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Critical Reading

This guide looks at what Critical reading is and how it can help you in your research.

Steps in critical reading

This section has information that will guide you step by step through the critical reading process

Critical Reading steps 1 - 3

**Critical reading steps 1 - 3**
Step 1. Break assignment into units	Step 2. Search for relevant literature	Step 3. Pre- reading activities
Be clear on what task requires Underline instruction words such as, discuss, explain, evaluate What is main idea Identify keywords/phrases Look for hints on structure: List, Compare & Contrast Brainstorm the question Summarize ideas on 1 page Take stock of everything you know about the task Revise and see if there are any gaps in your knowledge	Identify relevant sources from reading lists Use library to identify additional sources Search for other sources	Scan the text Skim the text, highlight main ideas Look at title, abstract, introduction, headings, sub-headings, notes & graphics Look at the Table of Contents Read 1st sentences of each paragraph Look at the conclusion

Critical Reading steps 4 - 6

**Critical reading steps 4 -6**
Step 4. Make a list of Questions	Step 5. Deep & focused reading	Step 6. Note taking
This will help you decide what to do with the literature Is this source relevant to this assignment Does it help with all the aspects or just components of the assignment?	Relate content to your assignment Highlight key ideas Write short comments in margin (if it's a personal copy) Observe text & language flow	These notes become your summary of the text – useful when doing up the assignment Be brief, use bullet points Write in your own words Focus on the main arguments Summarize each section Write down significant quotes – keep references

Critical Reading steps 7 - 9

**Critical reading steps 7 - 9**
Step 7. Evaluate this particular source	Step 8. Mind mapping	Step 9. Knowledge consolidation
An important part of the journey. Evaluate strength & weaknesses of the source Ask questions on the contributions of source to the subject of your assignment Are arguments clear and supported by evidence Ask questions on the quality of the information and its source	Part of the revision process – helps with better absorption Make a rough mind map from memory Test what you can recall from your reading Use bullet points for ideas you can recall Include what you consider as strength & weaknesses of text Are there any glaring gaps in your memory?	Summarize text as you prepare to write the assignment Make another mind map drawing on your notes and the rough mind map Use bullet points to list highlights of the text Be creative – use colour coding or diagrams Highlight the key ideas to incorporate into assignment Identify areas of further reading for your assignment Use of technology encouraged – Evernote and similar Apps