critical reading and writing

Critical Reading and Writing

The Importance of Critical Reading

Critical writing depends on critical reading. Most of the papers you write will involve reflection on written texts - the thinking and research that has already been done on your subject.

Making judgments and interpretations of the texts you read is the first step toward formulating your own approach.

Critical Reading: What is It?To read critically is to make judgments about how a text is argued.

This is a highly reflective skill requiring you to "stand back" from the text you are reading.

You might have to read a text through once to get a basic grasp of content before you launch into an intensive critical reading.

The KeysDON’T read looking only or

primarily for information.

DO read looking for ways of thinking about the subject matter.

Another KeyWhen you are reading,

highlighting, or taking notes, avoid extracting and compiling lists of facts, illustrations, examples, details, data.

ASK

How does this text work?

ASK

How is it argued?

ASK

How does it reach its conclusions?

ASK

How can I use it to develop my own argument?

How Do I Read Looking for Ways of Thinking?

Determine the central claims or purpose of the text.

What is the author’s thesis?

Who is the author and why is he/she interested in this topic?

Why might the author be concerned about this matter?

Consider the context of the work

When was this text written?

What historical events surrounding this subject matter might have influenced the writer?

Is the writer responding to another writer or idea?

Distinguish the kinds of reasoning the text employs

How does the writer make his/her appeal to the audience?

Ethos

Pathos

Logos

Examine the kinds of evidence the text employs

Numbers, data?

Case reports?

Evaluate the work

1. Is valid evidence provided?

2. How might the evidence be reinterpreted?

3. Is the author blind to any issues?

Practical Tips

Skim the work before critically reading.

Highlight the arguments and patterns of thought in a work.

If using a portion of another work, consider context.

Use quotations wisely.

Listen critically in class.