DEVELOPING CRITICAL THINKING THROUGH LEARNING ENGLISH

Annotatsiya

Critical thinking has become an important component of effective language education, particularly in the context of English language learning. Beyond developing linguistic competence, English lessons can provide learners with opportunities to analyze information, evaluate arguments, consider different perspectives, solve problems, and formulate evidence-based opinions. This article examines the role of English language learning in developing learners’ critical thinking skills and discusses effective approaches that can be incorporated into the language classroom. The study is based on an analysis of relevant theoretical and empirical literature concerning critical thinking in English as a foreign or second language. Particular attention is given to problem-based learning, task-based instruction, metacognitive activities, classroom discussion, argumentative writing, information evaluation, and reflective learning. The reviewed literature demonstrates that critical thinking can be intentionally developed through appropriately designed language-learning activities. At the same time, learners may experience difficulties in organizing complex ideas, evaluating evidence, identifying assumptions, and constructing well-supported arguments. Therefore, integrating critical-thinking-oriented activities into English language instruction can contribute not only to language development but also to learners’ analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.