HUBUNGAN KEMAMPUAN MEMBACA KRITIS DAN KEMAMPUAN MENYAMPAIKAN PENDAPAT PADA MURID KELAS XI SMA NEGERI 1 BUKATEJA

Critical reading and speaking-based opinion expression are mutually reinforcing language skills, yet evidence on how the two relate among senior high school students remains scarce. This research investigated whether eleventh graders at SMA Negeri 1 Bukateja who read more critically also express opinions better. A quantitative correlational design was applied to 58 students drawn from two randomly chosen classes. Critical reading was assessed through a 28-item multiple-choice test, while opinion expression was assessed through an oral performance task scored with a rubric of eight sub-abilities. The data were examined using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test and Pearson Product Moment correlation. Students averaged 82.53 in critical reading and 77.57 in opinion expression, both in the good category. The correlation of 0.318 (p = 0.015) shows a positive but weak association, with critical reading accounting for 10.1% of the variance in opinion expression. The logical element was the weakest component of opinion expression. Teachers are advised to pair critical reading instruction with speaking activities that require students to give reasons.