Journal of Language, Literature, Social and Cultural Studies
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026): (IN PRESS)

Summarizing and paraphrasing as core strategies for enhancing reading comprehension and critical thinking: A literature review

Ni Wayan Sadiyani (Politeknik Negeri Bali, INDONESIA)
Ida Bagus Artha Adnyana (Politeknik Negeri Bali, INDONESIA)
Zanyar Nathir Ghafar (Technical Institute of Sulaimani, Sulaimani Polytechnic University, Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region IRAQ)
Nadia Idri (University of Bejaia, Aboudaou Campus, 06000, ALGERIA)
Zulfiqar Ali (University of Baltistan, Skardu PAKISTAN)
Sadia Ayub (Lincoln University College (LUC) MALAYSIA)
Edona Jahiu (University of Prishtina, KOSOVO)



Article Info

Publish Date
03 Jun 2026

Abstract

This paper explores the role of summarizing and paraphrasing in enhancing students' reading skills, particularly through the lens of critical reading. Summarizing involves condensing a text into its main points, while paraphrasing entails restating information in different words without changing the meaning. Both activities require active engagement with texts, encouraging comprehension and analytical thinking. Through a qualitative literature review, this study synthesizes existing research to examine how these activities support reading development. Findings suggest that summarizing and paraphrasing enhance metacognitive awareness, allowing learners to monitor their understanding and improve language proficiency. Additionally, they contribute to better vocabulary use, sentence structure, and information retention. The paper also highlights the strong connection between critical reading and these activities. Summarizing and paraphrasing foster critical thinking skills such as evaluation and synthesis, enabling readers to interpret meaning, assess arguments, and draw conclusions. As a result, students become more reflective and independent readers. The study concludes that incorporating these strategies into reading instruction is essential for promoting comprehension and critical engagement. Educators are encouraged to integrate them into their teaching practices to improve students' academic performance.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JLLSCS

Publisher

Subject

Arts Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

Journal of Language, Literature, Social and Cultural Studies (JLLSCS) is an international peer reviewed and open access journal in the studies of language, literature, social and culture. The aim is to publish conceptual and research articles that explore the application of any language studies, ...