Critical reading is critical thinking applied to the use of written materials. It includes comprehension, interpretation, analysis, and evaluation of written discourse.

Critical readers can put aside their personal reactions to what they read so they can approach the writer's ideas objectively. They are open minded to new and challenging ideas, and they can empathize with the concerns and values of others. On the other hand, critical readers are also skeptical. They look for evidence and solid reasoning before they will accept a writer's views.

Critical readers are engaged in a relentless search for Truth and are not dissuaded when issues become complex and ambiguous. Because the world is a complicated and messy place, there will be no simple solutions to our problems. When great issues are debated, critical thinkers do not try to identify the good guys and bad guys; rather they expect all points of view to contain something of value. The critical reader's goal is not to win or lose an argument but to use the process of argumentation to move all participants closer to Truth.

The word critical comes from a Greek word "kritikos" which means "to ask questions," and it is by asking questions that readers becomes a critical readers. Questions move readers from a simple acceptance of what they read to a lively and rich debate with the author. "Why did you say that?" "Do you have a bias on this issue?" "Where is your evidence?" "Is there another point of view?"

By reading widely and critically, readers associate themselves with the best minds of the past and present. They gain the "power" that comes from knowledge thoughtfully gained and so prepare themselves for an uncertain future fraught with dangers and opportunities.

To demonstrate critical reading skills, you should prepare a written critique of a document related to your field of study or from a class. The critique would present critique would consist of both an analysis and an evaluation of the document, and your opinion on the subject or issue discussed in the document. You would evaluate the document in terms of how well the writer demonstrated good critical thinking and knowledge of the field. Students could include a critique of patient-treatment plan, a review of a new automobile engine in a trade publication, an art critic's review of a piece of art, an article on a current issue of problem in their field that could lead to writing a letter to the editor, or any assignment that is similar to these examples.