Active and critical are two varieties of what kind of skill?

The correct answer is listening because the terms "active" and "critical" describe different approaches to how individuals engage with audio information. Active listening involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and retaining what is being said. This process requires the listener to engage with the speaker, often providing feedback and asking clarifying questions.

On the other hand, critical listening is the analysis of the information being presented, which involves evaluating the content, assessing its validity, and making judgments. It encourages the listener to think critically about what they are hearing, rather than just passively absorbing it.

Each variety of listening plays a crucial role in effective communication and understanding, emphasizing the importance of not only hearing words but also processing and interpreting their meaning in an informed and thoughtful manner.