Writing critically

© 2010 Learning Development

August 7, 2014

writing critically | www.newcastle.edu.au

2 Being critical…

• Critical reading + Critical thinking

= Critical writing

What is critical thinking?

August 7, 2014

writing critically | www.newcastle.edu.au

3 Common problem

• Weak writing because thinking is not clear

• You need to:

– Think about what you have read

– Evaluate your ideas as you read

– Plan your argument

August 7, 2014

writing critically | www.newcastle.edu.au

4 Be clear about your conclusions and

reasoning

• Having read and thought about an issue, be clear about your overall conclusion (thesis)

• Plan a series of reasons, with appropriate evidence that helps the reader understand your thesis

• Weave just enough descriptive writing into your critical writing to help the reader understand your point

August 7, 2014

writing critically | www.newcastle.edu.au

5 Descriptive vs Critical

• States what happened

• Says what something is like

• Paraphrases a theory

• Explains how a thing works

• Outlines the method

• Identifies different elements

• States options

• Provides information

• Identifies the significance

• Evaluates strengths, weaknesses

• Shows why a theory is relevant

• Indicates why it will work

• Argues whether method is suitable

• Evaluates importance of elements

• Explains why one option is better

• Draws conclusions from

information

August 7, 2014

writing critically | www.newcastle.edu.au

6 Examples

• Which of these writing samples is:

– Descriptive

– Critical

• Why?