Critical+Reading

** Critical Reading **

Critical reading is the art of understanding and viewing material in a personal light, seeing a document not just as facts, but inferring meaning to the text and gaining an understanding of the author's intent.

Analysing text and bring your own experiences to its knowledge grows understanding and aids you in repeating its intent in the future. Many people make the mistake of not reading a paper from the author's eyes. Audience is the second and equal part to any article or book and not understanding the target may make comprehending its content more difficult -- if not, missing or reversing its entire goal.

There are several method of going about critical reading, but the most common is asking the three question:


 * What does the text **say**?
 * What does the text **do** to be descriptive?
 * What does the text **mean**?

When reading a document, first understand its content. Check whether or not there are the concepts you are unsure of and list key points separating fact from opinion.

Second, analyse how the text is written. Is there an obvious bias? Are positive or negative words being used? Be aware of candour or malice. Is it an argument or a plea? Sentence structure and use of particular words helps you understand the intended audience. Ask yourself: Are you currently playing the correct role to understand the meaning?

Third, and most important, what is the intent of the author? Translate the text into your own words and try to relate it to a situation you are more familiar with. If the book is talking about a particular business website and its failure, try thinking of other sites that you have been to that also no longer exist or those which have succeeded.

For more information, see Dan Kurland's work on the subject at What is Critical Reading? or [|University of Toronto's Writing] website.

__**Methods of Reading**__

Everyone has their own way of reading. Some skim and pick out highlights. Others may write comments in the margins or highlight key phrases throughout the text. Some dog-ear important pages or use sticky notes for quick access in the future, while others rewrite and interpret the ideas in a separate notebook, much like taking notes in class.

Whichever method works best for you, its important to keep up with your readings. Taking the time each week to read assigned chapters will help you retain the information longer than cramming it in at the last second. As well, concepts move around in the back of your head -- even when you are committed to something else, such as surfing the web, working at a job or writing other class assignments.

Relating the reading is more important than memorizing. The purpose of the course is not to repeat the textbook back on future tests, but to find connections and other examples of the concepts discussed.