What is critical reading?

Critical reading means engaging with your source as you read. This includes evaluating, questioning, comparing, and contrasting source information. It also includes analyzing the authors' ideas as you read them.

Critical Reading Questions

Here are a few questions to consider as you read critically:

• Does the author speak from an objective point of view, or is his/her work biased?
• How does this work compare to others in the field?
• Was the study/research valid? How do you know?
• Are the conclusions logical?
• How might the context of the research affect the author's viewpoint?
• Is the author's work credible?
• Do the authors' ideas agree or disagree with your own experiences? How so?

These questions will help you engage with your reading, ensuring you are not simply reading words but also interacting with your sources' ideas.

Additional Resources:

• For more information and details, see some critical reading tips on the Academic Skills Center's website.

Further Questions?

Do you have other general writing questions? E-mail the Writing Center.

Other questions about your doctoral capstone or the Form & Style review? E-mail the Dissertation Editors.

Want to peruse other writing resources? Go to the Writing Center’s homepage.