Reading critically is usually seen as the most challenging reading technique because you need to read beyond the basic meaning or to read between the lines. Although most writers would write everything they want to express, there are cases when they don't want to be so explicit all the time. This is especially true when the writers want to make their writing more interesting to read. You also need to read critically to evaluate the opinions of the writer. You may not agree with everything s/he says. Remember, we do not think alike; and therefore we share different opinions. Reading critically means you are ready to disagree with the writer's opinions, and be able to form your own judgement of the issues raised in the text. Or if you totally agree with the writer, you should at least know why you do so. Being an advanced learner of English, you should be able to read critically. Here are a few tips:

Tips on reading critically

• The best thing to do is to read with a partner, and exchange your viewpoints on the text with each other.
• Distinguish facts from opinions. Facts are based on evidence, whereas opinions are not.
• For each of the opinions stated, think of the purpose of the writer. Does s/he state his/her opinions to:

  persuade?
  amuse?
  threaten?
  reassure?
  criticize?

• Think when you read. Stop between reading to allow yourself time to think about the content of the text and the opinions of the writer.
• If the argument is too complex to handle mentally, break down the points and represent them in whatever format you feel comfortable on a piece of paper. You may use diagram, flowcharts, point form, etc.

What materials can I use for practising?

Inside the SAC:

• "Study reading" units 8 & 9.
• "Reading and thinking in English"

Outside the SAC:

• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Lecture notes
• Course readings
• Advertisements
• Newsletters
• E-mail
• Any readings you come across in your daily life

And now...

If you need any further advice:

• see an Adviser, on duty at the SAC Advice Desk (for details of advisers and their availability, please go to http://lc.ust.hk/~sac/sacadviser.html)
• e-mail lcsac (lcsac@ust.hk) with your query;
• ask at the reception counter of the SAC — if the receptionist cannot help you directly, s/he will pass your query on to one of the SAC advisers.

  Good luck and enjoy your learning!

Note
The introductory leaflet in this series is the leaflet How do you become a better reader? (R1)

This advice sheet is part of the Reading series of leaflets supporting independent language learning produced by the HKUST Language Centre SAC team. This leaflet was written by Susanna Ho, 1997. If you copy this leaflet, please acknowledge the source. Thanks.