One Key Way Critical Writing Differs From Critical Reading Is The Following:

Critical reading: the process

This guide lists the steps to follow when critically reading a text. You will be following these steps in this activity.

Step 1: Analyse the task

Break down the assignment into component parts.

Underline instructional words, e.g. discuss, explain, identify, justify
Circle key content words and phrases
Look for hints on structure (List? Cause and effect? Problem/solution? Compare and contrast?)
Be clear about what the task requires: put the question in your own words
Brainstorm the question:
- Bring all your ideas together on one page
- Take stock of everything you know
- Identify gaps in your knowledge

Step 2: Begin research

Find articles and other relevant references

Use LibrarySearch on the library homepage and consult Subject Guides
Follow strategies for researching (consult Liaison Librarian for further information)
Use key words from assignment task as search terms

Step 3: Pre-reading activities

Scan the text for the following information:

Who is the author/s?
- What are their qualifications/positions?
- Might the writer be biased? Why?
What is the publication?
- Is it authoritative?
- Is it current?

Skim the text; highlight key words and main ideas:

Read the title, abstract or summary, headings, sub-headings; and note the graphics
Read the introduction, first sentence of each paragraph, and conclusion

Note: For more information on these techniques, go to the Learning Lab reading tutorial

Step 4: Make a list of questions

Relate the content of the text to your research question

Is this text relevant to my research question?
If so, list questions about the content of the article or report.

Step 5: Deep reading

Relate the content of the text to your research question

Highlight key ideas, write short comments in margin
Note the patterns of organisation in the text. Common patterns include:
- list/sequence
- problem/solution
- cause/effect
- compare/contrast.

Step 6: Make notes

Use the template provided to make your own notes

When making notes, be brief; use dot points; use your own words
Fill in the first section – note the reference details
Note the main argument of article (or purpose of report)
Summarise the main ideas of the introduction, each section, and conclusion
Record any significant quotes and page numbers
Note ideas pertinent to your research.

These notes become your summary of the article/report. You can refer to them when writing your essay or report.

Step 7: Evaluate article

Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the text. This is an important part of the process. To evaluate the text effectively, follow these 3 steps:

Ask questions on the value of the research
Evaluation questions. Has the article/report fulfilled its purpose?
- Is the argument clearly asserted and supported by evidence?
- Is the research valid? (Sufficient, appropriate, adequate, objective, valid methodology?)
- Has the argument been developed logically?
- Does it present solutions based on evidence?
- Are recommendations appropriate to the purpose?
- In what ways does the article/report advance our knowledge of a particular issue?
- What assumptions underlie the research? Are they reasonable?
Ask questions on the quality of the information
Roll your mouse over the words in the diagram for more information
Fill in the evaluation section
Using your answers to the above questions in steps 1 and 2:
- What are the strengths of the text?
- What are the weaknesses?

Step 8: Mind map from memory

Make a rough mind map from memory: test what you can recall from your reading of the text

Make headings of the main ideas and note supporting evidence in dot points.
Include your evaluation: the strengths and weaknesses.
Identify gaps in your memory.

For information on how to create a mind map, go to the Learning Lab mind map tutorial.

Step 9: Consolidate your knowledge

Summarise the text in preparation for writing your assignment

Make another mind map drawing on your notes and your rough mind map.
Make headings and note the supporting evidence in dot points.
Include your evaluation.
Be creative: use colour and arrows; make it easy to visualise.
Highlight the ideas you may want to use for your assignment.
Identify areas for further research.