How to Read Critically

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: skim read.

   The first time you work through a piece of writing, it can be helpful to simply skim it.
   
   Skim reading involves reading very quickly, only briefly pausing to examine details.
   
   Skimming can help you get a general idea of what a piece of writing is about before you read it again, saving you time and energy in the long run.
   
   There's no "right" way to skim read, but one good policy is this:
   Read the entire intro paragraph Read the first sentence of each body paragraph Read the entire conclusion paragraph
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   Step 2: Re-read with greater focus.

   Now that you've done a skim reading and you know the rough "point" of the essay, it's time to read it "for real." Proceed through the whole essay again, this time reading each sentence slowly and carefully.
   
   Don't hesitate to read sentences or paragraphs again if you're having a hard time understanding the content.
   
   Don't rush — slowing down helps you connect with the text., Taking notes in a class can help you retain more information — doing so while reading is no different.
   
   Writing down key thoughts and phrases will make you actively pay attention to what’s going on in the text.
   
   You can also jot down questions you have so that you can try to answer them later.
   
   Mark words and concepts that you don't understand for later reference. , If you understand every word and concept you came across in the essay, you're in luck — you can move on.
   
   However, if there was anything in the essay that you didn't understand, now is your chance to enlighten yourself.
   
   Filling in the gaps in your knowledge will help you gain a fuller understanding of the text.Dictionaries and thesauruses can help with words you don't know.
   
   However, technical terms and unknown concepts may require you look up help articles online.
   
   For instance, if you're reading an article about "4K" television, you probably won't be able to find a definition for 4K in the dictionary. , Now, do another quick skim reading.
   
   After each paragraph, ask yourself, "What was the point of what I just read?" Express your answer in your own words — try not to copy the essay's.
   
   Working your way through the essay piece by piece and reinterpreting the information each step of the way is a great way to make the most important themes in the writing "stick."
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   Step 3: Make notes while you read.

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   Step 4: Look up words and ideas that you don’t know.

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   Step 5: Discuss the writing's "main points" in your own words.

Detailed Guide

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