Do You have The Characteristics of a Critical Reader?

Critical reading is a continuation of critical thinking. It is where you reason and analyzes a piece of information to understand the information's true meaning. Critical reading is the ability to evaluate the credibility of any piece of writing. As readers, we shouldn't blindly accept information at face value. We need to analyze the text as different authors will have their interpretations and opinions. Every author will have their purposes when writing and emphasize facts or arguments supporting their purpose. A critical reader needs to critically examine what they are reading and know what the text is trying to tell the readers. Critical reading is essential to students as they will face different subjects, where a good understanding of that particular subject is necessary. To engage in critical reading, we must first consider everything we read as an argument rather than a fact, and with that, we can engage in critical reading.

As critical reading is essential when reading a piece of information, do you think you have a critical reader's characteristics? And how do you become a critical reader?

Here are the characteristics of critical readers

1. They observe and examine the text they are reading carefully.

2. Examine the evidence or arguments presented.

3. They are curious about the topics that they are reading.

4. They ask questions.

5. They are objective.

6. They can identify influences or limitations in a text.

7. Examine the interpretations made.

8. They base judgments on evidence.

9. Being open-minded and able to accept an author’s arguments, opinions, or conclusions.

10. Active readers.

11. Logical thinkers.

Critical reading is a skill that you have to practice every time we read, it is not something that you can learn overnight. There are a few questions that you can ask yourself as you read to use your critical reading skills. Those questions are:

• What is the topic of the book or reading

• What issues are addressed?

• What conclusions does the author reach about the issue(s)?

• What are the author’s reasons for his or her belief?

• Is the author using facts, theories, or faith?

As critical readers, we must be analytical and always ask questions about whatever we read. Don't just read and take something at face value, which can prevent you from learning new things. We must always use our critical reading skills and critically read a habit every time we read a book or paper. So keep on practicing your essential skills of reading and happy learning.

Author: Niken K.

Sources:

Business Communication 1. (2017). Tangerang: Prasetiya Mulya University.

Skills You Need. (n.d). Critical Reading and Reading Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.skillsyouneed.com/learn/critical-reading.html.

Patel, D. (2018, October 24). 16 Characteristics of Critical Thinkers. Retrieved from https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/321660.