THE ROLE OF BOOK REVIEWS IN DEVELOPING CRITICAL THINKING AND LITERARY ANALYSIS SKILLS
Keywords:
Keywords: book review, critical thinking, literary analysis, reading comprehension, academic writing, higher-order thinking, Uzbek education, pedagogy, text evaluation, cognitive skills, literacy developmentAbstract
Abstract. Book reviews occupy a unique and valuable position in the educational landscape, serving as both an intellectual exercise and a practical tool for developing higher-order cognitive abilities. This article examines the multifaceted role of book reviews in cultivating critical thinking and literary analysis skills among students at various educational levels. Through a synthesis of pedagogical theory and empirical observation, the study argues that the consistent practice of writing and reading book reviews enables learners to engage deeply with textual content, evaluate arguments, identify literary devices, and articulate reasoned judgments. The article further explores how book reviews connect reading comprehension with written expression, thereby bridging two fundamental literacy competencies. Drawing on Uzbek and international scholarly sources, the discussion highlights culturally relevant approaches to integrating book review writing into contemporary educational practice in Uzbekistan. Findings suggest that when properly scaffolded and integrated into curricula, book review assignments significantly enhance students' analytical capacities, academic writing proficiency, and lifelong reading habits.
