DEVELOPING CRITICAL THINKING AND CREATIVITY IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSES THROUGH LITERARY TEXTS
Abstract
This article examines the role of literary texts in developing critical thinking and creativity in English language classes. In modern education, the formation of higher-order thinking skills is considered a key objective alongside linguistic competence. Literary texts provide rich linguistic, cultural, and conceptual material that encourages learners to analyze, interpret, evaluate, and creatively respond to content. The study discusses theoretical perspectives on critical thinking and creativity, highlights effective methodological approaches to literary text interpretation, and outlines practical classroom strategies. The analysis demonstrates that integrating literary texts into English language teaching enhances students’ cognitive engagement, interpretative abilities, and creative expression, contributing to the development of essential 21st-century skills.