Critical Reading at C1–C2: Credibility, Assumptions, and Rhetorical Framing

At C1–C2, reading comprehension includes evaluating how a text constructs its version of reality. A skilled reader asks not only “What does this say?” but also “How do we know, what is assumed, what is omitted, and how is the reader being guided?”

1. Identify the central claim

Summarise the writer’s main position in one neutral sentence. If you cannot do this, you may be reacting to details rather than understanding the argument.

2. Separate evidence from interpretation

A reported figure is not the same as the conclusion drawn from it. Mark factual claims, sources, examples and interpretations separately. Ask whether the interpretation is the only plausible explanation.

3. Evaluate source quality

Consider expertise, methodology, publication context, recency, incentives and transparency. “A study shows…” is not enough. Who conducted it? How large was the sample? Was the measure valid? Are limitations reported?

4. Find hidden assumptions

Arguments often depend on unstated premises. If a writer argues that productivity rose because employees worked remotely, the hidden assumption may be that no other major variable changed at the same time.

5. Notice framing

Compare only 40% supported the proposal with as many as 40% supported the proposal. The number is identical; the framing is different. Words such as merely, even, surprisingly, inevitably guide interpretation.

6. Watch category boundaries

Terms such as success, effective, safe, fluent, expert require definitions. A persuasive text may shift definitions during the argument. Ask whether key terms remain stable.

7. Read for absence

What relevant evidence is missing? Which group is not represented? Are negative results mentioned? Critical reading is not automatic suspicion; it is a structured search for what would make the conclusion stronger or weaker.

8. Build an evidence map

Create four columns: claim / evidence / assumption / alternative explanation. This method is especially useful for academic articles, opinion pieces, policy documents and high-level exam reading.