Integrated Reading and Writing Workshop Library Tutorial

When reading a book, pay attention to clues to find out what it is about and if the book is relevant to the topic for which you are finding information or if it is an appropriate source. For example, look at the following parts of a book:

• Author's experience or background (you may have to look around for this using other sources of information)
• Publication date (often located on the title page)
• Table of contents in the front of the book will allow you to glance at the topics covered in the book
• Headings within chapters (to tell you what the paragraphs and sections are about)
• Index (located in the back of the book)

When reading or working on an assignment, you should conduct your research with a critical eye. As you read or view your research sources, consider not only the content provided by the writer(s) but its purpose and how it is written. Consider the who is the audience for which it was written and evaluate the supporting information provided by the author. Does the author use unbiased or emotionally-charged language? Learn to distinguish between fact and interpretation. Draw your own conclusions!

• Methods for reading critically by Walden University
• How the Language Really Works: The Fundamentals of Critical Reading and Effective Writing by Dan Kurland (www.criticalreading.com)

Critical readers tend to have the following traits:

• Exhibit self-awareness of their own thoughts and biases
• Open-mindedness
• Recognize arguments and avoid being easily manipulated
• Ask questions
• Draw evidence-based conclusions
• Find connections between thoughts and subjects
• Develop intellectual independence
• Creativity