The word ‘critical’ usually means ‘negative.' A ‘critical person,' for instance, finds fault with things. But this isn’t what we mean by writing critically.
Instead, writing critically means to be analytical, thoughtful and questioning.
You may come across assignment requirements that ask you to ‘critically analyse’ a source, or ‘critically engage’ with an article. What these assignments are asking you to do is not simply read the source and summarise what it says, but to actively engage with it – to analyse its arguments, assess its strengths and limitations, and/or to identify what your own informed opinion is in relation to the topic.
Above all else, critical writers are always questioning. They don’t accept material at its face value. Instead, they pick it apart piece by piece to see how it holds up to scrutiny. They want to know who wrote it, what they’re arguing, and how they came to their conclusions. If you want to be critical, start by questioning everything!
