What is the role of critical thinking in reading comprehension?

Critical thinking plays a vital role in reading comprehension as it empowers readers to go beyond surface-level understanding. By analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information, individuals engage actively with the text, fostering a deeper comprehension. This process involves questioning the material, considering different perspectives, and making connections to prior knowledge. As a result, readers can draw inferences, identify underlying themes, and critically assess the validity and relevance of the information presented.

This active engagement is crucial for comprehending complex texts, as it enables readers to grasp not only what is stated but also the implications and significance of the information. The ability to synthesize various ideas and viewpoints helps to develop a well-rounded understanding, making critical thinking an essential component of effective reading comprehension.