How is critical reading related with comprehensive reading?

Critical reading and comprehensive reading are closely related but distinct processes. Comprehensive reading focuses on *understanding* the text, while critical reading goes a step further by *evaluating* and *analyzing* it. Think of it this way: comprehensive reading is the foundation upon which critical reading is built.

Here's a breakdown of their relationship:

* Comprehensive reading is a prerequisite for critical reading: You can't critically analyze a text if you don't understand its main ideas, supporting details, and overall structure. You need to grasp the author's message before you can assess its validity, biases, or effectiveness.

* Comprehensive reading provides the data for critical reading: Critical reading involves questioning the author's claims, identifying biases, and evaluating the evidence presented. The information gleaned from comprehensive reading provides the raw material for this critical analysis.

* Critical reading enhances comprehensive reading: By actively engaging with the text and questioning its assertions, critical reading can deepen your understanding and uncover nuances that might be missed during a purely comprehensive read. It forces you to think more deeply about the meaning and implications of the text.

In short: Comprehensive reading is about *grasping* the text; critical reading is about *judging* it. Both are essential for effective engagement with any written material. A truly effective reader employs both strategies simultaneously, moving fluidly between understanding the text and analyzing its strengths and weaknesses.