How do I write critically?

How can you make sure that your writing style will enable you to succeed in your extended essay?

One way of doing this is to ensure that you are writing critically rather than descriptively.

Your research question can make all the difference in how you write your essay. A good question allows you to write an essay which uses critical thinking skills to reach original conclusions, but a poor question might lead you to merely describe what has already been said about your topic.

What is descriptive writing?

Descriptive writing establishes the context or background of your research. For example, if you are analysing an event or the outcomes of an experiment, you might first need to describe the event or the way the experiment was conducted. When you write descriptively you are not engaged in analysis, debate or discussion. Your aim instead is to provide an overview of a key concept, issue or event before you go on to formulate your argument about it.

What is critical writing?

Critical writing is different as it actively develops your argument. When you write critically you will evaluate the work of others and their interpretations, and analyse key concepts, issues or ideas. You assess different views, make reasoned judgements based on evidence and draw your own conclusions. In short, critical writing is where you can best showcase your originality and ability to craft an informed argument.

Here is an example from an essay examining the Arab Spring movement in 2011: