ELT365 · D177 — Critical reading — beyond the literal

Idea — Critical reading means evaluating the writer’s purpose, assumptions, and evidence — not just retrieving information. It is usually taught at B2 and above.

Example — A student asks not just ‘What does the writer say?’ but ‘Why is the writer saying this? Who benefits? What is not being said?’ That is critical reading.

Try — Take any opinion piece. Ask: what is the writer not saying? What assumption sits under the headline? Discuss with a colleague before using with students.

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