1:- Critical Writing:
Learning the art of critical writing is the key to solid writing. A text read without criticism has no life beyond the author, without criticism you cannot detach yourself from the text or give yourself a life of thinker, when people present their point of view. Sometimes you completely agree with them and sometimes you strongly disagree with them, but if they ignore the various aspects of their differing points of view, issues, etc. you will reject their point of view. If you agree with the point of view presented or have sympathy with it then this will be no less interesting. The assumption is that most of us do not spend hours in front of the mirror.
When we see our fort, we get involved in our daily affairs, similarly, our attitude towards the words we read and think, which are the reflection of our thoughts, is not much different from that of a mirror. While engaging in other interesting activities, we are only interested in reading such writings that clarify the questions that arise in our minds. We don't settle for preconceived notions, but want to think further. On the other hand, if we read an article in which we do not agree with the point of view presented and there is not even a glimpse of our point of view in it, then we will not be interested in such an article. Such a writing creates a sense of propaganda, we immediately say that the writer did not discuss such and such an issue, so why should I listen or read it?
Compared to this, any article in which the point of view is presented in a critical manner and our point of view is also given importance, then we read that article with interest despite the difference in other matters. Even long after reading such an article, we are thinking about the author's words. A dialogue with the author is going on in our mind, it gives new life to the author's and our thoughts. Now the question arises, what is this critical thinking? How does it look? So remember that being critical does not mean having a negative attitude. Nor does it mean to disagree with anyone.
Critical thinking is a process of deep reflection. In thinking critically, we shed more light on an image and the underlying assumptions within it unraveling issues, reiterating important points and offering constructive perspectives. Therefore, we can say that the main feature of criticism is not disagreement with the text rather than establishing its value, it is not necessary to equate yourself to the author's position but yes you can say that you have to step a head in reference to a common reader.
critical writing is like critical thinking. It considers
evidence to draw reasonable conclusions. It includes writing that uses more
than one source to establish an argument. Evaluations and analyzes are
presented. To further explain this, it is important for us to know what is
meant by evaluations and analyses. Your writing will include evidence that
other authors have presented. Evaluating the evidence means identifying the
strengths and weaknesses of the evidence, which are present in these evidences.
Beside this all the aspects are pointed
out that do not fall into the category of good or bad.
2:- Characteristics of Critical Writing:
The important features of critical writing are as follows:-
i- It refuses examines and the findings of other authors
without evaluating them the arguments and evidence without acceptance presented
by them.
ii- Reasons behind accepting or using with caution the
opinions of other authors are presented in a balanced manner.
iii- Personal conclusions from which arguments and
evidence are derived are presented in a very clear manner.
iv- The limitations of the evidence, arguments and
conclusions presented are acknowledged, i.e. they are not considered conclusive
If someone presents a stronger argument than this, it is
accepted.
Therefore, it is necessary in critical writing,
i- Consider the arguments and evidence you have studied.
ii- Indicate the positive and negative aspects in the
comments made on them.
iii- Evaluate their relevance and usefulness to discuss
them in relation to your assignment.
Remember that critical writing requires better skills
than a general descriptive writing.
Strategies for Critical Writing:
There are traditionally several valuable strategies for critical writing. You should think of your essay or abstract as an outline of a larger project. That is, if you are able to write 15 pages, your essay or summary will have a structure of this project.
Strategies that may prove more effective for critical
writing include the following:
i:-Using the "Compare and Contrast" Approach:
One of the ways of critical writing is to compare and contrast different authors, the greater concern in critical analysis is the disappearance of one's own voice. The summary of the text should be a reflection of your own thoughts and concerns, each time you read the text you should raise different questions. As for an argument, what is the strong side of this argument? What are the flaws in it? Do you agree or disagree with the author? And why is that? Create a dialogue between the critic and the author, when you keep the point of view of both in front of you in this your own personal thoughts and voice come into play as the author is more expert therefore he can present his point of view in a better way. But your answer making the other authors your companion then you will be able to present your point of view in a better way because your point of view will get a strength by the arguments of other others.
you will feel quite strange writing your thoughts and
opinions on one or more pages, but it is necessary to continue this task that
you prepare yourself for next subject.
Ii:-Trying a give and take of Argumentation:
One way to develop critical skills is to start writing with limited critical comments and then expand. When you criticize the author, think about how the author would respond. Prepare a summary of author’s respond for reader. For example it can be said that the author can say in the response of my argument then move on to what your argument would be in response. As saying that the response of author is not correct , now keep on writing your own statement asking questions about the author and thinking about possible answers will help you understand the topic more deeply and explain your position more clearly.
Iii:-Talking to an author in your Critical Writing:
By taking a critical approach, you should clearly engage the reader in your observations. See what aspects of the author's arguments seem interesting and why? What are the flaws in his style of writing? If you don't see any flaws, imagine an imaginary critic who can find flaws and weaknesses in the text. Also think what they will criticize? After that, what will be the answer of you and the author? Regarding the text, you should have a whole dialogue with the author in your mind, while giving importance to the question such as why, for example, why did the author say that in his own essay? Why should we give importance to it? Why should we agree or disagree with this? Why is the need to say anything more on this subject? Has the author covered all the essential points? If not, why?
Iv:-Authors Talk to each other in Critical Writing:
A classic way of presenting one's argument as a critic is to imagine the writer's conversation with other writers. It will be easier for you to take a personal stand after the arguments presented by the parties. Later you can clarify it in your critical writing keeping this in mind.
V:-Writing for a fellow student:
Remember that the thesis is written for the reader, such a reader should be brought to mind who is less familiar with the subject being presented. In this regard you can think about a fellow student who wants your advice. So what do you say him?supose your text is like a pair of shoes, you can tell a fellow student that these are the shoes that we
have never seen
before. We (the reader and I) must see it closely, now imagine the fellow
student says those are really weird shoes, I don't like that why are you
looking at them?
If your fellow student reacts like this, what would you
do to get them to listen to you and see the shoes? Because you have to be one
step ahead of the reader, therefore imagining such situation
in your text,
raise the questions about what aspects will make the reader revisit the text?
That the reader
should give importance to what the author says? Thus, you can guide the reader
better being one step ahead of the reader.
vi:-Agreeing with an Author against a Fellow Student:
An alternative strategy for improving your critical writing is to write for a reader who disagrees with the author. Instead of explaining one argument after another in the text that why are you not agree with this or oppose the author in relation to another author some times you want to argue with a reader. Suppose if your reader (fellow student) disagrees with the author at all, you will find yourself in a critical position in which you will be able to defend the argument of author.
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