What are you doing when you read critically?
In order to read critically, you must read the material at least
twice. The first time, get a grasp of what is going on in the
passage. Whether it is a chapter in a novel or a chapter in a text
book, this is a good idea. Make a mental note of the main point of
the text and any conclusions that may have been reached in the
text. Also, ask yourself if the text is based on fact, fiction, or
is it simply beliefs that the author holds. If something sticks out
during the first reading, note it in the margin or with a page
marker. Then, when you reread the material, you will be able to
read deeper into the text. A good idea is to watch out for word
choice to get a feel for what the mood of the piece is. Analyze
words that stick out in the reading and ask why the author chose
that word. After the second reading, make sure to reassess the
conclusion. Is it still the same as you thought it was before?