Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills Through Literature in EFL Contexts
Abstract
The development of critical thinking skills has become a central objective in modern education, particularly in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts. Literature plays a significant role in fostering these skills by exposing learners to complex language, diverse perspectives, and interpretive challenges. This paper explores how literary texts can be effectively used to enhance critical thinking among EFL learners. It examines various pedagogical approaches, including reader-response theory, discussion-based learning, and task-based instruction. The study highlights how literature encourages analysis, evaluation, and interpretation, which are essential components of critical thinking. Furthermore, the paper discusses practical classroom strategies that promote active engagement and independent thinking. The findings suggest that integrating literature into EFL instruction not only improves language proficiency but also cultivates higher-order thinking skills necessary for academic and real-world success.