Critical reading

what is critical reading?

Critical Reading is about questioning what you read and not just accepting it at face value. You need to evaluate the evidence and the line of reasoning presented and ask how valid the argument being made is. It is important to think about how a piece of work compares or contrasts with other texts on the topic.

what is evidence?

author will present a variety of evidence to back up the claims they are making. Important to examine this evidence closely. Evidence could be: data gathered in a scientific experiment, interviews, survey results or quotations from text

what is line of reasoning?

Line of reasoning- the way in which the points and evidence are presented. This should be done in a clear and logical order, making it easy for the reader to follow and reach a clear conclusion. Any inconsistent jumps between points made could be a cause for questioning the conclusions

what are the 5 key concepts of critical reading?

suitability, credibility, aims and objectives, content and application

what is suitability

Suitability – consider where piece is relevant and useful. Skim read the item to get an idea of what’s included and the argument being made

what is credibility?

Credibility – consider factors beyond the content itself e.g. position of the author and place of publication as these factors may impact on the reliability or potential bias of the information

what are aims and objectives?

Aims and objectives – consider the purpose of the text, the target audience and if the research has been funded in any way and might this cause any bias

what is content?

consider the evidence used to make the argument, any particular strengths or weaknesses in the methods used to gain evidence, any vague or persuasive language and is the conclusion supported firmly by the evidence throughout or is it based on weak or limited examples?

what is application?

has this piece provided you with what you were hoping for when you first discovered it? How can you use this piece in your own assignment to answer the question you have been set