Critical Reading
Read beyond the surface — question assumptions, detect bias, evaluate evidence, and form independent, well-reasoned judgements.
What is Critical Reading?
Critical reading means engaging with a text actively and sceptically — not just accepting what you read, but asking questions. A critical reader considers not only what is said but who is saying it, why they are saying it, and what has been left out.
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Question
Challenge claims. Ask: "How do they know? What evidence supports this?"
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Investigate
Consider the source, the author's purpose, and possible motivations.
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Evaluate
Weigh the evidence, identify what is missing, and form your own view.
Identifying Bias
Bias occurs when a text presents a one-sided view or uses language that favours a particular perspective — often without acknowledging alternative viewpoints. Bias is not always intentional, but it always shapes what information the reader receives.
Signs of Bias
- Loaded or emotionally charged language.
- Only one side of the argument is presented.
- Statistics selected to support one view.
- Absence of credible counter-evidence.
- Sweeping generalisations: "Everyone knows..."
Questions to Ask
- Who wrote this and what is their interest?
- Who is the intended audience?
- What is left out?
- Is the evidence credible and current?
- What assumptions are being made?
Evaluating Sources: The CRAAP Test
The CRAAP Test is a framework for assessing the reliability of any source — whether a website, article, or book.
Currency
How recent is the information? Is it up to date for your topic?
Relevance
Does the information relate to your topic? Is it appropriate for your level?
Authority
Who wrote it? What are their credentials? Is it from a reputable organisation?
Accuracy
Is the information supported by evidence? Can it be verified elsewhere?
Purpose
Why was this written? To inform, persuade, sell, or entertain? Is there a vested interest?
Key Vocabulary
Bias
A one-sided or prejudiced view that favours a particular perspective without fairly representing alternatives.
Assumption
Something taken for granted as true without direct evidence or proof; an unexamined belief that shapes an argument.
Credibility
The quality of being trustworthy and reliable — based on the author's expertise, the evidence provided, and the publication.
Generalisation
A broad statement applied to an entire group, often without sufficient evidence. Sweeping generalisations are a sign of weak argument.
Worked Examples
Identify the assumption: "Young people today are lazy because they spend all day on screens."
Assumption 1: That screen time and laziness are causally linked — this has not been established.
Assumption 2: That all young people spend "all day" on screens — this is a generalisation not supported by evidence.
Critical response: Ask for evidence. What does "lazy" mean here? Is screen time always passive? Many young people use screens for study, creative work, and connection.
Evaluate this source: An article on a fast food company's website claiming their meals are "nutritionally balanced".
Authority: The source is the company itself — they have a financial interest in making this claim.
Purpose: Primarily commercial — to promote their products.
Accuracy: Needs to be verified by an independent nutrition authority (e.g., NHMRC, dietitians' associations).
Verdict: Low credibility for an academic or health-related argument. Seek independent peer-reviewed sources.
Identify the bias in this headline: "Reckless cyclists terrorise city pedestrians."
Loaded language: "Reckless" and "terrorise" are emotionally charged — they present cyclists as dangerous aggressors without evidence.
Generalisation: "Cyclists" implies all or most cyclists behave this way.
Neutral alternative: "Calls for improved cyclist and pedestrian safety in the CBD" — this acknowledges the issue without demonising a group.
Knowledge Check
Select the best answer for each question.
Question 1
What does it mean to read "critically"?
Question 2
In the CRAAP test, what does "A" for Authority refer to?
Question 3
"Everyone agrees that..." is an example of:
Question 4
A tobacco company publishes a report saying smoking is not harmful. What is the main problem with using this as a source?
Question 5
Which is the most credible source for an essay about climate change?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Critical reading means actively questioning, investigating, and evaluating — not passively accepting what you read.
- ●Bias is a one-sided view — look for loaded language, absent counter-evidence, and sweeping generalisations.
- ●Use the CRAAP Test (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose) to assess the reliability of any source.
- ●Always ask: who wrote this, why did they write it, and what have they left out?
- ●Assumptions are unexamined beliefs — identifying and challenging assumptions is a core critical thinking skill.