CRITICAL READING,

WRITING, AND
THINKING
WEEK 4
AGENDA
• Steps in Critical Reading
Developing the Habit
In order to make critical reading a
habit, one needs to have the genuine
desire to learn and discover new
things.
 Prioritize reading.

 Make a realistic schedule for your

reading.
 You can also create a timetable to
ensure your progress.
 Find informative books
of good value.

 Do not just look at titles or

topics, but on the author’s
credibility, the reputation of the
publishing company, the
curation and endorsements
involved, and to a certain extent,
the marketability of the book in
its niche.
 Find informative books
of good value.

 To experience the best results,

you may want to start reading
books that genuinely pique your
curiosity or are aligned with your
already existing hobbies, skills,
interests, or field of
specialization.
 Find informative books
of good value.

 It is also recommended for

readers to set a ― reading
schedule every day, which may
last from 30 minutes to several
hours.

But, you have to keep in mind, that you are reading

because you have a goal and not just because you have a
schedule to fill.
Have your reading habit
planned.

 Designating your own reading

spot in the house and setting up a
mini-library where you can place
all of your books also help in
developing the habit.
Have your reading habit
planned.

 If planning your reading habit

in a time-bound manner seems
impractical, you may always set
a quantity-based reading
activity instead.
Do not limit your reading
habit.

 Read as much as you can, as often

as you want.
Be a morning reader.

Try speed reading.

Critical Reading Process
 Analyze Highlightin
Consolidat
the critical Practice g and Do mind
Evaluate e your
reading pre-reading making mapping
the text. knowledge
component activities. annotations activities.
.
s. .
Step 1: Analyze the
Identify the components then ponder on them
critical reading
one by one:
components
• Underline instructional words, e.g. discuss, explain,
identify, justify
• Mark apparent keywords and key phrases
• Be mindful of the organizational patterns used
(Compare and contrast, cause and effect, list, spatial,
chronological, etc.)
• Evaluate the validity and requirement of the questions
• Brainstorm the question:
• Write down all related information
• Link the details that you know
• Determine knowledge gaps
Step 2: Practice
pre-reading Thinking and reading before thoroughly
activities reading a text.

• Plan.
• Establish purpose.
• Scan and skim the text.
• Highlight main ideas and key words.
Step 3: Highlight
and annotate.
Highlight key ideas and also
write brief annotations regarding
the text.
Making annotations helps readers
focus on the significant ideas
presented. It also helps them
remember information.
Step 4: Evaluate
the text. • Is the argument clearly asserted and supported by
evidence?
• Is the research valid? (Sufficient, appropriate, adequate,
objective, valid methodology?)
• Has the argument been developed logically?
• Does it present solutions based on evidence?
• Are recommendations appropriate to the purpose?
• In what ways does the article/report advance our
knowledge of a particular issue?
• What assumptions underlie the research? Are they
Step 5: Mind
mapping. • Summarize the text in preparation for writing your
Step 6:
assignment
Consolidating
knowledge. • Make another mind map drawing on your notes and your
rough mind map.
• Make headings and note the supporting evidence in dot
points.
• Include your evaluation.
• Be creative: use color and arrows; make it easy to
visualize.
• Highlight the ideas you may want to use for your
EFFECTIVE STEPS FOR NOTE-TAKING
1. Highlighting and Emphasizing

2. Making written notes.

3. Reviewing and revising your notes.

4. Organize your notes.