Critical reading means evaluating what you have read using your knowledge as a scholar.

Reading Self-Paced Modules

Reading Textbooks Reading Articles


In our efforts to save time, we often neglect critical first steps, sacrificing reading efficiency and comprehension for a few extra minutes. Sometimes called previewing or pre-reading, the steps we take before reading can help us read more quickly and efficiently (think: less re-reading), improve understanding, and sustain focus.




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-Jean-Pierre Abedi,
Comment, Critical Reading for Analysis and Comparison



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Pre-Reading Strategies

Sometimes called previewing or pre-reading, the steps we take before reading can help us read more quickly and efficiently, improve understanding, and sustain focus. Use the template below to start your pre-reading.

Pre-reading Strategies (Word)
Pre-reading Strategies (PDF)


Triple Entry Notebook

The triple entry notebook template below is a simple, organized way to practice active reading. Keeping a triple entry notebook ensures that we take the time to cycle through these three stages as we read.

Triple Entry Notebook Template (Word)
Triple Entry Notebook Template (PDF)
Triple Entry Notebook Template - Example (PDF)

 


 

Critical Thinking

 

Use this checklist to practice critical thinking while reading an article, watching an advertisement, or making an important purchase or voting decision.

Critical Reading Checklist (Word) Critical Reading Checklist (PDF) Critical Thinking Bookmark (PDF)

 


 

Learn about the ways that active reading instead of passive reading is the key to growing your own critical reading skills.

Walden's Online Bookstore

Visit Walden University's Online Bookstore to get your course materials quick, easy, and worry-free.

Go to Walden's Online Bookstore

Savvy Student Podcast // Episode 04 // 14:57

Hillary Wentworth on SKIL Grad Writing Courses, Critical Reading, & Online Etiquette

Reading comes into play really in every aspect of the Walden classroom.
Listen on SoundCloud