 What is critical reading? Critical reading is reading with purpose to understand and evaluate. Evaluation is the process of demonstrating an understanding of the text by analysing its purpose and structure and assessing its appropriateness according to various academic criteria. Accurately record the title, authors and date and place of publication. Determine your reasons for reading the article. Is it for general background on a topic or supporting evidence? Identify the author's purpose. Ask yourself, does the author give adequate background on the topic? Decide if the research methodology seems appropriate to the purpose. Find the evidence to support the author's argument. After reading, ask yourself, what do I think of what I've just read? Consider the argument in light of your other reading and experiences. Does it make sense? Reread to interpret the underlying meaning and assess consistency of information, values and assumptions. Identify any weaknesses or limitations in the argument.