The document discusses critical reading skills. It defines critical reading as actively engaging with texts by asking questions and analyzing from different perspectives. Critical reading is important for academic development as it helps develop critical thinking abilities. The document outlines skills of critical versus passive readers and describes two modes of reading: reading with the author to understand their perspective, and then reading critically by questioning and challenging the author's arguments. It provides examples of identifying reasons and conclusions in passages and emphasizes the importance of understanding an author's reasons for their conclusion.