CTA 1

DISCUSSION 1 : CRITICAL TEXT ANALYSIS : THE CONCEPTS

Learning how to read critically involves becoming actively engaged in what we read by
first developing a clear understanding of the author’s ideas, then questioning and
evaluating the arguments and evidence provided to support those arguments, and
finally by forming our own opinions. Reading this way requires that we develop skills
that are not necessary for more passive forms of taking in information. However, it also
allows us to get more from what we read.

To non -critical readers, texts provide facts. Readers gain knowledge by memorizing
the statements within a text. To the critical reader, any single text provides but one
portrayal of the facts, one individual’s “take” on the subject matter. Critical readers thus
recognize not only what a text says, but also how that text portrays the subject
matter. They recognize the various ways in which each and every text is the unique
creation of a unique author. A non-critical reader might read a history book to learn the
facts of the situation or to discover an accepted interpretation of those events. A critical
reader might read the same work to appreciate how a particular perspective on the
events and a particular selection of facts can lead to particular understanding.

Steps in critical reading:

 Before you read : Scan the piece to get an idea of what it is about and what the
main argument is. This may include reading an introduction if there is one, or the
subheadings.
 While you read :Keep a running dialogue with the author through annotation by
recording your thoughts, ideas, and questions. Underline, highlight, or circle
important parts and points, and write comments in the margins.
 After you have read : Look over your annotations to get an overall idea of the
text. You may also choose to write a summary to solidify your understanding.
 Responding to the text : After you have developed a clear sense of the author’s
argument and line of reasoning, you are able to analyze the author’s argument
and methods. Then, you can develop your own ideas—perhaps into an essay of
your own.

So, Critical reading is a more active way of reading. It is a deeper and more complex
engagement with a text. Critical reading is a process of analyzing, interpreting
and, sometimes, evaluating. When we read critically, we use our critical thinking
skills to question both the text and our own reading of it. Different disciplines may
have distinctive modes of critical reading (scientific, philosophical, literary, etc). The
difference between reading and critical reading:

Two Modes of Reading

It is helpful to think of critical reading as involving two modes of reading: reading with
the author, or trying to completely understand the author’s views, and reading the
author critically, or questioning the author’s views. The first mode is necessary for the
second to be possible. By reading in two modes, you will be able to develop your own
ideas and theories—but only after thoroughly understanding the author’s arguments.

a. Reading with the author: understanding the author’s perspective

1. Make sure you truly understand the author’s views and ideas. Summarizing
and paraphrasing his/her argument in your own words may be helpful at this
stage.
2. Accept the author’s ideas temporarily (even if you disagree). Use the author’s
ideas as a lens with which to look at your world, extending the author’s
theories with examples of your own that are in agreement.

b. Reading the author critically: engaging the author in a dialogue

1. Looking through your own lens now, question and challenge the author.
Some things to look for include: limitations, biases, faulty reasoning,
 questions left unaddressed, and problems with or alternate interpretations of
the author’s examples.
2. Now you can form your own ideas and theories. What parts of the author’s
ideas do you agree with? What parts would you revise? What is your
perspective?

Source:

 https://www.swinburneonline.edu.au/sites/www.swinburneonline.edu.au/files/pdf_doc
uments/sample_critical_review.pdf

 https://www.esc.edu/online-writing-center/resources/critical-reading-writing/general-
reading/interpreting-texts-asking-questions/

Retrieved 6 January 2016