Smart Reading Online WorkshopPart 3: Critical Reading

Created by: Jane Mangano

Critical Reading

Critical Reading Skills

• Who wrote the text?• What are their qualifications?• Do they have authority to write on this

particular topic?

Critical Reading Skills

• When was the text published?• Where was it published?• Is this an academic source?

Critical Reading Skills

• Is there any bias?• Is the evidence reliable?• Could a different conclusion be drawn?• Does the argument follow a logical order?

Critical Reading Skills

• Do you agree with the author’s argument?• How does this text compare to others you

have read?• Where does this text differ?• How is it similar?• What are the implications?

Activity

• Go to the Critical Reading overview on the Massey University website http://owll.massey.ac.nz/study-skills/critical-reading.php

• Read the overview and write a one sentence summary for each of the main headings (background, purpose, evidence, methodology, logic, balance and limitations).

Time to have a go at being a critical reader

• Complete the final task see the next slide for details

• This should take about 30 minutes to complete.

Time to have a go at being a critical reader…

• Choose one article from either your course reading, or an article from your own research for an essay.

• Read the abstract, summary and conclusion. Write a two to three sentence summary for each (abstract, summary, conclusion).

• Using the questions from ‘Helpful questions for critical reading’, write down what the strengths and weaknesses of the article are.

• Write down any limitations you see in the article• Write two or three sentences about your own thoughts about the

article (eg have your beliefs been challenged? Does this relate to another article/lecture?)

• Remember to include the full reference details for the article!

Congratulations!!!

• You have completed the Smart Reading online workshop.

• If you have any queries, feel free to contact the AESC.