How to write a Critical Thinking eEssay

Writing a critical thinking essay can be overwhelming especially if you are not familiar with its writing conventions. This guide is meant to help you acknowledge the importance of critical thinking essay writing and to write with ease.

If you are stuck and unable to write this type of essay, don’t fret. Writing this essay is a piece of cake especially if you are well-versed with the dos and don’ts. Students have had it rough writing a critical thinking essay so, you are not alone.

What is a critical thinking essay?

The question ‘what is critical thinking essay’has baffled students since time immemorial. Well, this essay is a piece of writing that analyses and examines a problem to determine a solution. It begins with an inquiry rather than a thesis, unlike some other essay forms.

 Critical writing assists you in gaining a larger view on a topic and also helps you to pose questions and improve your analytical abilities. Other benefits of critical thinking to individuals include;

• Vital life skills
• Better decision making
• Key to career success
• Enhances creativity
• Awakens curiosity
• Betters’ citizens
• Formation of well-informed decisions
• Makes you more ecstatic
• Improves relationships
• Upgrades problem-solving skill-set
• Creates a feeling of independence
• A good activity for the brain

Critical thinking essay outline

The two essential items to examine in your critical thinking essay:  are the conclusion and the premise. In an argument, the premise is the statement that outlines or justifies your conclusion. The purpose of your argument is stated in the conclusion and there can only be a single conclusion for each of your arguments.

A critical thinking essay format is very similar to that of other essays. However, before writing it, take time to learn what should be included.  Has it come down to constructing a critical thinking essay outline? Remember an outline is really useful and comprises of

1. An introduction

Your introduction should give the reader an overview of the contents of your critical thinking essay. Imagine you’re creating a guide for your reader as you concentrate on the introductory paragraph. It will not only indicate the end location but also provides directions.

A good introduction should pique the reader’s interest, state your essay’s major point, provide background information on your subject and conclude your essay. After the introduction, a thesis statement should follow, still in the introductory paragraph.

A thesis statement organizes your paper and serves as a guide for both you and the reader. A good thesis statement communicates your conclusion or viewpoint on a subject, rationalizes your opinion or stance, delivers one notion, and serves as the map to your essay.

2. Body paragraphs

These sections in your essay are where you should discuss all your arguments and ideas. Arguments are very vital in a critical thinking essay hence; they should reflect your theme and be supported by citations.

Counter-arguments can also be useful to demonstrate that you have been open to other perspectives and you are unpersuadable. It’s critical to present your proof and your arguments together. Analyze each source and decide whether the writer’s point of view is valid. For a logical flow, use transitional words to move from one paragraph to the next.

3. The conclusion

The concept of “conclusion” in your critical thinking essay is closely linked to that of logic. A logical ending is a remark that expresses your viewpoints or the topic of your essay. There can only be one logical end to each of your arguments.

The tips to an awesome conclusion are briefly summarizing the key points, giving your last thoughts on the subject, proposing some implications or outcome, and finally, making a call to action.

How do you start a critical thinking essay?

A critical essay is jotted down just like any other essay. Before writing, remember it is divided into three sections i.e., the introduction, several body paragraphs, and the conclusion. Consider the stages below to discover how to create a critical thinking essay.

1. Selecting an argument or a central claim

Has your instructor assigned you the task of analyzing articles, literature essays, or controversial viewpoints? If you have their permission to select a topic of your own, ensure it is interesting and has plenty of data to read about. For a flawless critical thinking essay, choose a topic that isn’t too complex hence, you can provide basic arguments.

2. Collecting data and recalling prior knowledge

Do you know anything about your topic of choice? If your topic requires analysis of a given text, read it thoroughly and note the main issues. Before reading, it is wise to list down a number of questions that you might consider during reading. Don’t fail to take notes while reading and also your own opinions.

3. Creating a thesis statement

Do you have a central focus for your critical thinking essay? If not, you must create one. Ensure your thesis has the aim you need to achieve in the body paragraphs of your essay.

4. Jotting down the body paragraph

To write your body paragraph, you need to take several actions. For instance, you need to make a profound analysis of your material.

5. Analyzing the data

What claims, arguments or evidence have you discovered? Analyze this data by identifying its strengths and weaknesses and don’t forget to point out the important relationships.

6. Reviewing contexts

From your critical thinking essay example, does the writer approach the theme from an ideological outlook? How about your interpretation, is it influenced by your ideologies, culture, or other biases? Critical thinking is a necessity in this process.

7. Providing your viewpoint

Ensure to create a personal subparagraph dedicated to your ideas in your critical thinking essay. All you must do is explain your viewpoint and back it up with evidence.

8. Coming up with a conclusion

Your critical thinking essay conclusion sums up your ideas and highlights the significance of your findings. It is also advisable to pinpoint the directions that may need further research.

Key points to writing a flawless critical thinking essay

Are you struggling with the task of how to write a critical thinking essay? Don’t be daunted anymore, the following secrets will ease your writing process.

1. Be enlightened on what type of essay it is and how to start it

You must first understand what such a document is before you can even begin writing it. What is a critical thinking essay, exactly? Well, it is an essay whose style of writing tries to improve your critical thinking abilities. These exercises are designed to educate learners on how to read materials carefully, communicate thoughts clearly and rationally, deal with concepts, use methodical doubts, and spot flaws in an individual’s claim and other arguments.

 The objective of critical thinking essays is to ask and answer questions in a proper manner. Essay writing exercises are also among the best ways to improve your overall critical thinking skillset. They assist you in learning how to effectively structure data, deal with it, separate problematic figures, and develop conclusions.

2. Finding out the major ideas

The foundation of a critical thinking reflection essay is made up of core ideas. As a result, you must come up with noteworthy ideas that should keep the readers engaged and interested in your work. As a result, make sure you construct a substantial notion that you can back up with evidence from the majority of your work.

3. Carrying out research

Conduct a meticulous investigation after identifying the major concepts for your essay. Collect as much data as you can regarding the topic of your essay. Make sure you get this knowledge from reputable and trustworthy sources.

4. Topics you should select

You can jot down a variety of critical thinking essay topics. However, you must choose a topic that will not present you with any difficulties. Collecting data about the topic of your choice should never be problematic for you. As a result, choose a topic that is both easy to tackle and entertaining to you.

5. Knowledge of various critical thinking essay topics

Reading a free essay on critical thinking is the key to learning how to create a critical essay outline. These articles will provide you with writing ideas and tactics that you may use to improve your writing ability. You can also discover how to effectively approach your essays so that they are as original and remarkable as possible.

6. Must have critical thinking essay questions

It can be difficult to develop a topic for a critical and reflective assignment at times. As a result, you may be wondering how you would select a theme for your critical thinking essay. Asking a crucial question is an excellent technique to create a theme for your work.

 But first, you must understand what it really is. So, do you know what is meant by a key question? This is the question that you need to be asking to try and analyze claims rather than accepting what people say or what you learn.

Tips to bear in mind when writing a critical thinking essay

Critical thinking is distinct from our everyday thinking. We think automatically in our ordinary life, but when thinking critically, we do so on purpose. So how do you make this type of thinking habitual and perfect? Here are some tips

• Asking basic questions

Occasionally, while conducting a study, the explanations become overly convoluted. In this instance, it is wise to always return to your subject to avoid this.

• Questioning basic assumptions

When considering a problem, consider if your assumptions are correct. Also, you should have a positive mindset when carrying out research on your question.

• Thinking independently

Avoid going overboard with your research and believing other people’s viewpoints.

• Reversing things

 It may appear evident that one event generates another. So, suppose the opposite is true?

• Evaluating the existing evidence

It’s critical to examine and query sources when working with them.

How do you demonstrate your critical thinking in writing?

Critical thinking allows you to look at things from many angles. You can use these tactics to demonstrate your ability to think critically in writing

• Reading

Before you begin writing your critical thinking essay, read all there is to read about the topic you will be discussing. Concentrate on the most important aspects of your task.

• Carrying out thorough research

You need to be thorough in your research so ensure to source your data in-depth from several scholarly sources.

• Evaluation

Please, examine your sources and all the data you have acquired. Test your ability to dispute with the writers.

• Proving your point

Why do you disagree or agree with other conclusions reached by the authors? Explain and support your claim with facts.

Critical thinking essay topics examples

Has the instructor left you to your imagination and you can’t successfully develop an intriguing or eye-brow raising topic? Topic selection is the most exciting part before the cumbersome writing process begins. Here are a few critical thinking essay topics to get you started

Authentic topics for your critical essay

• Video games and children.
• Laptop and work.
• Politics for women.
• Dope and athletes.
• Racism in today’s society.
• College sports.
• Our minds and television.
• Sex shifts.
• Technology’s influence.
• At the finals, football fans.
• Criminals should not face harsh penalties.
• Family violence.
• Criminal activity among neighbors
• Do not offend the pharaohs when exploring the pyramids.
• The people who discovered America.
• The Olympian gods.
• The achievements of the Vikings.
• The economy is experiencing inflation.
• Traffic jams.
• Is it possible to improve the country’s financial situation?
• Investments in banking
• The human element.
• Man, flora, and fauna
• The Great Canyon’s Secrets
• Religion and euthanasia.

Essay topics that require a lot of critical thinking

• Is it necessary to have plastic surgery?
• Is it possible to feel “closed” in one’s body?
• Criticism on the book you’ve just finished.
• Are famous critics always, correct?
• What causes men and women to switch genders?
• Accepting your physical features.
• Is marketing a method of product sales?
• Do stereotypes apply to everyone?
• Your favorite film and your thoughts on it.
• Is it necessary to have principles?
• Why do firms spend millions of dollars on product advertising?
• Strategies for stores.
• Why does fashion have its own set of rules?
• The impact of fashion on the millennial population.
• Accepting a situation or attempting to solve it?
• Every day, the environment changes.
• Does human activity affect climate change?
• Happiness is a nebulous term.
• Why do robots take people’s jobs?

Essay topics on advanced critical reasoning

• Why do we let other people’s opinions hold us back?
• In society, there is criticism of gays
• Isn’t contemporary art odd?
• Our preferences are influenced by misconceptions
• Relationships between children and their parents
• Is each star its galaxy?
• What is the significance of our appearance?
• Is a fashionable appearance always a success?
• Television Zombies, anyone?
• Is inpatient treatment beneficial?
• Is modern medicine a game-changer?
• Can we help the environment?
• Is technology destroying society?
• Why were society’s ideals and rules different 30-40 years ago?
• One person has the power to alter the world
• The secrets of genetics
• Why do we enjoy watching television shows?
• How do you break harmful habits? What is its purpose?
• Is drinking usually a source of problems?
• The styles are diverse
• Progress and accomplishments, is it really necessary?

Provocative critical thinking essay topics

• Meetings: are they necessary or not?
• Why are people so wary of environmental progress?
• Is it necessary to conduct background checks in urban areas?
• Is a large sum of money required for a young child?
• High heels are both attractive and hazardous
• People can be offended by criticism
• Is there an age limit for women to marry?
• Is the order in your home indicative of the order in your life?
• Should we examine every circumstance in our lives?
• Are Native Americans still confined to reservations?
• Why can’t we just say no to fast food?
• What role does mutual aid play in society?
• There are many temptations in today’s world.
• Can our world be swallowed by a black hole?
• How can you learn to budget effectively?
• Why are certain animals more loyal and caring than humans?
• Is religion always about humility and virtue?
• Can humans live indefinitely?
• Why do people consider nature to be a free store?
• Is food a necessity or a ritual for the body and soul?
• Is working in an office better than working from home because of the face-to-face interaction?
• Why aren’t we able to give?
• Is it possible to be happy without a partner?
• Are talismans beneficial and protective?
• Overcrowding is a problem.
• How can drug sales be stopped?

Critical thinking essay topics for college

• Why is it vital to accept your physical appearance?
• Ralf Waldo Emerson’s poetry explores nature and spirit
• What impact does technology advancement have on modern communication?
• Is children’s representation in popular fiction accurate?
• What are the causes of racism in the healthcare field?
• Domestic abuse and its ramifications
• What is the significance of mutual aid in society?
• How do stereotypes influence people’s thinking?
• Happiness is defined differently in different cultures.
• The reason for creating environmental art
• Why do people feel compelled to blend in?
• Is there a method to address sports inequality?
• What impact did antibiotics have on medicine and its advancement?
• The older generation’s use of social media
• Is gun control an effective crime-prevention strategy?
• How our perceptions of love have evolved
• Is there such a thing as free speech?
• What makes reality TV so popular?
• What are the benefits of eating well?
• The importance of self-esteem in preventing childhood eating problems
• Addiction among youths
• How effective and fair is the legal system in the United States?
• How do we put an end to police brutality?
• Graffiti is a modern art form
• The relationship between fashion and personal identity
• Is our way of life affecting our mental health?
• The consequences of vaccination myths
• What constitutes a great film?
• An examination of your favorite book
• The treatment of taboo subjects in Gothic literature

Dos and don’ts when writing a critical thinking essay

You must have different approaches to essay writing compared to your classmates, right? While a bunch of people prepares and outline their writing, others choose to organize as they write. A few aspects that you must take into account whether writing in a straight line, from the beginning to the conclusion, or jumping around in a jumble till the essay is finished are: 

• Ensure to read through the syllabus or prompt keenly

Depending on the class you’re attending, your instructor may have a specific essay prompt. Some instructors, on the other hand, merely give you a general notion of what they anticipate from you. It’s critical to go through the expectations again and again while you compose your critical thinking essay to confirm that you’re on the right track.

• Forgetting the formatting instructions will be a catastrophe

It’s feasible that you will be able to get by in college utilizing the same essay formatting that you had to use in your high school days. Some instructors don’t care if you use APA, MLA, or even the Chicago style.

Others will have standards for layout, space, and font, that’s about it. It is critical that you adhere to those rules, as simple as they are. You always can consult your tutor if the curriculum doesn’t specify any formatting requirements.

• Carry out extensive research

Ensure that you conduct your study thoroughly before quoting from a literary work or referencing a research work. Always ensure that you quote things correctly. Plagiarism is a significant concern in colleges; because so many schools and universities use online drop boxes, critical thinking in the nursing essay is frequently checked for plagiarism. It’s possible to get into serious problems by failing to cite the origin of a quote or paraphrasing a quote without providing credit.

• Don’t be timid when it comes to seeking help

When it comes down to writing a critical thinking essay example, there are lots of resources obtainable. Many institutions include writing workshops where your fellow students or teaching assistants can review your paper. They can offer guidance, check for mistakes, and potentially point you in the right way.

If you grant them sufficient time, some teachers are interested enough to read through a rough manuscript. Also, there are online tools where you may seek out bibliography and citation formatting rules. In addition, it is okay to ask a buddy to read your article and provide some insights.

• Find a conducive environment for writing

Picking the best writing place is just as crucial as identifying the perfect study area. For instance, it could be a local cafe that a mate told you about. Ensure you can fully settle in and concentrate on what you are writing, wherever you may be.

Distractions should be avoided at all costs. Stay off the computer and mobile phone if necessary. Have you achieved your goal, how about rewarding yourself? When alone with your thoughts the importance of critical thinking in a quiet environment will dawn.

• Time is of the essence, don’t dare take it for granted

Sure, you get the whole semester to complete that twenty-page critical thinking essay. Isn’t that a lot of time? The truth is that the term will fly by swifter than you think. It is highly likely to assume that the submission date is weeks away, but in college, time flies.

Ensure to give yourself enough time to compose a solid essay and to proofread it for errors. When you make the effort to write a decent paper, instructors can detect it. Command the respect you deserve and a good grade also.

Bottom line

By now you can comfortably tackle the question of why is critical thinking important, right? Your journey to writing a compelling critical thinking essay should be smoother compared to before you skimmed through this guide. The joy of presenting a flawless assignment is immeasurable.

If you are stuck, no worries; there is a team of professionals to take up the task and help you excel academically. You are doing your best so you only got to go to the best and shine in your grades. Don’t worry anymore, the impossible can be made possible.