23 Critical Reading and Media Literacy
In today’s world, we get information from many places—books, websites, newspapers, TV, and more. But not all information is true or reliable. This chapter will help you learn how to read carefully to find the best information. You will learn how to tell if a source is trustworthy, understand and find bias, understand the author’s point of view, and know why a piece of writing was created.
What is Critical Reading?
Critical reading means reading with care and thought. It’s not just reading the words on the page. It’s about asking questions and thinking about what the text really means. When you read critically, you can figure out if the information is accurate and useful to you.
Start with Good Sources
When you need information for a school project or just to learn something new, you should find good sources. Here are some tips for finding reliable sources:
1. Look for Well-Known Sources
Choose sources that are known for being accurate and honest. This could be:
- Books from respected authors
- Newspapers and magazines that have been around a long time
- Government websites
- Nonprofit groups that do research
2. Check Who Wrote It
Find out who wrote the information. Are they an expert? Do they have experience in this topic? If the author knows a lot about the subject, the source is likely to be more reliable.
If the information comes from a news site, the author might not be an expert in the topic, but they should be using information from people who are experts. Do you see evidence of this?
If there isn’t an author listed, do you know who wrote it? For example, is the text from a reliable organization?
3. See if There Are References
Good sources often give you a list of other books, articles, or studies they used to get their information. If a source has references, it’s easier to check if the information is true.
4. Check the Date
Some information can get old quickly. Check when the source was written. For example, a source about technology from 10 years ago might not be accurate anymore because things have changed so much in that time.
Try It Out!
Visit the two websites below, and use the questions to discuss each one.
- Who wrote the information for each website? Do you think you can trust this source?
- Where did the authors get their information? Do they have references? Do they look reliable?
- What else do you notice about the two websites? What is different?
- Do you think the websites are good sources of information? Give reasons why or why not.
Reading for Bias, Author Perspective, Purpose, and Audience
Critical reading means looking at something in several different ways. Here are some things you need to think about when you are reading critically.
Bias
Bias is when a text shows only one side of a story or does not show a situation in a balanced and fair way. To find bias, ask:
- Does the text use strong or emotional language?
- Does it leave out important information?
- Does it seem to push one opinion?
| We often find bias in things that are supposed to persuade us, such as political speeches and advertisements for products. What are some examples of bias that you have seen? Discuss with a partner or small group. Show the example on your phone or computer if it is available on the Internet. |
Author Perspective
The author’s perspective is the way they see things. Everyone has their own perspective, and this is connected to who we are and what we have experienced in our lives. However, it is important to know that perspective can be based on both fact and opinion. When we are evaluating a source, it’s important to recognize what parts are fact, and what parts are based in opinion because of the author’s perspective.
To find the author’s perspective, ask:
- What does the author believe about this topic?
- Are they part of a group or organization that might affect what they believe?
- Do they share their own opinions?
Purpose
The purpose is why the text was written. Is it to inform, persuade, or entertain? To find the purpose, ask:
- What is the text trying to do?
- Does it want you to believe something or take action?
- Is it trying to sell something?
Audience
The audience is the group of people the text is written for. To find the audience, ask:
- Who is the text written for?
- What do they already know about this topic?
- Does the text use special words or terms that only experts would know?
Asking Questions About a Reading
To read critically, you need to ask questions about the text. Here are some questions to ask:
- What is the main idea of the text?
- What evidence does the author use to support their ideas?
- Does the text show different sides of an issue?
- Who wrote the text, and why might they have written it?
- What is the text trying to make you do or believe?
Try It Out!
Read this sample text and then answer the questions to practice your critical reading skills.
Sample Reading: “The Benefits of Sports for Children”
| Sports offer numerous benefits for children’s physical, mental, and social development. Firstly, regular participation in sports helps children maintain a healthy lifestyle by promoting physical fitness and reducing the risk of obesity. According to the World Health Organization, physical activity such as sports can improve cardiovascular health, build strong bones and muscles, and enhance overall physical well-being. Moreover, engaging in sports at a young age establishes healthy habits that can last a lifetime, fostering a foundation for an active lifestyle in adulthood.
Furthermore, participation in sports contributes to the development of crucial life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and discipline. Through teamwork, children learn to collaborate with others, communicate effectively, and respect diverse perspectives. Additionally, sports teach valuable lessons in perseverance and resilience, as children learn to overcome challenges and setbacks. Research conducted by the Aspen Institute’s Project Play highlights how sports involvement promotes social integration and strengthens interpersonal relationships among children, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie. Despite these benefits, some argue that sports may not be essential for children’s development. Opponents of youth sports often cite concerns about overemphasis on competition, pressure to excel, and the risk of injuries. They argue that intense focus on winning can detract from the enjoyment of sports and lead to stress and burnout among young athletes. Additionally, critics raise concerns about the financial costs associated with sports participation, which may exclude children from low-income families. Moreover, the potential for sports-related injuries, particularly in contact sports, raises safety concerns among parents and healthcare professionals alike. However, proponents of youth sports counter these arguments by emphasizing the positive impact of sports on overall child development. They argue that well-structured sports programs prioritize fun, skill development, and sportsmanship over winning at all costs. Moreover, they highlight the role of coaches, parents, and sports organizations in creating a positive and inclusive environment that prioritizes the well-being of young athletes. Additionally, proponents emphasize the importance of balancing sports with other extracurricular activities and academic pursuits to ensure a holistic approach to child development. |
Answer these questions to think about the reading critically:
- What is the main idea of the text?
- What is the purpose of this text?
- What evidence does the author give to support their point?
- Does the text show different opinions about sports?
Choose a Topic to Test This
Now, let’s make this a little more challenging. Follow the instructions below to check your understanding of this chapter and learn how to apply it to a real-world example.
- Visit The Independent’s Student Opinion page. This is a British news outlet that regularly posts opinion pieces written by students.
- Skim the titles, and choose a topic that looks interesting to you.
- Read the article quickly to understand the main idea.
- Re-read the article, and this time, answer these questions:
- Who is the author, and what do you know about them?
- What is the author’s perspective? What do they believe about this topic?
- What is the purpose of the article? What does the author want to accomplish?
- Who is the audience for this article? In other words, who is the author writing this for?
- What evidence does the author use to support their opinion? Is this evidence trustworthy?
