Reading Critically

Critical thinking involves a significant number of steps. Even before reading, one should examine and analyze the title. This can provide insight as to what the essay may be about. Examining the author and context (when and where) of the essay also allow the reader to draw a basic understanding of what to expect. On the first read through, one should not analyze the small details. It is best to get a first read-through and then go back and analyze further. Annotating is an essential part of understanding an essay and making connection; summarizing these essays can also provide additional opportunity for analysis. The three big steps of critical reading are analysis, inference, and synthesis. These steps allow one to break an essay down, make assumptions, and then build it back up into an understanding. More extensive understanding of an essay comes through analyzing an author's purpose and reasons for his or her decisions.