Introduction

A "text" isn't limited to something written down. A text can be a film, an artifact, anything in a language and culture that conveys meaning. Think about the texts that you use in your language classroom: What's in the textbook? What do you read in class or even at home? How do you describe the classroom, its design? Why do you think the chairs are placed facing the tables? Those questions, with its finite answer would tell you that there are texts that are reflection of one’s own culture.

Understanding a message is not simply focusing on the txt or words a sender delivers. When someone talks to you, you do not simply concentrate on what he/she says but you need to take notice of the smile, the smirk, the rise of eyebrows, the hand and the body movements of the speaker. The non-verbal cues could mean a different messages. Same goes when you are reading articles of various kinds. There is need to read 'between lines.'

Reading Text Critically

Critical reading is defined as the process of reading beyond mere understanding a text. Students need to know how to read critically. Regardless of their college course, they will be engaged in various heavy readings. Medical students will read voluminous science researches: law students will be busy with highly legal matters; engineering students will encounter technical articles; humanities students will have lengthy readings. Thus, reading is inevitable in the lives of students.

Critical Reading is useful at all stages of academic study, particularly when writing an article analysis or a literature review.

Critical Reading requires you to evaluate the arguments in the text. You need to distinguish fact from opinion, and look at arguments given for and against the various claims. This also means being aware of your opinions and assumptions (positive and negative} of the text you are reading so you can evaluate it honestly. It is equally important to be aware of the writer's background, assumptions and purpose. All writers have reason for writing and will emphasize details which support their reason for writing and ignore details that do not.

To engage into critical reading, you may consider the following:

1. The Reading's Background- Before considering the argument of a reading, you should look into the background picture of the material.

a. Who is author? The author's background will establish the credibility or potentials bias of the writer.

b. What type of source is this? They type of reading can give you an idea of potential bias and the quality/applicability of the information.

c. Who is the audience? The reading may be written intended for a particular audience.

d. When was it written? Up-to-date information is more reliable.

2. The reading's purpose and overall claim - Getting the ' BIG PICTURE' of the reading is important so that you can see how all the pieces fit together.

a. what is the main claim of the reading? The main claim(argument) of the reading is the point that it is trying to prove. The claim of reading is often a single statement, the thesis statement. This often found in the abstract of the introduction, and/or the conclusion of the article.

b. What are the implications of the claim? It is useful to think about the consequences and applications of the argument as this may uncover particular strengths or further flaws.

c. How is the reading structured? The structure of the reading will give you an idea of which points are most important, and which points support the conclusion.

3. Evidences used in the reading- It is essential to consider the quality of the evidence in the reading, as this directly relates to the usefulness of the reading.

a. Is the evidence fact, research, opinion, or personal experience? Information obtained through research is always convincing as long as methodology is appropriate.

b. Is the evidence accurate? Does the evidence agree with other sources.

c. Is the evidence relevant to the conclusion? Does the evidence connect tot eh conclusion?

4. Methodology - if the reading is based on any kind of research, it is important to consider how the research was conducted as this can affect the validity of the findings reported.

a. Is the research qualitative or quantitative? Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, but the type of research will always affects the validity of the findings.

b. What was the range/samle size of the research? The wider the range or sample size of research, the more findings can be generalize.

c. Is the research falsifiable? Could other research prove this research wrong?

5. Logic- When reading critically, it is important to examine the chain of reasoning used by the author, as any gaps or problems can undermine the validity of the conclusion.

a. Are key Terms defined? Definitions are important part of academic study; terminology often varies between topics and between authors.

b. Does the logic flow? Does every point follow on from the last point.

c. Are there any flaws in the reasoning? Some reasonings are weak because they rely on faulty logic.

6. Balance- In order to read critically, you have to consider whether the argument is appropriately balanced, looking at the issue or problem from relevant perspective.

a. Do you have questions that are not answered in the reading? what details are missing?

b. Is the reading biased? it is impossible for a reading to be completely balanced because a conclusion must ultimately be drawn.

c. What other perspectives are there on this issue? Reading are often written from one perspective.

7. Limitations -

a. What does the argument? Some readings will identify their assumptions; this is so that if an assumptions is later proven false, it is clear whether the argument is still correct or not.

b. What are the limitations of the theory? Some theories or principles only apply in certain situations. If a theory is applied outside of those situations, it may weaken the argument.

8. Other sources, No readings exist in isolation. You must consider how the reading fits into the 'bigger picture' of the larger academic context.

Sharing of Thoughts

1. Define Critical Reading in your own words.

2. Give an instance where Critical Reading can be useful. Explain your answer.0

3. Describe how to evaluate the arguments in the text.

4. Explain how to engage a person into critical reading.

5. How can reading text critically help you to achieve your goals in life in an ever changing world?

6. Describe a situation where you can apply critical reading.