Have you been asked to “write critically” and you are unsure what this exactly means? Or maybe you have done your best to write critically, and you still receive feedback from your instructors that you should write “more critically.” Or perhaps you simply want to learn how to “write critically” and don’t know where to start. If any of these is the case, read on for some strategies to incorporate critical thought into your writing process.
- Video: How to write critically
- Strategy #1: Think critically in order to write critically
- Strategy #2: Critical writing comes hand in hand with critical reading
- Strategy #3: Engage with others’ ideas while writing
Book an appointment with an academic coach at the Centre for Academic Communication.
Think critically in order to write critically
Critical writing comes hand in hand with critical reading
- reading with the bigger context in mind
- actively annotating while you read to document questions, comments, and other types of critical thought
- organizing your notes to form new ideas after reading
To learn more about these steps, see the critical reading post on UVic Learn.
Engage with others’ ideas while writing
Remember that to write “critically” does not only mean to “criticize” what someone else has written. You can agree and add to their point, consider it from a different aspect without discrediting their point of view, or simply pose a question to open up your reader’s perspective on the topic.
To learn more about this topic and to get help
Book a free in-person or online appointment with an academic skills advisor at the Academic Skills Centre!