As you read a section of a book or article, look for information to help you
answer the following questions.
Why has the author written the material? Are these purposes explicitly
stated? Are there other implicit purposes?
For whom is the material intended?
Which aspects of the topic has the author chosen to concentrate on and
which to omit?
Is the material presented in breadth or depth?
What is the main argument or theme in the material?
What explanation or evidence is used to support these main points?
How does the author develop the argument or theme from one main point to
another?
What are the author's underlying assumptions? Are these explicitly stated?
Has a contemporary issue or a particular philosophy influenced the author's
purpose?
Is the author defending a particular point of view?
Is there any evidence of deliberate bias, such as choice of sources or
interpretation of material?
Do the facts seem correct?
Is any irrelevant material included?
Does any graphic material illustrate or restate the written content?
Which of your questions about the subject does the author answer?
How are the contents related to what you know about the topic?
Do any items puzzle or intrigue you?
What framework is used to organise the material? Is the framework clearly
explained?
How is the content organised and developed within the framework?
How does the author introduce the subject?
Does the author recapitulate what has been said at appropriate points?
How does the conclusion relate to the introduction and to the rest of the
material?
In what style has the material been written? For example, is it formal
or informal, simple or complex, didactic or persuasive, narrative or analytical?
How does the style and format influence your reaction to the material?
