Critical reading means that the reader uses specific processes, models, questions and theories that lead to improved clarity and comprehension.
Reading critically does not, necessarily mean being critical of what you read. Both reading and critical thinking does not mean “criticizing” a particular idea, argument, or piece of writing – saying it is wrong or in some way.
Seven Critical Reading Techniques
Critical reading means engaging in what you are reading by asking yourself questions such as, what is he trying to say? Or what is the main issue being raised?
Let’s now discuss the seven main strategies for critical reading.
1. Annotating
One of the first strategies you can use is to define a text. When explaining, you underline important parts of the text, such as the thesis statement, body sentences, and descriptive material.
2. Contextualizing
When you make a text, you are, in effect, inserting it into its original text or culture. As a student you should try to identify the context and think about how the context differs from your own.
3. Reflecting on Challenges to your Beliefs and Values
Sometimes our beliefs about a subject are difficult to explain because they are so entrenched. To gain these beliefs it is important that you examine how the text challenges you. Many of you may react strongly to some of the articles you have read. This reaction is a good example of a time when this type of learning and reading strategy could be used.
4. Outlining
This can be used as a prelude to the summary. Outlining allows you to see the basic text structure and key text ideas. In the framework you are exploring the main ideas and supporting evidence for the text.
5. Summarizing
Summary creates a new text by combining real objects. After explaining the text, the details are reunited with your own words
6 Paraphrasing
When you paraphrase a text, you put it into your own words. This can be helpful in understanding a difficult or ambiguous passage. The purpose of a paraphrase is to simplify without changing any information. You are not changing what is said, but how it is said.
7. Evaluating the Logic of an Argument.
The two parts of an argument are claim and support. The claim is the idea, opinion, or point of view of the writer. The support is the reasons and evidence that becomes the basis for that claim.
By using the above mentioned seven steps you’ll be able to understand and engage in the text.