I)       Critical Writing Starts with Critical Reading and thinking.

a)      When reading look for or look at:

i)        Thesis statement (the main premise or claims)

ii)      Context

(1)   Writer’s perspective.

(2)   Who is the audience?

(3)   Under what conditions was it written.

(4)   Under what conditions was the research done.

(5)   Historical context: are some of the issues presented in the paper valid for today’s environment?

iii)    Reasoning: is it sound or fallacy?

iv)    Evidence: does it support the facts?

b)      do not look primarily for

i)        Information

ii)      Quotes

iii)    Concepts

iv)    These things are important. Do not discount them, but do not base your critical anaylysis only on these things.

II)    Writing The Actual Paper

a)      Evaluate the text that was examined.

i)        Did the writer prove his/her point?

ii)      Why or how do you think the writer did or did not prove the point?

iii)    What are the strengths and weaknesses of the paper. Some things to consider:

(1)   Written well

(2)   Grammar and language

(3)   Does it flow well

(4)   Is it clear in thought

b)      The parts

i)        Very brief summary of the context or concepts

ii)      The evaluation

iii)    Personal comments

III) Concluding your Paper

a)      Recap the content

b)      Recap the evaluation

c)      Suggestion how the text might be better

For more help come see the Learning Assistance Specialist in the CARE Center