This document discusses critical reading techniques. It defines critical reading as actively paying attention to the main idea, purpose, conclusions, and maintaining interest. Characteristics of critical readers include reading with a pencil, previewing material, asking questions, and re-reading difficult sections. Critical readers ask questions about the topic, purpose, organization, sources, and how their existing knowledge relates. Suggested techniques include previewing, annotating, summarizing reactions, and using supplemental resources to aid comprehension.

1. Critical Reading
Professor Lauren Birdsong
English Department

2. What is Critical Reading?
• Also known as active reading
• Paying attention to what you are reading
• Understanding the main idea (thesis statement)
• Discovering the author’s purpose
• Identifying conclusions
• Maintain interest in the material

3. Characteristics of Critical/Active Readers
• Read with pencil in hand
• Read at a comfortable pace
• Preview reading material and supplements
• Ask questions before, during, and after reading
• Re-read sections they don’t understand

4. Questions asked by Critical Readers
• What is the topic and main idea?
• Why did the author write this work?
• How is the material organized?
• Did the author use reliable sources?
• What do I already know about the topic?
• What will I need to know about the topic when I finish
reading?

5. Critical Reading Techniques
• Preview your reading
• Annotate the text
• Compose a summary and reaction
• Use supplements and additional resources

6. Preview Your Reading
• Work backwards!
– Read summary/conclusion first
– Answer post-reading questions while you read
• Review background information on the author
• Identify the main idea
• Reflect on your knowledge of the topic

7. Annotate the Text
In other words…
Don’t be afraid to write in your textbooks!
• Take notes while reading
• Jot down definitions and key concepts
• Bookmark/flag pages you don’t understand
• Rewrite sentences and/or paragraphs in your
own words

8. Compose a Summary and Reaction
• Compose a brief summary in your own words
• Discuss important details and examples
• Compare reading selection to current knowledge
• Become a critic!

9. Use Supplements and Additional Resources
• Find videos about topic on YouTube
• Check out SlideShare for PowerPoint
presentations and short lectures
• Remember Cliff’s Notes and SparkNotes?
• Google and Wikipedia for general information