THINKING CRITICALLY

Descriptive writing vs critical writing

In general, students lose more marks for lack of critical analysis rather than for any
other single weakness in their work. Good critical writing generally makes the
difference between getting the highest grades and getting a lower grade. Typical
tutor comments include:

 ‘more analysis needed’

 ‘less description, more critique’
 ‘too descriptive’
 ‘you have told me what the theory is rather than how you evaluate it’
Both descriptive and analytical writing have their place. Descriptive writing is needed
to give essential background information so that the writing makes sense to the
reader. However, this should usually be kept to the bare minimum – if you use up
most of your word limit on description, you will have fewer words to use for
analytical and evaluative writing that could bring you higher marks.
Skilled writers use descriptive writing in the appropriate sections of their writing or
weave small amounts of descriptive writing into their critical writing (Cottrell, 2013).

Task 1
The following is an example of descriptive writing. Read and discuss with another
student.
The diagram below shows how asking and answering questions helps to fulfil the
three key connected functions of description, analysis and evaluation, and therefore
encouraging critical writing. This is a reliable basis for introducing, discussing and
drawing conclusions about your topic. Beginning with „what‟, this systematic
questioning will encourage you to consider every aspect of your topic or question.

Here is an example of the model above in action: imagine that an archaeology

student has discovered something at a Roman site. As the dirt is cleaned away, the
object is revealed. The archaeologist asks herself questions to help clarify her
understanding:

The archaeology student could develop her answers to these questions in a written
report or assignment by reference to academic texts. This would help to build an
“argument‟ – e.g. to justify her view that what she has found is a drinking cup.
Now let’s see how the student might also use the critical thinking model for analysis
and evaluation of her find:

Task 2

Look at the following features of writing. Which are examples of descriptive writing;
which are critical? Complete the table below. There are nine in each column.

1. Draws conclusions
2. States what something is like
3. States the order in which things
happened 10. Shows why something is relevant
4. Makes reasoned judgements or suitable
5. Gives reasons for selecting each 11. States what happened
option 12. Explains how something works
6. Evaluates the relative significance 13. Shows the relevance of links
of details between items
7. Identifies the significance 14. Indicates why something will
8. Evaluates strengths and work (best)
weaknesses 15. States options
9. Explains what a theory says 16. Lists details
17. States links between items
18. Gives information

Descriptive Critical
Task 3
Identify whether the following passages are examples of critical writing. Discuss with
another student.