter, or information on a website has a particular message and the point of view of its author. The difficulty comes when we try to determine if writers are telling the objective truth or trying to persuade us without appropriate supporting reasons.

When we analyze what we read, we need to determine if the author is using sound reasons and solid evidence to convince us of a position. Is their position is important? Analyzing the author's position can bring us additional knowledge, and it can provide us with the ability to form our own opinions and/or support positions we already have.

So, what does reading critically mean? It does not mean looking for what is wrong with a text! Reading critically means to suspend one's judgment of or reaction to a text until one has

  • clearly understood the message,
  • evaluated the evidence to support the message,
  • analyzed the writer's perspective, and 
  • analyzed any techniques of persuasion used to convey the message.

Reading critically enables us to reach deeper understandings without accepting information that is incorrect or validating judgments based on unsound reasoning and evidence.

How can we analyze a reading?

  • Start small. Read one paragraph at a time, summarize the message, and even take little breaks (if necessary).
  • Use a checklist. What are you looking for? What are the author's arguments, and main pieces of evidence? 
  • Ask some simple questions, such as the following: "what is the background of the author/text creator? Is the author/creator an expert in this field? What techniques does the author/creator use to strengthen their perspective?"

Sometimes some self-talk or discussion with a classmate or teacher can also help with this type of analysis.

Before you begin, follow these steps:

  1. Consider your purpose for reading the article. What are you hoping to learn?
  2. Think about what you already know about the topic. If the reading contradicts what you know, warning bells may sound.
  3. Think about your own biases and perspective. Your opinions about the subject can interfere with your understanding of the message. Your opinions may be valid and supported. You are not necessarily wrong just because someone disagrees with you, even if it's in print!

Then, skim the article.

  1. First, look at the title. If the article is a chapter or section of a longer work, look at that title as well. Does it present a simple message or indicate a particular point of view?
  2. Are any images, diagrams, or charts used to illustrate the main idea effectively, or are they used to sway your opinion?

As you read

  1. What is the author's message? Can you tell what it is right away?
  2. Are language or persuasive tactics, such as prejudice or fear, used to appeal to the reader's emotions?
  3. What is the writer's tone, and how does the tone (the author's attitude) affect your response to the text?
  4. Is evidence or statistical data used to support the author's ideas? If so, is the evidence based on scientific study and research, or is it anecdotal? Are the sources identified? Are the sources credible? Is the evidence or data current?
  5. Does the author use generalizations, inferences, or assumptions (statements without evidence/examples) to support his or her position?
  6. Does the article represent a particular perspective or worldview? If so, whose perspective is left out?
  7. Can you find out more about the author and his or her credentials? Jot some questions you could ask.

Download this focus chart you can fill in as you read.