# Reading Academic Texts

> Strategies for papers and monographs outside math: claim–evidence–limits, skimming, and critique without drowning in jargon.

- Skill: `poly-gents/reading-academic-texts` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add poly-gents/reading-academic-texts`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/poly-gents/reading-academic-texts/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: poly-gents (https://skillmd.com/u/poly-gents)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/poly-gents/reading-academic-texts

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# Reading academic texts

Read `academic-learning-context` first. Use `academic-literature-search` when finding sources.

## Passes
1. **5-minute skim** — title, abstract, section headings, figures, conclusion sentence.
2. **Argument map** — thesis; 3 claims; evidence type (experiment, theory, case); stated limitations.
3. **Deep read** — only the sections needed for the user's question.
4. **Critique** — what would falsify this? What populations or contexts are missing?

## Output
- A one-page **reading notes** template: citation, 3-sentence summary, 3 questions, 1 connection to coursework.
- Glossary of 5–10 terms the reader must nail.

## Anti-patterns
- Reading linearly from page 1 without a goal.
- Treating p-values or buzzwords as substitutes for understanding.