How to Read Critically
Do you ever get to the end of a page or chapter and then suddenly get the feeling that you've been in a daze, that you have no idea what you just read at all? Unless you use techniques to read critically, you may not notice when you start to skim over a passage instead of absorbing the information fully. Once you get used to the idea, you may not have to use all of these techniques religiously. They are a good starting point, though, in learning to integrate written information more efficiently.
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Instructions
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When you see a word that you don't know, write it down. It's actually a very good idea to try to guess from context what the word means, but unless you're fairly sure, this is a great opportunity to build your vocabulary. Look it up right now, or add it to a vocabulary list. Just remember to look it up eventually, or the list won't do you any good.
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Pause as often as every paragraph or at least as often as every few pages and think about the argument the author is making. Don't just go with the feeling that you have a vague sense of the ideas, try to actually put them into words in your mind as though you were explaining them to someone else. If you're reading fiction, just summarize what the characters are doing or thinking.
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Think about how you feel as you read critically. When you stop to summarize, notice whether you feel interested, bored, frustrated, amused or any other kind feeling, and try to figure out what it was about the writing that caused you to feel that way. What do you think of the actions of the characters or the points that the author is trying to make? Do you believe that what was said makes sense?
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Think about any questions that you might have. If you are unconvinced by an argument, what further proof would you require? Does the characters' behavior make you suspect anything about them? In general, what questions would you have for the author if the passage ended at this point? Hopefully these questions will be answered as you read on, but having questions in mind will help you read critically.
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Finish the passage or assignment. See whether your questions are answered. Think about your overall impressions of the piece. In general, do you find the writing believable? Did you like it? What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of the writing? Make notes now in case you need to refer to them later or discuss them in class.
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Tips & Warnings
Think about your feelings, but don't get too distracted by them. The fact that you are bored by a piece of writing, for example, may not mean that there is nothing useful to learn from it.
