How to read critically

(suspend your own judgement for now) 

• Who wrote and published the article? What is their background?
• What are the key concepts or ideas?
• What is argued and how it is argued for?
• What methodology was used (eg, literary sources, theory, surveys, statistical data, historical evidence, etc.)?

Logic of the Writer’s argument [SUNY Empire State College] 

2. Read critically — test the author

• Does the evidence strongly support what is being argued for?
• Is the evidence presented reliable? Are the sources credible?
• Are there any limitations in the evidence (e.g., too broad, too narrow, etc.)?
• Could better or more evidence be provided?
• Are there any assumptions made that are not argued for?
• What might an opposing argument be? (e.g., does the author’s view contrast with other readings?)
• Would the argument in the reading still be strong if it faced this opposition?

 Read and Write Critically [SUNY Empire State College]

3. Construct a response

• Make brief notes as you read
• Highlight your areas of concern
• Make a mindmap or concept map to ‘see the big picture’
• Write a draft paragraph that expresses your overall view of the reading

Evaluating the Author [SUNY Empire State College]