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A Critical Student Is One Who ‘do Not Accept Information Without First Examining It From Different Angles Or Perspectives'.

Examining information from different angles and perspectives is central to critical thinking when reading and researching in preparation for essay writing. It enables students to gain comprehensive knowledge of a subject before accepting the information for use as a base of reference in an essay. Critical thinking skills are used in many aspects of everyday life and are particularly important for university students to master before advancing into a professional career.

On reflection of the readings referenced in this essay, my belief is that exercising critical thinking skills is crucial when reading and researching to produce the high-quality essays expected of university students. The purpose of this essay is to discuss the reasons why critical students do not accept information without first examining it from different angles or perspectives. I will give insight into what critical thinking is, outline the purpose of essay writing for students and explain why and how critical thinking is incorporated in the reading and research for writing an essay.

Shakespeare (Shakespeare and Furness 1877) once wrote, "there is nothing either good or bad - but thinking makes it so". These words are particularly significant in regard to critical thinking. Human beings have the power to choose their thoughts and beliefs and the opportunity to challenge and develop those of others. Individuals generally have inherent critical thinking skills that are used every day and universities expect students to develop and build on these skills (Christensen 2004).
Craig (1994, 23) states that critical thinking "means that you question the phenomenon of study rather than simply accept and repeat the facts". It is "reflective and reasonable thinking aimed at deciding what to do or believe" (Warren 1995, 148). Critical thinking involves questioning assumptions, looking at things from alternative perspectives, researching widely to substantiate...

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