Critical Thinking and Critical Reading
Definition : It is the application of critical thinking skills when reading a text by analyzing its validity, reliability or applicability of the text by reflecting the text in light of our prior knowledge and understanding of the world.
The critical reader :
One interpretation of facts.
Recognizes the importance of what a text says.
How the text evidences and portrays the subject matter.
The non-critical reader :
memorizing facts & statements
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- building a narrative around facts & statements without analyzing validity, reliability or applicability.
- repeating facts & statements
The dynamic process of critical reading
Restatement
Description
Interpretation
The dynamic process of critical reading
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What a text says. (Restatement)
What a text does. (Description) (how it says what it says)
What a text means. (Interpretation) (what it means to you, as the reader)
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What a text says… (Restatement) Restate the same topics and facts.
What a text does… (Description) Discuss the topics & facts within the context of how the original argument was made.
What a text means… (Interpretation) Interprets an overall meaning within the wider context of the readers prior knowledge and values.
Critical Reading: Myth busting
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You do not have the time to read everything.
You do not have the time to read everything critically.
You must be selective.
Stay focused: get the info you need.