What does "critical reading" require from the reader?

Critical reading requires an active engagement with the text, which means that the reader must not only comprehend the surface meaning but also analyze, question, and interpret the content. This involves a deeper level of thinking where the reader evaluates arguments, assesses evidence, and considers the implications of the ideas presented. Active engagement allows readers to draw connections to their own experiences or to other texts, leading to a richer understanding and the ability to form their own opinions or critiques about the material.

In contrast, simply having an emotional response, maintaining a passive understanding, or providing just a quick summary would not fulfill the demands of critical reading, as these approaches lack the depth of analysis and reflection that critical reading encompasses.