Academic Skills - Critical Reading

Identify what is important:

• What are the key ideas, problems, arguments, observations, findings, conclusions?
• What evidence is there?
• Distinguish critical from other types of writing (eg descriptive); fact from opinion; bias from reasons

Evaluate what you find:

• Explore the evidence - does it convince?
• What assumptions are being made and inferences drawn?
• Is there engagement with relevant, up to date research?
• How appropriate are the methods of investigation?
• Is there a consistent and logical line of reasoning?
• Are there any flaws in the argument?
• Do you agree with what's being said? Why?
• How is language being used (emotive, biased etc.)?

Look beyond what you are reading/hearing:

• What other viewpoints, interpretations and perspectives are there? What's the evidence for these? How do they compare?
• How does your prior knowledge and understanding relate to these ideas, findings, observations etc.?
• What are the implications of what you are reading/hearing?

Clarifying your point of view:

• Weigh up the relevant research in the area
• Find effective reasons and evidence for your views
• Reach conclusions on the basis of your reasoning
• Illustrate your reasons with effective examples

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