CRITICAL

THINKING
SKILLS 101
Tips straight from the techyteachermentor

compiled by Asheka Tenzin

Your thoughts have an impact on every aspect of your life.
It determines how you spend your limited time and energy.
Developing good critical thinking skills is an essential part
of your personal and professional life.

What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking is the ability to analyze and evaluate
information objectively, make sound judgements, and solve
problems.

Six key steps to developing your critical thinking skills and

mindset are-

https://tinyurl.com/dnb7zuet

1. clarify your thinking purpose and context

2. question your sources of information
3. identify arguments
4. analyse sources and arguments
5. evaluate the arguments of others and
6. create or synthesise your own arguments.
1. Clarify your purpose and context
When thinking critically about something, clarify your
thoughts by asking some basic questions, such as:

What is the issue or topic?

What question or goal am I attempting to address?
When thinking about this problem or topic, what different
points of view, arguments, concepts, or parts will I need to
consider?
Do I have a thorough understanding of the information or
components pertinent to this problem or topic?

Answering the following questions will give your thinking

clear purpose and focus:
What is the question, issue or problem, and how would
you define it?
Do you have a question or aim to guide your thinking?

Tools that can help clarify purpose and context

Mind-mapping: Mind-mapping is a technique that can be used
to generate, visualize, structure, and classify ideas, and as a
result, it can be useful in clarifying the purpose and context
of a topic.
 Cluster diagram

Cluster diagrams can be used to structure ideas, facilitate brainstorming

sessions, and even aid in the exploration of new topics.

How to Apply It
Step 1: Select a topic of interest to investigate. This should be in the centre
of the diagram.

Step 2: Create sub-topics related to this main idea by brainstorming around

it. Arrange them in a circle around the centre.

Step 3: Brainstorm and write down related ideas for each of the sub-topics.

Step 4: Create as many layers as you like. However, use colour coding to
highlight each line of thought. This will make the cluster diagram easier to
read and comprehend.
SWOT analysis diagrams: SWOT Analysis diagrams are used
to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and
Threats that are related to a particular situation. It can be
used to identify the key factors that are affecting a
situation and as a result, it can be useful in clarifying the
purpose and context of a topic.

Strengths What do you do well? What unique resources can

you draw on? What do others see as your strengths?

Weaknesses What could you improve? Where do you have

fewer resources than others? What are others likely to see
as weaknesses?

Opportunities What opportunities are open to you? What

trends could you take advantage of? How can you turn your
strengths into opportunities?

Threats What threats could harm you? What is your

competition doing? What threats do your weaknesses expose
you to?
 SWOT Analysis

Your advantages Areas of improvement

s W

O T

Apply your advantages Where you are at risk

 2. Question your sources

Because not all sources of information are equally credible,

accurate, or relevant, it is essential to question your sources.
By questioning and scrutinising your sources, you will be able
to:

remove irrelevant or incorrect sources

choose relevant and trustworthy sources to narrow the
scope of your critical inquiry
improve your understanding of current knowledge and
debates relevant to your topic
establish the foundation for analysing and evaluating
sources

The following questions will help you decide which sources are
reliable and relevant to your task.

Credibility: What are the author’s qualifications and

affiliation?
Relevance: How relevant is the source?
Accuracy: How accurate is the source?
Purpose: For what purpose was the source produced?
Currency
How recent is the information?
How recently has the website been updated?
Is it current enough for your topic?

Reliability
What kind of information is included in the resource?
Is content of the resource primarily opinion? Is is
balanced?
Does the creator provide references or sources for data or
quotations?

Authority
Who is the creator or author?
What are the credentials? Can you find any information
about the author's background?
Who is the published or sponsor?
Are they reputable?
What is the publisher's interest (if any) in this information?
Are there advertisements on the website? If so, are they
cleared marked?

Purpose/Point of View
Is this fact or opinion? Does the author list sources or
cite references?
Is it biased? Does the author seem to be trying to push an
agenda or particular side?
Is the creator/author trying to sell you something? If so,
is it clearly stated?

Adapted from Molly Beestrum.

 3. Identify arguments
Critical thinking requires the ability to recognise arguments.
It enables you to understand how people structure their
thinking and prepares the ground for analysis and evaluation,
allowing you to construct your own argument.

Any statement or claim supported by reasons is considered

an argument.
Arguments range from very simple (e.g., "Exercise is
necessary for a healthy lifestyle") to very complex (e.g.,
"Homework is necessary for students to practice and
reinforce what they have learned in class, but too much
homework can be overwhelming and lead to burnout".).

Claim: Wearing a seatbelt is important for safety while

driving.
Reason: Wearing a seatbelt helps to keep the person secure
in their seat during an accident, which reduces the chance of
injury or death.
Evidence: Studies have shown that wearing a seatbelt
reduces the risk of injury and death in a car accident by up
to 50%. In addition, many countries have laws requiring the
use of seatbelts while driving to protect the safety of the
driver and passengers.
CER
 4. Analyse sources and arguments
To analyse something means to thoroughly examine it,
explain it, and interpret it. Analyzing sources entails
deconstructing their components, such as arguments, claims,
reasons, methods, and evidence, and explaining how they
interact to make a point or argument.

Analysis is an important initial stage before evaluation in

the context of critical thinking. A good analysis ensures that
your evaluation is based on evidence and understanding,
rather than first impressions or speculative reasoning.

Understanding how the authors of your sources approach

problems, use evidence, and formulate arguments will help
you master analysis. It will also assist you in recognising
trends, patterns, and gaps in your sources or current
research.
When examining a source, consider the following:
its goal and any assumptions it makes,
its use of evidence and reasoning,
its use of evidence and reasoning,
its limitations and biases, and
any patterns or themes discovered.
 Analysis of primary sources
A+
Here's a template with sentence starters to guide you
through the analysis of a primary source:

Introduction
Identification:
The primary source, titled [Title], was [created/produced]
by [Author] on [Date].
This document serves as a [diary/letter/speech/etc.]
from the [historical period] and offers insights into...
Purpose:
The purpose behind [Author]'s creation of this primary
source appears to be [to inform/express/persuade]...

Content Analysis
1. Contextual Information
Historical Background:
To fully comprehend [Title], it is essential to consider the
historical context. During [time period], [provide brief
historical context]...
Authorship:
[Author], the creator of this primary source, was
[role/significance] during [historical period]...

2. Purpose and Perspective

Intent:
Evidently, the intent behind crafting this primary source
was [to document/capture/share] the experiences of...
Perspective:
Analyzing [Author]'s perspective reveals [beliefs/biases]
that may have influenced the content. For instance...

3. Language and Style

Language Choice:
The language utilized in [Title] is
[formal/informal/technical], contributing to the overall
tone of...
Style:
Noteworthy stylistic elements include
[tone/rhetoric/literary devices], creating an impactful
impression of...

4. Visual Elements (if applicable)

Images or Graphics:
The visual elements within [Title] include [describe
images/symbols], enhancing the overall narrative by...
Captions or Annotations:
The captions or annotations accompanying visual
elements provide additional insights into...

Evaluation
1. Reliability
Authenticity:
Upon scrutiny, there is no apparent evidence of
[alteration/tampering], suggesting the authenticity of
[Title].
Credibility:
[Author]'s credibility is established through
[expertise/historical significance], bolstering the
reliability of the primary source.

2. Limitations
Incomplete Information:
Despite its richness, [Title] has limitations, particularly
in its coverage of [aspect of the topic not covered].
Biases:
A potential bias in [Author]'s perspective is evident in
[specific instances/examples], impacting the overall
objectivity of the source.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the analysis of [Title] enriches our
understanding of [historical event/topic] by shedding
light on...
This primary source serves as a valuable lens through
which we can explore [themes/impacts] within the
broader context of...
Connecting [Title] to other historical events, it becomes
clear that...

https://www.monash.edu/student-academic-
success/enhance-your-thinking/critical-thinking/analyse-
sources-and-arguments/analyse-sources
5. Evaluate the arguments of others
A+
The ability to evaluate sources and arguments is a crucial
skill in developing a thoughtful and well-informed perspective.
Evaluation involves judging the quality, value, or significance
of the information you encounter. It requires a careful
consideration of both strengths and limitations within a
specific context or examination.

Key Questions for Evaluation

When evaluating sources and arguments, consider the
following questions:
1. Strengths and Limitations:
What are the strengths and limitations of the
source or argument?
Are there biases or gaps that may impact its
reliability?
2. Support for Claims:
How well are the claims supported by reasons and
evidence?
Is the evidence reliable, current, and relevant to the
topic?
3. Further Investigation:
What claims need further investigation or
exploration?
Are there aspects that require deeper analysis or
verification?
4. Comparison with Similar Sources:
A+
How does the quality of one source or argument
compare with others addressing a similar topic?
Are there notable differences in perspectives or
methodologies?
5. Contribution to Knowledge:
What contribution to knowledge does the source or
argument make?
Does it offer new insights, challenge existing ideas,
or provide a unique perspective?
6. Overall Assessment:
What is your overall assessment of the source or
argument?
Does it align with your research objectives or the
requirements of the task?
6. Create or synthesise your own
arguments. A+
Developing arguments is like crafting a well-structured story
– you gather evidence, use reasoning, and present your main
claim. It can be challenging, yet it's an exciting part of
thinking deeply and critically.
Crafting arguments involves a process called "synthesis,"
which means bringing things together. This is crucial because
arguments should unite insights from your analysis of
different sources and your unique thoughts and ideas.
Synthesis is a creative skill that enhances your critical
thinking abilities. It requires you to think about what
others have said about your topic and incorporate not only
evidence that supports your argument but also different
and opposing views.
In simpler terms, crafting arguments is like weaving
together various ideas from different sources, including
your own, to construct a compelling and well-rounded
perspective. It's akin to being an investigator, selecting the
best clues to unravel a mystery!
While it may seem a bit challenging, the process adds an
element of fun and contributes to your growth as an
excellent critical thinker!
 Template for Evaluating Arguments
Introduction
A+
In constructing a persuasive argument, it's important to
consider six key characteristics that contribute to its
effectiveness. These elements work together to create a
compelling and well-rounded synthesis:
Characteristics of a Good Argument
1. Clearly Stated Main Claim
A good argument starts with a clear main claim, stating
what you believe or want to prove:
In this argument, I firmly assert that...
The main claim of my argument is...
2. Logical Structure
Your argument should have a logical structure that
connects the main claim with other claims and counter-
claims:
To build a coherent argument, I have organized my
points in a logical order, beginning with...
The structure of my argument follows a logical
progression from...
3. Supporting Evidence
An effective argument provides evidence that supports
the claims made:
To support my main claim, I present evidence such
as...
The evidence I have gathered includes...
4. Clear Reasoning
A+
Logical reasoning should link evidence and claims, including
counter-claims:
I have carefully reasoned how the presented
evidence supports my main claim by...
Considering counter-claims, I establish logical
reasoning that...
5. Analyzed and Evaluated Sources
Your reasoning should show a thoughtful analysis and
evaluation of your sources:
Through a thorough analysis of my sources, I have
determined that...
My evaluation of sources reveals that...
6. Clear Writing
Finally, clear writing demonstrates a well-researched,
logical, balanced, and convincing argument:
In my writing, I aim to convey a sense of balance
and logic by...
Through clear and concise writing, I strive to make
my argument convincing by...
Conclusion
By incorporating these six characteristics into your
argument, you can ensure that it is not only well-researched
but also logically structured, balanced, and convincing. Each
element plays a vital role in creating a strong and compelling
synthesis.
 Template for Developing an Argument
Introduction
A+
Developing a strong argument involves a systematic process
that comprises four essential steps. By carefully following
these steps, you can construct a well-reasoned and effective
argument:
Steps to Develop an Argument
1. Formulate Your Main Claim
To start building your argument, articulate your main
claim:
In response to [issue/task], my main claim is...
Based on my analysis/experiment, I propose that...
2. Bring Together Reasons and Evidence
Consider reasons and evidence that support and oppose
your main claim:
In support of my main claim, the reasons and
evidence include...
Contrary perspectives argue [counter-claims],
supported by reasons such as...
3. Structure Your Argument
Establish key themes and supporting claims; structure
your reasoning:
The central themes supporting my main claim are...
Each line of reasoning is structured to logically
connect...
4. Test and Refine Your Main Claim
A+
Ensure your argument addresses different perspectives
and consider broader applications:
To test my argument, I evaluate how it addresses
[alternative perspectives]...
Stepping back, I reflect on how my argument might
apply in a broader context by...
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can develop a robust argument
that not only presents a clear main claim but also
integrates well-supported reasons, evidence, and structured
reasoning. Testing and refining your argument ensure its
versatility and applicability to a variety of perspectives and
contexts.

Bibliography-

"Enhance Your Thinking: Critical Thinking." Monash University

Student Academic Success, https://www.monash.edu/student-
academic-success/enhance-your-thinking/critical-thinking

"ChatGPT." OpenAI, https://chat.openai.com/