Critical Writing part 2

Summary

This video, hosted by Linda Riches, an Academic Skills Adviser, introduces critical writing and how to develop this skill. It emphasizes the importance of critical thinking—questioning and analyzing the reading material, considering biases, and staying open to different perspectives. The video also covers the process of reading before writing, and the pitfalls of overly descriptive writing. It provides practical tips on analyzing arguments, evaluating evidence, and incorporating multiple viewpoints in academic writing. The video encourages students to develop critical writing skills over time and highlights available support resources.

Takeaways

• 😀 Critical writing involves questioning what you're reading, not accepting information at face value.
• 😀 Think critically about the author's argument, the evidence used, and any potential biases in their reasoning.
• 😀 Your own biases should also be considered while reading; be open to revising your views based on new information.
• 😀 Reading critically is essential before writing critically; don't decide on your argument before thoroughly analyzing different perspectives.
• 😀 Focus on reading, thinking, and note-taking first, with writing being the final step of the process.
• 😀 A critical approach to writing requires more than summarizing facts—it involves analyzing and evaluating arguments.
• 😀 Using multiple references and presenting different points of view strengthens your critical writing.
• 😀 A critical piece of writing should provide evidence-based arguments and challenge existing views carefully and thoughtfully.
• 😀 Use tools like grids to organize reading and arguments, especially for large pieces like dissertations.
• 😀 When citing a source, don't just describe its content—critically engage with it by comparing it to other research or offering alternative perspectives.

Q & A

What is critical writing, and why is it important?

Critical writing involves questioning and evaluating what you're reading or writing. It requires analyzing evidence, identifying biases, and being open to other perspectives. It is important because it allows for deeper understanding and more robust arguments, ensuring that you are not just accepting information at face value.

How does critical thinking relate to critical writing?

Critical thinking is the foundation of critical writing. Before you can write critically, you need to think critically, which means questioning what you're reading, considering the evidence, and being aware of your own biases. Critical thinking allows you to analyze and evaluate information, which you then express in your writing.

What does it mean to read critically?

Reading critically means questioning the material you're reading rather than just accepting it. It involves examining the author's arguments, identifying the evidence they use, and considering whether their reasoning is valid. It also includes being aware of your own biases and remaining open to different viewpoints.

Why should students read before they write?

Students should read before writing to ensure they understand the different perspectives and evidence surrounding a topic. By reading first, students can critically engage with the material, form their own opinions, and avoid writing based only on pre-existing biases. This process leads to a more thoughtful and comprehensive analysis.

What can happen if students start writing before reading critically?

If students start writing before reading critically, they may base their writing on preconceived ideas or biases, resulting in one-sided arguments. Without considering other viewpoints, they may fail to engage with the complexity of the topic, making their writing less analytical and critical.

What is the significance of questioning the evidence used in academic writing?

Questioning the evidence used in academic writing is crucial because it ensures the credibility and reliability of the arguments being made. By assessing the source, date, and potential biases behind the evidence, students can evaluate whether the evidence genuinely supports the claims or if it's flawed or incomplete.

How can students approach critical writing for different subjects?

Students should adapt their approach to critical writing based on the requirements of their subject. For example, in an art history essay, the focus might be on interpreting an artist's influence, while in a business essay, the focus could be on analyzing business strategies and proposing solutions. Understanding the question and the context of the subject is essential.

What role do biases play in critical writing, and how can they be avoided?

Biases play a significant role in shaping how students interpret and engage with information. To avoid biases, students should strive to consider all perspectives and evidence, be open to revising their views, and ensure they aren't only seeking information that aligns with their existing beliefs.

What is the difference between descriptive and critical writing?

Descriptive writing simply summarizes or presents information, while critical writing goes beyond that by analyzing, evaluating, and questioning the evidence and arguments. In critical writing, students make claims, discuss different perspectives, and assess the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence.

How can students ensure they are using evidence effectively in critical writing?

To use evidence effectively, students should integrate it into their writing by analyzing its relevance, considering the credibility of the sources, and addressing counterarguments. They should also ensure that the evidence is used to support their own argument, rather than merely repeating what others have said.