Reading Interrogatives

Ask yourself the following questions as you read:

What is the topic of the book or reading?
What issues are addressed?
What conclusion does the author reach about the issue(s)?
What are the author's reasons for his or her statements or belief?
Is the author using facts, theory, or faith?
Facts can be proven
Theory is to be proved and should not be confused with fact
Opinions may or may not be based on sound reasoning
Faith is not subject to proof by its nature

Has the author used neutral words or emotional words?
Critical readers look beyond the language to see if the reasons are clear
Be aware of why you do, or do not, accept arguments of the author


Characteristics of Critical Thinkers

They are honest with themselves
They resist manipulation
They overcome confusion
They ask questions
They base judgments on evidence
They look for connections between subjects
They are intellectually independent
Flash exercise contributed by Jennifer Kelly and Dr. Brad Hokanson, Interactive Media (DHA 4384) School of Design, University of Minnesota.

See also:
Mindquest Academy's free course "Effective Reading" with sections on
Reading Profile, Building Vocabulary, Understanding, Using Patterns.
See the index if you wish to register with an instructor

Ruth Sunda & Kyrene de las Brisas: Bloom’s Critical Thinking/Questioning Strategies (9/26/02)

Wakefield, D.V., From a paper to the Governor's Teaching Fellows, Athen,s Georgia, November 19, 1998.