Developing critical thinking through critical reading and writing: the basic skills

Jane Mattisson Ekstam´s paper discusses Washington Irving’s short story “Tom Walker and the Devil”. It argues that the story can be taught at both university- and high-school level but in different ways and suggests different approaches. Irving’s story can enable students and pupils to develop their critical reading and writing skills while at the same time learning to appreciate the value and importance of “good” literature. “Tom Walker and the Devil” is one of Irving’s finest stories in terms of theme, style and language. It also has the advantage that there is no shortage of critical sources - printed as well as electronic- on its themes, context and style. Some of these sources are identified in my paper.