WHAT IS CRITICAL READING?

Critical reading is a process of analyzing, interpreting and, sometimes, evaluating the larger meanings of
a text and how those meanings are created by the text.

NON -CRITICAL READERS CRITICAL READERS

 texts provide facts  any single text provides but one portrayal of
 Readers gain knowledge by memorizing the the facts
statements within a text  one individual’s “take” on the subject matter
 a surface-level of learning  recognize not only what a text says, but also
how that text portrays the subject matter

Non-critical reading is being satisfied with recognizing what a text says and restating the key
remarks.
Critical reading goes two steps further. Having recognized what a text says, it reflects on what the
text does by making such remarks. Finally, critical readers then infer what the text, as a whole,
means.

Three steps or modes of analysis are reflected in three types of reading and discussion:
1. What a text says – restatement
2. What a text does – description
3. What a text means – interpretation

Goals of Critical Reading

1. to recognize an author’s purpose
2. to understand tone and persuasive elements
3. to recognize bias

Critical Reading vs. Critical Thinking

Critical reading is a technique for discovering information and ideas within a text.
Critical thinking is a technique for evaluating information and ideas, for deciding what to accept
and believe.