Critical reading is the art of not taking the content or information you are reading from any source at face value. This involves a deep examination of the evidence and arguments put forth in the text. You have to approach this with an open mind by looking at the supporting points and possible counter arguments.
Critical reading does not mean you have to be critical of what you are reading, it requires you to exercise your own judgment on what you are reading without being influenced by the author's view or arguments. Critical reading goes further than just being satisfied with what a text says. You need to reflect on what the text actually means to you in the context of that project or assignment you are working on - more so what it actually means in the context of your studies.
Remember as a student, you are expected to present robust arguments in any work you present for assessment, This is only possible when you are widely read in the area you are writing about. Being widely read should help in understanding different viewpoints thus making your own judgments richer based on what you would have read.
As a student when you carry out research for your assignments and projects you will be will occasionally encounter author’s interpretation and opinions as different authors will, naturally, have different slants. The foregoing thus makes critical reading invaluable and calls you to always examine what you are reading critically and look for limitations, omissions, inconsistencies, oversights and arguments against what you are reading.
Should you need help, please get in touch with me or contact the library.
I am available for one on one support: in person, over the phone or via email - I am there for you.
