Critical Thinking – Study Notes
Course: B.A. English – Skill Enhancement
Topic: Critical Thinking
1. What Is Critical Thinking?
- Thinking carefully.
- Looking at ideas, not just accepting them.
- Like a detective who asks “Why?” and “What if?”
2. Why It Matters for You
| Reason | Everyday Example |
|---|---|
| Better reading | Spotting hidden meanings in a poem. |
| Stronger writing | Choosing the best way to argue a point. |
| Sharper conversations | Asking questions that make others think. |
3. Core Ideas (No Jargon)
| Step | What to Do | Quick Analogy |
|---|---|---|
| Observe | Notice facts, words, or actions. | Look at a picture before you describe it. |
| Question | Ask “What is happening?” “Why?” | A child asks why the sky is blue. |
| Analyze | Break the idea into parts. | Cutting a fruit into slices to see each part. |
| Infer | Guess what’s not directly said. | Reading between the lines of a story. |
| Evaluate | Decide if the idea is good or bad. | Tasting soup to see if it needs more salt. |
| Reflect | Think about what you learned. | Looking back at a road trip to remember the best part. |
4. Tiny Example
Text
“The old library smelled of dust and secrets. Every book seemed to whisper its own story.”
| Step | What We Notice | Question | Analysis | Inference | Evaluation | Reflection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Observe | Dusty smell, whispering books | What is the library like? | Old, quiet, mysterious | Books hold untold stories | Atmosphere is intriguing | I want to explore it. |
| Question | Why does the library smell? | How does the smell help the story? | It reminds us of forgotten times | The smell invites curiosity | It adds depth | I see the library as a character. |
5. Practice Ideas
-
Read a short news article
- Write down 3 questions you have.
- Find 2 facts that support the main point.
- Guess one thing the author didn’t say.
-
Watch a movie clip
- Pause and list 3 things you notice.
- Ask why the character acted that way.
- Predict what will happen next.
-
Write a paragraph
- Start with a claim.
- Add one supporting detail.
- End with a question that invites more thinking.
6. Quick Reflection Prompts
- What question did you ask most often in today’s reading?
- Which part of the text was hardest to understand? Why?
- Did you find any hidden meaning? Describe it.
7. Tips for Everyday Critical Thinking
- Pause before you react.
- Ask “What if?” to explore possibilities.
- Check your own assumptions—are you sure they’re true?
- Talk it out with a friend; hearing a new view helps you see gaps.
8. Further Resources (Optional)
- Think Like a Detective – short YouTube videos.
- Critical Thinking for Beginners – free PDF guide.
- The Everyday Thinker – podcast series on simple reasoning.
Remember:
Critical thinking is like a muscle. The more you stretch it with questions, the stronger it becomes. Happy thinking!