THE NATURE OF CRITICAL WRITING

• Critical writing


  Writing which analyses and evaluates information, usually from multiple sources, in order to develop an argument
• Critical writing


  • Presenting strong supporting evidence
  • Presenting a clear argument that leads to a reasonable conclusion
• Reacting to Text


  • Often done on an emotional and largely subjective, rather than on an intellectual and objective level
  • Is quick but shallow
  • Learning is limited
  • Reader may not be able to get any useful insight from the author because of reluctance and doubt arising from questions on the author's credibility
  • Regardless of the subjectivity and possible invalidity of the argument
• Responding to Text


  • Requires a careful study of the ideas presented and arguments advanced in it
  • Is analytical and evaluative
  • Critical readers who possess this skill are not willing to simply reject or accept the arguments presented in the text after the first reading right away
  • They are open-minded and willing to learn in spite of differences in beliefs and principles
• Descriptive writing


  • The author describes something from their own experience and, through careful choice of words and phrasing, makes it seem real
  • Is vivid, colorful, and detailed
• In descriptive writing, the author does not just tell the reader what was seen, felt, tested, smelled, or heard