Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking

1. What Does "Being Critical" Really Men?

   • Firstly, of all, it is important to be clear about what critical thinking really is, as it is often thought to consist of pointing out the negative aspects.
     • Secondly, the practice of criticising something may seem futile for lack of application in the short or long term.
       • Thirdly, the fact of being assigned to critique a renowned author may seem unreasonable due to lack of knowledge.
         • Finally, the fact that the author has published his work means that it has already been subjected to a rigid process of change and evaluation, so that student criticism seems unnecessary.

2. What is Available for Critique

   • Nothing goes untouched when it comes to carrying out a critique.
     • You can start with the subject itself of the authors
       • It may be that the authors have developed their topic of focus from a particular position
         • However, they could justify why they decided not to do so. The Commission would not have taken them into account.
           • The authors may have chosen a qualitative approach, which may have limitations in areas such as areas such as measurement
             • Therefore, criticism can be made of certain philosophical approaches or weaknesses.

3. Steps for Developing Critical Thought

   • Make up a list of the strengths and weaknesses or limitations surrounding a topic.
     • Consider the advantages and disadvantages pertaining to an issue.
       • Carry out a PESTLE (political, economic, sociological, technological, legal, environmental) analysis.
         • Question…….Is the argument based on factual evidence that can be proven, or is it merely constructed
           • Does the theory come from only one perspective?
             • Look at the topic from different angles.
               • How old is the study/investigation/research?

4. Organising Your Critique

   • Once you have researched and gathered together relevant points to support your critique
     • it is timely to give some thought to the way this material will be organised and packaged in your writing.
       • Suggestions for ordering your argument
         • Supporting points fi rst followed by opposition’s points: The advantage with this strategy is that your points are given primacy, and you begin your argument on a strong footing.
           • The disadvantage of this approach is that you may come across with a weak argument,
         • Opposition’s points fi rst followed by supporting points.
           • Although there may be less opportunity to reinforce the strength of your position twice, your argument may the first mention of your position is made with the direct purpose of
         • Individual points debated
           • In this structure, each point from the opposition is responded to separately. The advantage of this structure is it eliminates any backtracking on details and vice versa.
         • Most central to least central
           • the focus is on the particular order in which each of the supporting points should be presented. The most important of the supporting points is mentioned first.
         • Least central to most central
           • Within this structure, the focus is on the particular order in which to present each of your supporting points.
             • Being critical in your writing is about not just accepting what others argue for and conclude.
             • A useful tip is to look for a (literature) review on the topic you have to criticise and build on the criticisms mentioned in the review
         • Content
           • Coverage, Overall structure:, understanding, use of terms, clarity of explanation, reading,, critical viewpoint:
         • Form
           • Written expression: Grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Documentation: What references have you used to support your ideas?, Presentation: Is your assignment clearly presented and readable

5. Getting an A on Your Assignment

   • To get a grade within the A range (A- /A /A+), you need to fulfi l more than the necessary requirements to pass.
     • Scope of Assignment
       • You have provided an acceptable interpretation of the topic, which may mean that you have developed a logical response to the assignment task.
     • Evidence of Reading
       • This is entwined with scope in that it expects you to have read and referred to relevant literature, typically in the form of the readings and/or textbook chapters
     • Structure
       • This refers to the way ideas are presented. This includes having a logical sequence in This includes having a logical sequence in the ordering of the points, as well as the organisation of the paragraphs of the introduction and the development, where a final section should also be added to summarise the ideas.
     • Presentation
       • This is an area where can get the highest score out of the total allocated to this section, as it usually requires you to follow instructions
       • Including some critical refl ection and evaluation of the topic .Including some critical refl ection and evaluation of the topic

6. Hierarchy in Assessment Tasks

   • Knowledge – this represents a basic level of competence expected in assessment through the recalling,
   • Comprehension: It is central to an examination because it demonstrates understanding, which goes beyond mere recall and identification.
   • Aplication : In-depth knowledge and understanding of information to the extent that the knowledge can be transported and incorporated into a new context
   • Analysis is central to any substantial piece of academic work because it involves – breaking something down – examining its component parts
   • Synthesis : involves the creation of new ideas from old ones. This can be achieved by combining and integrating different concepts.