Answer:
Answer: The option that best answers the question is b. Why did the author write this text? A critical reader may ask this question to understand the purpose or motive behind the author's writing. Understanding the author's intention can help the reader analyze and evaluate the text more effectively. The question of why the author wrote the text can also provide insights into the author's perspective, biases, and values. The other options, such as when the text was published or how old the author is, may be relevant but are less likely to be the primary focus of a critical reader.