Critical reading is referred to as an active process because it involves actively engaging with the text in a way that goes beyond simply reading and comprehending the words on the page. When reading critically, the reader must actively analyze, question, and evaluate the text to gain a deeper understanding of the ideas being presented. This requires the reader to think critically and use their own judgment and reasoning to interpret the information and draw conclusions based on evidence presented in the text.
Critical reading also involves engaging with the text in a way that goes beyond the words themselves, such as considering the author's background and biases, the intended audience, and the larger cultural or historical context in which the text was written. By actively engaging with the text in this way, the reader is able to gain a more nuanced understanding of the ideas being presented and can develop their own informed opinions and perspectives on the subject matter.