Critical Reading
Critical reading is the close, careful reading of a text that is undertaken in order to understand it fully and assess its merits. It is not simply a matter of skimming a text or reading for plot points; rather, critical reading requires that you read attentively and thoughtfully, taking into account the text’s structure, purpose, and audience, among other characteristics (e.g., tone, mood, diction, etc.)
Here are some examples of questions to help you to read critically. By thinking about or reviewing these questions before reading the text, you can strengthen your critical reading skills by using other skills (Effective note-taking and Effective Reading).
Critical Reading Questions
I. The author’s purpose
- Why has the author written this piece? For whom is it intended?
- What theoretical perspective has the author taken?
- How does this perspective relate to other material in the field?
II. Content
- What is the main theme, thesis or argument of this material?
- What main points are used to support this thesis?
- What explanation or evidence is used to support the main points?
- Do the main ideas seem well researched and accurate? Is the evidence correct (in your own opinion)?
- Which aspects of the topic has the author focused on and which aspects have been omitted?
- Has the author’s argument been influenced by any philosophy?
- What are the author’s assumptions? Are these clearly stated?
- Is there any evidence of deliberate bias?
- Does any graphic material illustrate or restate the written content?
- How do the contents relate to what you know about the topic?
- Which of your questions about the subject does the author answer? Which are left unanswered?
- Do you find any information confusing or intriguing?
III. Structure
- What is the structure of the text? What does the structure reveal?
- Is the framework clear?
- How is the theme/thesis/argument reflected in the structure?
- How is the content organised and developed? Is the material developed historically, in order or importance, in terms of a debate?
- How does the conclusion relate to the introduction and to the rest of the material? Is it logical?
IV. Style and format
- In what style has the material been written? E.g. Is it formal, informal, simple, complex, analytical, narrative, persuasive, arhumentative, or didactic?
- How do the style and format influence your reaction to the material?
Adapted from “Reading Strategies to Save Time.” University of Sydney, retrieved from