Reading a Paper Without Drowning · Course check

Course check

3 questions. Get them all right and the Close Read seal is yours. Get one wrong and you can reread and try again — as many times as you like, and nothing is recorded against you.

1. What is the first pass for?

   Understanding the method in detailDeciding in about five minutes whether to read further at allExtracting quotations for your own writing

2. Which section should be read most sceptically?

   The methodThe discussion, where the authors are least constrainedThe abstract

3. What should you do with a paper you abandon?

   Nothing — simply move onNote in one line what it was and why you stoppedFinish it anyway, to be thorough