Critical writing for Postgraduate Taught students: A short guide

Critical writing is more complex, and involves more discussion, analysis and evaluation than descriptive writing. Examples of critical writing activities include:

• Engaging with and weighing up evidence
• Open minded and objective enquiry
• Presenting reasons to dispute a particular finding
• Providing an alternative approach
• Recognising the limitations and strengths of evidence: either your evidence or the evidence provided by others
• Thinking around a specific problem
• Applying caution and humility when challenging established positions. Critical writers might tentatively suggest an independent point of view, using such phrases as ‘It could be argued that...’; or ‘An alternative viewpoint might suggest that...’.

Critical writing is an involvement in an academic debate. It requires you to weigh up the evidence provided by a researcher before accepting their conclusions. 

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For postgraduates, thinking and writing critically is an expected part of your studies. So demonstrate your critical writing skills by exploring academic theories, discussing evidence, and using excellent referencing techniques.