"Critical Reading and Writing for Postgraduates" - Summary

When it comes to choosing academic texts for critical reading, making effective choices is crucial. With a plethora of literature at your disposal, it's important to be discerning. Start by creating a comprehensive list of potential sources. You can do this by using various search tools such as library catalogs, journal indexes, and citation tracking. Once you have your long list, you can then narrow it down to the most useful items for your specific needs.

Remember, different types of texts serve different purposes. For instance, textbooks are great for providing overviews and helping students get oriented, but they often oversimplify complex topics. On the other hand, research literature presents original studies and data analysis. Theoretical literature, meanwhile, offers explanatory models and hypotheses, while practice literature outlines applied activities and techniques. Lastly, policy literature promotes changes based on certain values.

To ensure you're getting the best information, look for quality cues in your sources. These can include peer reviews, revision histories, the expertise of the author, and the reputation of the publisher. Whenever possible, opt for primary research over secondary summaries. Also, don't forget to vary your reading strategy. Sometimes, you might need to scan for specific details, other times you might need to skim for a general overview, and in some cases, you might need to read intensively the most relevant parts.

Don't limit yourself to just search engines when using the Internet for research. Scholarly databases can be a goldmine of information. Treat Wikipedia as a starting point, not the final destination. If you come across key claims, make sure to find the original academic source for verification. When referencing internet sources, be meticulous. Include dates and URLs for future reference.

In conclusion, start your research with a broad scope, capturing as many relevant sources as possible. Then, focus your intensive reading on the most important items. Keep in mind the different types of texts, assess their quality, vary your reading strategy, and use the Internet wisely. By making discerning selections, you can make your critical reading more efficient and effective.