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Group1 Critical Writing

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Jhonary Bacnis Paguio
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© © All Rights Reserved
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The Nature of Critical Writing

Week 7; critical reading, writing, and thinking


The Nature of Critical Writing
Critical writing is writing that forms an argument based on analysis and evaluation of evidence from multiple
sources. It is normally used in essay writing for humanities subjects like History, English, and Geography, but
can also be found in non-fiction books.

Critical writing can also refer to pieces of writing that have been written to be critical about - or give an
opinion on - something, normally in the form of a review. This could be a book, a film, a piece of music, or even
a meal at a restaurant.

Critical writing also links into critical reading, where readers analyse a piece of writing critically by asking
questions of what they’re reading, and critical thinking, which is the analysis of facts to form a judgement
(Jonathan and Susie Seaton, n.d.) .
Transitioning from Critical Reading to Critical Writing
Reading and writing are two of the macro skills essential for learning. Critical
reading is not a process of passive consumption, but one of interaction and
engagement between the reader and the text. Therefore, when reading
critically and actively, it is important not only to take in the words on the
page, but also to interpret and to reflect upon what is read through writing
and discussing it with others.
Reacting to a text
is often done on an emotional
and largely subjective, rather
than on an intellectual and
objective level. It is quick but
shallow.
Responding to a text
on the other hand, requires a
careful study of the ideas
presented and arguments
advanced in it. It is analytical and
evaluative.
Reacting to a text Responding to a text
Prevents readers from studying Allows for careful study of the text’s
purposes, intended audiences, and rhetorical aspects.
contexts of texts they are working with. Works on an intellectual and emotional
Works on an emotional level rather than level by asking the readers to use all
an intellectual level. three rhetorical appeals in reading and
Fails to establish dialog between the writing about the text.
reader and the text by locking the establishes dialogue among the reader,
reader in his or her pre-existing opinion text, and other readers by allowing all
about the argument. sides to reconsider existing positions
and opinion.
Binary Reading
Critical readers learn to avoid simple
“agree-disagree” responses to complex
texts. Such a way of thinking and
arguing is often called “binary” because
it allows only two answers to every
statement and every question. But the
world of ideas is complex and, a much
more nuanced approach is needed when
dealing with complex arguments
(Libretexts, 2024) .
Nuanced Reading
But the world of ideas is
complex and, a much more
nuanced approach is needed
when dealing with complex
arguments (Libretexts, 2024).
Binary Reading Nuanced Reading
Does not allow for an Takes into accounts “grey
understanding of complex areas” of complex arguments.
arguments. Allows for a deep and detailed
Provides only “agree or understanding of complex text.
disagree” answer. Establishes rhetorical
Prevents the reader from a true engagement between the reader
rhetorical engagement with the and the text.
text.
Descriptive Writing
This is an essential element of academic writing
but it is used to set the background and to
provide evidence rather than to develop an
argument. When writing descriptively you are
informing your reader of things that they need
to know to understand and follow your
argument but you are not transforming that
information in any way. This is usually writing
about things you have read, done (often as part
of reflective writing) or observed (Library:
Critical Writing: Descriptive Vs Critical, n.d.-b)
.
Critical/Analytical Writing
When writing critically, you are
developing a reasoned argument and
participating in academic debate.
Essentially you are persuading your
reader of your position on the topic at
hand. This is about taking the information
you have described and using it in some
way (Library: Critical Writing: Descriptive
Vs Critical, n.d.-b).
CRITICAL WRITING VS DESCRIPTIVE WRITING
It is important that you understand the difference between descriptive writing and
adopting a critical stance, and showing clear evidence of your understanding in your
writing.

Descriptive Writing Critical/Analytical Writing


States what happened Identifies the significance
State what something is like Evaluates (judges the value of) strengths an
Gives the story so far weaknesses
States the order in which things happened Weighs one piece of information against another
Says how to do something Makes reasoned judgement
Explain what a theory says Argues a case according to evidence
Explain how something works Shows why something is relevant or suitable
Indicates why something will work (best)
Notes the method used Indicates whether something is appropriate or
Says when something occurred suitable
States the different components Identifies why the timing is important
State options Weighs up the importance of components parts
List details Give reasons for the selection of each options
List in any order Evaluates the relative significance of details
States links between items Structures information in order (e.g of importance)
Gives information Shows the relevance of links between pieces of
information
Draw conclusions

Remember that critical writing is no longer about observation and


imagination. Rather, it strongly calls for observation and logic to raise
solid arguments, supported by evidences that you will carefully elaborate
in your text.
References Page
Week 7 - THE NATURE OF CRITICAL WRITING.pdf: Critical Reading, Writing and Thinking - BSN 2-Y2-M5A. (n.d.).
https://olfu.instructure.com/courses/207472/files/35803349?module_item_id=19904436

Nature of Critical Writing


Jonathan and Susie Seaton. (n.d.). what is critical writing. Twinkl. https://www.twinkl.com.ph/teaching-
wiki/criticalwriting#:~:text=Critical%20writing%20is%20writing%20that,of%20evidence%20from%20multiple%20sources.

Binary Reading and Nuanced Reading


Libretexts. (2024, January 10). 1.2: Research and critical reading. Humanities
LibreTexts.https://human.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Composition/Advanced_Composition/Book%3A_English_Composition_II__
Rhetorical_MethodsBased_(Lumen)/01%3A_Summary/1.02%3A_Research_and_Critical_Reading

Descriptive Writing and Critical Writing


Library: Critical writing: Descriptive vs critical. (n.d.-b).
https://libguides.hull.ac.uk/criticalwriting/descriptive-critical
Thank you for
listening

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