Critical Reading — Beyond understanding
Critical reading doesn't just ask "What does the text say?" but also "How do you say it?", "Is it convincing?" and "What do I think?"
The 4 Dimensions of Critical Reading
| Dimension | Key question | Skill |
|---|---|---|
| 📖 Understanding | What does the text say? | Resumir objetivamente |
| 🔬 Analysis | How do you say it? | Identify structure and techniques |
| ⚖️ Evaluation | Is it convincing? | Juzgar fortalezas y debilidades |
| 💭 Answer | What do I think? | Form an informed opinion |
Rhetorical Techniques — The author's tools
| Technique | Ejemplo | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics | "Studies show a 40% increase" | What study? Who financed it? |
| Appeal to authority | "9 out of 10 doctors agree" | What doctors? How was it measured? |
| Appeal to emotion | "Think of the children!" | Does it distract from the facts? |
| Generalization | "Everyone knows that..." | Really all? Is there data? |
| Personal anecdote | "As a mother, I feel..." | Is an experience representative? |
| Lenguaje cargado | "outrageous", "shocking" | Are you manipulating the reaction? |
Detectar Sesgos (Bias)
Ask yourself these questions:
- Who wrote this? For what purpose?
- What perspectives are omitted?
- Is the language neutral or position-oriented?
- Is the evidence sufficient and verifiable?
Academic Vocabulary for Analysis
| Expression | Uso |
|---|---|
| "The author argues/claims/suggests that..." | Present the author's position |
| "The evidence supports/contradicts..." | Evaluate the evidence |
| "This is a strong/weak argument because..." | Juzgar calidad |
| "One limitation of this text is..." | Point out weaknesses |
| "From my perspective..." | Give your opinion |
| "I would argue that..." | Your position |
📄 Practice text: "Is Social Media Making Us Lonelier?"
Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X claim to connect people. With billions of users worldwide, these platforms have fundamentally changed how we communicate. However, a growing body of research suggests that social media may actually be increasing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
According to a 2023 study by the American Psychological Association, heavy social media users report significantly higher levels of loneliness compared to moderate users. Critics argue that the curated nature of social media — where people share only their highlights — creates unrealistic comparisons that damage self-esteem.
On the other hand, proponents maintain that social media provides vital connections for people who are geographically isolated or have niche interests. For instance, online communities have been crucial for LGBTQ+ youth in conservative areas.
Nevertheless, even supporters acknowledge that moderation is key. As one researcher noted, "Social media is a tool. Like any tool, its impact depends on how we use it."
In conclusion, while social media offers genuine benefits for connection, the evidence indicates that excessive use correlates with increased loneliness. Therefore, a balanced approach — using social media intentionally rather than passively — appears to be the healthiest strategy.
💡 Tip: Underline the words that indicate the author's position: "argues", "suggests", "claims". These are clues about how the author presents the information.