essay titles about critical thinking

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142 Critical Thinking Essay Topics That Will Get You An A+

Are you ready to ace your paper with brilliant critical thinking essay topics? We have the tip-top writing ideas to take you to the top ASAP!

A critical thinking essay requires you to explain or analyze the advantages and disadvantages of a specific topic.

To ace your critical thinking essay, you need to do lots of reading, find numerous unique resources and even visit monumental locations. All these will give you a firm grip on your preferred area of study as well as sufficient inspiration to churn a high-scoring paper.

A great topic is the genesis of any successful essay writing process. However, we all know how difficult and time-consuming it is to come up with an out-of-the-box case. Lots of scholars fail to get past this stage. We decided to give you the roadmap for smooth sailing during the writing process on the bright side. We have compiled an impressive list of critical thinking essay topics.

Cultural Criticism Essay Topics

Define islamophobia and explain its impact on the lives of American Muslims
Review the history of the slave trade and highlight the impact of the abolition
Review the history of the first nations of Canada and their impact on Canada we know today
Explain how racism affects the mental health of black people in the U.S
Define xenophobia, review its history and explain how it affects our daily life
Highlight the features of a multicultural society
What is the impact of drug use and addiction among teenagers in the U.S
Examine the prevalence of poverty in the U.S and explain how it leads to homelessness
Explain the effect of social media and technology on human interaction and socialization
What are the likely impacts of changing gender roles

Critique Essay Topics

Explain why people tend to think that nature is a free shop
Discuss why some animals are kinder and more faithful as compared to people
Examine five ways in which technological advancement has impacted human life
Examine the viewer experience of mind sports
Dive into the effectiveness of standardized tests
Explain the difference between online and traditional relationships
Compare and contrast between recorded music and live performances
Define global warming and analyze its effects on human life
Review the advantages and disadvantages of attending private and public schools
Look into the advantages and disadvantages of genetic engineering and GMOs
Examine why painkillers are so essential and highlight some of their side effects
Investigate the pros and cons of having a college degree
Examine the problems that Native Americans faced in their quest for independence
Discuss whether any health risks are arising from anorexia nervosa
What is the effectiveness of a balanced diet in a child’s health?
Explain the role played by mass media in crime development and mitigation
Investigate the pros and cons of district zoning
Define health insurance, why it is so important, and highlights its potential disadvantages

AI-driven Writing

How to write critical thinking essay: expert tips.

Updated: April 16, 2024

Diving into the world of critical thinking essays can be both exhilarating and daunting. Many students struggle with where to start, how to structure their thoughts, and what exactly sets a critical thinking essay apart from other types of academic writing. A critical thinking essay encourages you to analyze, interpret, and evaluate different viewpoints, supporting your conclusions with evidence and clear reasoning. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything from understanding the essence of a critical thinking essay, to structuring it effectively, choosing engaging topics, and utilizing evidence to bolster your arguments, ensuring you're equipped to write a compelling and insightful essay.

Understanding Critical Thinking Essays: Definition and Purpose

A critical thinking essay challenges students to dive deep into a topic, question assumptions, and evaluate evidence. Unlike other essays that might only require a summary or a personal reflection, a critical thinking essay demands that you think independently and argue your points convincingly. The purpose of such essays is to develop and demonstrate your ability to think critically about complex issues, considering various viewpoints and using evidence to support your conclusions. This type of essay encourages you to:

Analyze and interpret information critically
Evaluate different perspectives
Support your arguments with solid evidence

What sets a critical thinking essay apart is not just the depth of analysis, but also the way it pushes you to question commonly accepted beliefs and explore alternative solutions. Writing a critical essay is an opportunity to enhance your critical thinking skills, which are invaluable not only in academics but in everyday decision-making and problem-solving. The ultimate goal of a critical thinking essay is to foster open-mindedness and a willingness to consider and engage with different ideas, arguments, and evidence. Through this process, you not only learn more about the topic at hand but also about how to think more effectively and independently.

General Guidelines for Crafting a Critical Thinking Essay

Crafting a critical thinking essay requires more than just presenting facts or opinions; it demands an in-depth analysis and evaluation of ideas from multiple perspectives. This type of essay is designed to challenge readers and writers alike to think beyond the surface level, question assumptions, and explore alternative viewpoints. To achieve this, it's essential to follow general guidelines that ensure your essay is clear, coherent, and compelling. These guidelines include understanding the essence of critical thinking, structuring your essay effectively, and supporting your arguments with solid evidence. By adhering to these principles, you can create an essay that not only demonstrates your analytical skills but also engages and enlightens your audience.

A well-crafted critical thinking essay begins with a clear thesis statement that guides the direction of your arguments and conclusions. It's crucial to develop a structured outline that organizes your thoughts and evidence logically. Each body paragraph should introduce a new idea or piece of evidence, followed by analysis and interpretation that supports your overall thesis. Concluding your essay with a strong summary of your arguments and their implications encourages readers to reflect on the issue and consider your perspective. By following these general guidelines, you can ensure that your critical thinking essay is coherent, persuasive, and thought-provoking.

Starting Your Critical Thinking Essay: Tips and Strategies

Starting a critical thinking essay can often be the most challenging part of the writing process. To ease into it, begin by brainstorming ideas and questions that challenge conventional wisdom or explore the topic from unique angles. Formulating a strong thesis statement is crucial; it serves as the backbone of your essay, guiding your arguments and conclusions. Consider employing strategies such as free-writing or clustering to generate and organize your thoughts. Remember, the introduction should not only introduce your thesis but also capture the reader's attention and highlight the importance of the issue at hand. By carefully planning your start, you set a solid foundation for a compelling critical thinking essay.

Writing a Critical Thinking Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide

Writing a critical thinking essay is a step-by-step process that involves careful planning and detailed analysis. Start with thorough research, gathering evidence from credible sources that offer diverse perspectives on your topic. It's important to critically evaluate these sources, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, and considering how they support or challenge your thesis.

Next, draft your essay, beginning with an engaging introduction that outlines your thesis and the importance of the topic. In the body paragraphs, present your arguments and evidence clearly and logically, making sure each paragraph focuses on a single idea. Use transitions to ensure a smooth flow of ideas from one section to the next. Conclude your essay by summarizing your main points and reflecting on their broader implications. Throughout this process, keep your audience in mind, aiming to present your analysis in a way that is understandable and persuasive.

Structuring Your Critical Thinking Essay Effectively

Structuring your critical thinking essay effectively is key to presenting your arguments in a clear and persuasive manner. Begin with an introduction that grabs the reader's attention and clearly states your thesis. The body of your essay should consist of several paragraphs, each focused on a specific argument or piece of evidence supporting your thesis. Use the sandwich rule: introduce the idea, provide evidence, and then explain its relevance to your thesis. Conclude your essay by restating your thesis, summarizing your main arguments, and offering a final reflection on the topic. Proper structure not only enhances the clarity of your essay but also strengthens its impact on the reader.

The Importance of Critical Thinking in Academic Writing

Critical thinking is the cornerstone of academic writing, serving as the engine that drives the exploration and presentation of ideas in a coherent and persuasive manner. At its core, critical thinking involves analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information to form well-reasoned arguments and conclusions. This process is crucial because it ensures that academic writing is not just a regurgitation of facts, but a thoughtful examination of topics that challenges existing viewpoints and contributes new insights. For the writer, engaging in critical thinking fosters intellectual growth and creativity, enabling them to navigate complex issues and articulate their thoughts more effectively. For the reader, it offers a structured and engaging narrative that not only informs but also stimulates further reflection and inquiry.

The benefits of incorporating critical thinking into academic writing are manifold.

For writers , it enhances their analytical skills, making it easier to identify key arguments and evidence, discern biases, and construct coherent narratives.
For readers , it transforms the reading experience, from passively absorbing information to actively engaging with the material, questioning assumptions, and evaluating the strength of the writer's arguments.

Moreover, critical thinking in academic writing sets the foundation for scholarly discourse, encouraging a culture of inquiry and debate that is essential for the advancement of knowledge. By prioritizing critical thinking, both writers and readers partake in a dynamic intellectual exchange that not only enriches their understanding of the subject matter but also cultivates essential skills for lifelong learning and informed citizenship.

Distinguishing Between Critical Thinking Essays and Other Papers

Critical thinking essays stand out from other types of academic papers due to their emphasis on analysis, evaluation, and the synthesis of various perspectives. Unlike narrative or descriptive essays, which may focus on recounting experiences or detailing subjects, critical thinking essays require you to dive deep into a topic, question established norms, and present arguments supported by evidence. The key differences include :

The depth of analysis required
The necessity to evaluate and question rather than merely describe or narrate
The importance of synthesizing information from multiple sources to support a well-reasoned argument

Furthermore, while argumentative essays may seem similar in that they also present a stance on a topic, critical thinking essays demand a more nuanced approach to evidence and counterarguments. Critical thinking essays encourage :

A balanced examination of differing viewpoints
The integration of counterarguments to strengthen the analysis
A focus on logical reasoning and evidence over persuasion alone

This distinct approach not only sharpens your analytical skills but also prepares you for engaging with complex issues in a more thoughtful and informed manner.

Choosing Topics for Your Critical Thinking Essay

Choosing a topic for your critical thinking essay can be a pivotal step in setting the stage for a compelling argument. A well-chosen topic not only sparks your interest but also challenges you to delve deeper into analyzing and questioning various perspectives. Critical thinking essays thrive on topics that are not black and white but instead reside in the grey areas of debate and discussion. These topics should encourage you to explore, question, and evaluate different viewpoints, pushing you to develop a nuanced understanding of the subject at hand.

When selecting your essay topic, consider areas that involve ethical dilemmas, socio-political controversies, or scientific debates. For example, topics like "The Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace," "Analyzing the Impact of Social Media on Public Opinion," or "The Role of Government in Regulating Climate Change" can provide a rich ground for critical analysis. Remember, the best critical thinking essay topics are those that:

Are relevant to contemporary issues
Offer scope for in-depth analysis and evaluation
Allow you to explore various perspectives and form evidence-based conclusions

Formulating Critical Thinking Questions for Your Essay

Formulating critical thinking questions for your essay is about sparking curiosity and inviting exploration. These questions should not have straightforward answers but instead prompt you to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information from multiple sources. Begin by asking broad questions like, "What are the potential impacts of technology on human creativity?" or "How do cultural biases influence judicial systems worldwide?" Then, narrow down to more specific questions that guide your research and analysis, such as, "In what ways can technology both hinder and enhance creativity in the education sector?" or "What role does cultural bias play in sentencing disparities across different countries?" Formulating critical thinking questions is an art that sets the direction for your entire essay, encouraging a deeper investigation of the topic.

Critical Thinking Essay Examples to Guide Your Writing

Looking at critical thinking essay examples can be incredibly beneficial as you embark on your writing journey. These examples serve as practical illustrations of how to apply theoretical concepts of critical analysis, argumentation, and evidence-based reasoning in an essay format. By examining how others have tackled complex topics, you can gain insights into structuring your arguments, integrating evidence, and presenting a balanced analysis.

For instance, an essay analyzing the "Effectiveness of Environmental Policies in Reducing Carbon Emissions" might demonstrate how to critically evaluate policy outcomes, assess contradictory evidence, and argue for more effective solutions. Another example could be an essay on "The Influence of Media on Political Elections," showcasing how to dissect media strategies, understand their impact on public opinion, and evaluate their implications for democratic processes. Through these essay examples , you learn not only about the content but also about crafting a coherent structure that guides the reader through your critical thinking process.

Exercises to Enhance Your Critical Thinking Skills

Enhancing your critical thinking skills is a crucial step before diving into the writing of a critical thinking essay. One effective exercise is to practice debating on various topics with friends or classmates. Choose topics that are controversial or have multiple viewpoints. This will encourage you to:

Look at the issue from different angles
Construct and defend your arguments
Critically evaluate the arguments of others

Such debates not only improve your ability to think on your feet but also deepen your understanding of how to structure arguments in your essays.

Another beneficial exercise is analyzing news articles from various sources on the same event. This task helps you to:

Identify biases and discrepancies between reports
Understand the importance of reliable evidence
Develop the ability to distinguish fact from opinion

By regularly engaging in this exercise, you'll enhance your ability to critically analyze texts and integrate this critical perspective into your essays, ensuring your arguments are well-supported and balanced .

Using Evidence in Your Critical Thinking Essay

In a critical thinking essay, using credible evidence is not just beneficial; it's essential. This type of essay requires you to go beyond mere opinions, challenging you to analyze and evaluate information deeply. When you use evidence effectively, you're doing more than just supporting your argument; you're providing a foundation for your critical analysis. This involves:

Selecting evidence that is directly relevant to your thesis
Ensuring the sources of your evidence are credible and authoritative
Integrating this evidence in a way that strengthens your argument

Integrating evidence into your essay can be a challenge, but it's a critical step in crafting a persuasive argument. When you introduce evidence, be sure to explain its relevance to your argument clearly. This might mean analyzing data, quoting experts, or referencing studies that support your point of view. Remember, the goal is not just to present evidence, but to use it as a tool for critical analysis. Effective integration of evidence involves:

Clearly connecting each piece of evidence to your argument
Analyzing the evidence to show how it supports your thesis
Being mindful not to over-rely on one source, but rather to use a variety of evidence to build a strong, well-rounded argument

The Role of Academic Language in Critical Thinking Essays

Academic language plays a pivotal role in crafting a critical thinking essay. It's the vehicle through which your analysis, arguments, and evidence are communicated. Using proper academic language ensures that your essay is taken seriously and demonstrates your ability to engage with complex ideas in a scholarly manner. Key components of academic language in critical thinking essays include:

Precise vocabulary that accurately conveys your analysis and understanding of the topic
A formal tone that respects the academic discourse
Clear and logical structuring of arguments to guide the reader through your thought process

However, mastering academic language is not just about choosing the right words; it's about using those words to construct powerful and persuasive arguments. To use academic language effectively in your critical thinking essay, consider the following strategies:

Integrate evidence seamlessly, using direct quotes or paraphrasing to support your points while adhering to academic citation standards
Employ analytical expressions to evaluate and synthesize different viewpoints, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each perspective
Ensure clarity by avoiding jargon or overly complex language that could obscure your argument

By prioritizing academic language, you elevate your essay from a mere collection of opinions to a rigorous academic discourse, showcasing your critical thinking prowess.

Proofreading: The Final Step in Writing Your Critical Thinking Essay

After pouring hours into researching, drafting, and revising your critical thinking essay, it's easy to overlook the final, yet crucial step: proofreading . This process is not just about catching typos or grammar mistakes; it's about ensuring your essay is coherent, logically structured, and free of errors, making it a polished piece that meets academic standards. Proofreading allows you to:

Catch and correct misspellings and grammatical errors
Ensure consistency in your writing style and tone
Verify that all arguments and evidence are clearly and logically presented

Despite the temptation to skip this step, especially after extensive revisions, remember that proofreading can significantly impact the quality and credibility of your essay. It's the difference between an essay that feels hastily put together and one that is thoughtfully crafted and easy to read. To effectively proofread your critical thinking essay, consider:

Reading your essay out loud to catch awkward phrasings or inconsistencies
Taking breaks between writing and proofreading to approach your essay with fresh eyes
Utilizing tools and resources, like grammar checkers, to help identify errors you might have missed

Proofreading is not just a final check but a vital part of the essay writing process that ensures your hard work is accurately reflected in the final product.

Formatting Tips for Your Critical Thinking Essay

Formatting your critical thinking essay correctly is crucial for presenting your analysis in a clear and professional manner. Use a standard academic format like MLA or APA, as these are commonly accepted in academic writing. Your essay should be:

Double-spaced with 1-inch margins
Written in a 10-12-point font, such as Times New Roman
Include a page header with page numbers flush right

These formatting guidelines ensure that your essay is easy to read and looks polished.

Citations are key in a critical thinking essay, as they lend credibility to your arguments and demonstrate your engagement with the topic. Depending on the citation style you choose (MLA or APA are most common), remember to:

Include in-text citations whenever you summarize, paraphrase, or quote sources
Create a "References" or "Works Cited" page at the end of your essay, listing all your sources in alphabetical order

By adhering to these citation and layout tips, you ensure that your critical thinking essay meets academic standards and effectively communicates your ideas.

Identifying a True Critical Thinking Essay

Identifying a true critical thinking essay involves looking for specific characteristics that set it apart from other types of academic writing. A critical thinking essay should not merely present information or an opinion ; instead, it must delve deep into analysis, questioning, and evaluation of ideas from multiple perspectives. Key indicators include:

The presence of a clear thesis that offers a nuanced stance on a complex issue
Arguments supported by credible evidence and a thorough analysis of this evidence
Consideration of counterarguments and alternative viewpoints to demonstrate open-mindedness and depth of thought

Moreover, a true critical thinking essay will showcase the writer's ability to synthesize information and draw insightful conclusions that go beyond surface-level understanding. The language used should be precise and academic , yet accessible enough to convey complex ideas clearly. Look for:

Logical structuring of arguments and evidence to guide the reader through the analysis
Use of academic sources and proper citation to lend credibility to the essay
A conclusion that not only summarizes the main points but also reflects on their broader implications, encouraging further thought or discussion

Enhance Your Critical Thinking Essay with Samwell.ai

Crafting a critical thinking essay requires deep analysis, evaluation of diverse viewpoints, and the integration of solid evidence, which can be quite daunting. Samwell.ai steps in as a powerful ally in this process, offering AI-powered writing assistance that streamlines research, suggests credible sources, and helps organize your thoughts coherently. With features like:

Advanced plagiarism checks
Access to authentic sources
Tailored research experience

Samwell.ai ensures your critical thinking essay is not only original but also richly supported by evidence and structured to engage and persuade your readers.

Beyond research and organization, Samwell.ai's capabilities extend to refining your essay, making sure it adheres to academic integrity and is free of errors. The AI-driven tool offers suggestions that enhance your writing style, ensuring it's clear, concise, and academically sound. By leveraging Samwell.ai, you benefit from:

A personalized writing assistant
Seamless integration of evidence
Enhanced proofreading capabilities

This comprehensive support empowers you to craft a critical thinking essay that stands out for its clarity, depth of analysis, and scholarly accuracy. Encouraging students and professionals alike to try Samwell.ai could be the key to unlocking a smoother, more efficient essay writing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you start a critical thinking essay.

Starting a critical thinking essay involves brainstorming ideas and questions that challenge conventional wisdom or explore the topic from unique angles. It's crucial to formulate a strong thesis statement to guide your arguments and conclusions. Employing strategies such as free-writing or clustering can help generate and organize your thoughts. The introduction should not only introduce your thesis but also capture the reader's attention and highlight the importance of the issue at hand.

How do you start writing a critical essay?

To start writing a critical essay, begin by thoroughly researching your topic, gathering evidence from credible sources that offer diverse perspectives. Evaluate these sources critically, identifying their strengths and weaknesses. Draft your essay starting with an engaging introduction that outlines your thesis and the importance of the topic. In the body paragraphs, present your arguments and evidence clearly and logically. Conclude your essay by summarizing your main points and reflecting on their broader implications.

How do you write critical thinking?

Writing critical thinking involves analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating different viewpoints, and supporting your conclusions with evidence and clear reasoning. Start with thorough research and draft your essay with an engaging introduction, clear thesis statement, and structured body paragraphs that focus on a single idea or piece of evidence, followed by analysis. Conclude by summarizing your arguments and reflecting on their implications. Throughout, maintain an open-minded approach and consider various perspectives.

What is critical thinking short essay?

A critical thinking short essay is a concise piece of writing that challenges you to analyze, interpret, and evaluate different viewpoints on a topic, supporting your conclusions with evidence and clear reasoning. Unlike other essays, it demands independent thinking and a nuanced argument, encouraging you to question assumptions and explore alternative solutions. This type of essay aims to develop and demonstrate your ability to think critically about complex issues.

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199+ Best Critical Thinking Essay Topics For College Students

Writing a critical essay can be pretty intricate, especially if you don’t have a good critical thinking essay topic. An ideal critical thinking essay is centered on a solid thesis statement, a good critical thinking essay topic, and an outstanding analysis of the selected topic. Although challenging, choosing the appropriate critical thinking essay topic is the first step toward writing an impeccable critical thinking essay.

When writing a critical analysis essay, the writer evaluates, interprets, and analyzes a piece of literature, a historical event, an argument, or a social phenomenon. Critical essays necessitate in-depth research, and they are built around facts and showcase critical thinking. A critical thinking essay is crucial since it allows students to boost their research skills.

In this blog, we have prepared a list of well-curated critical thinking essay topics that will help you develop your ideas. But first, let’s delve into how to choose a critical essay topic .

How to Choose Critical Thinking Essay Topics

Choosing an appropriate critical essay topic might sound daunting, but it is an integral part of the essay writing process, and there is no other way around it. But the good news is that you have limitless essay topics for critical thinking essays to choose from. But how do you do that?

Here are some crucial tips to help you select a good critical essay topic.

Select a captivating and compelling topic
Only choose a topic that you have enough evidence to back it up
Your critical essay topic should be informative. You must bring something new to the existing knowledge.
Do not fret over changing a critical essay topic if you find that your topic is unreliable. Change to another critical essay topic. The earlier, the better.
Remember that you are presenting only facts in a critical essay and not your opinion in a critical essay.
Ensure that you can source credible, relevant, and up-to-date information to back up your arguments.
Before you begin writing, discuss a bit of your chosen critical thinking essay topic.
Ask friends and family what they think about your critical thinking essay topic.

Tips & Hacks on How to Write the Best Critical Essay

Like any other five-part essay, a critical essay begins by selecting a critical essay topic. You are supposed to choose a fascinating and informative critical essay topic. Your main duty as a critical essay writer is to tell the reader that what you are discussing is valid, and the reader should keep on reading to the end.

But how can you write a critical essay that will keep your reader hooked to the end? Use the simple tips listed below to help you write an outstanding critical essay.

Read. Read. Read

For years, books agave been the best sources of information. Books are readily available. Books open the world to a whole new perspective, enlarge our imagination and experience, and shape how we think.

Look for some books on the critical essay topic you are interested in. Choose a few questions from the book and use that as a foundation of your critical essay topic.

Look for credible sources

There are millions of sites only, but not each is worth looking into. There are many other sites where you can find critical essay topics. To find a topic that you find exciting and straightforward. Delve into the several published sources about the subject and explore what the previous writers have said about the topic.

A critical response essay topic could grab the reader’s attention and have them interested in the daily issues that affect our daily lives.

Speak to your close friends

We all have friends from different backgrounds and different ages. You can have someone your grandmother’s age as your best friend, or even your mom can be your best friend. Talk to the people close to you and let them share their personal lives and what they wish they could change about the world.

Explore how different generations perceive various issues. A critical essay topic that discusses how different ages perceive certain cases is worth looking into.

Explore the field

If you can take a trip out of your home town. Then please do so. Visit museums, streets, and other public venues and speak to people. You will gain exposure to several ideas and perspectives. You will get a chance to exchange ideas and unearth several issues worth mentioning in your essay.

Stay informed

You have to stay updated on whatever is in the relevant field. There is no shortage of news sites and other publications that focus on specific problems. Take advantage of this and help explain the real issues in your critical essay.

Chaos on the problem and get down to writing about an issue that has garnered much attention recently. If the journalist has covered it, the topic is worth looking into.

First-Class Critical Thinking Essay Topics

Is the criticism of gays in society justified?
Why is it important to analyze every situation in life?
One person can change the world: How true is that statement
Explain why several government policies fail to work in the U.S
What is the impact of the author’s background in creating a masterpiece?
Explain how misconceptions impact our desires
Investigate the role of mass media in mitigating problems like poverty and illiteracy
Investigate critical problems associated with overpopulation
Highlight the differences and similarities between the first and second world war
Analyze the effectiveness of the judicial system in its quest to control the use of drugs
What’s the distinction between love in medieval times and love now?
What is the role of fairy tales in affective learning?
Explain why people are reluctant to accept the concept of environmental improvement
Are children necessary for the continuation of the human race?

Special Critical Thinking Essay Topics

Explore the trends in critical thinking
Evaluate courses at the university by using the tools of critical thinking
An in-depth evaluation of transformation tools
Humility, courage, autonomy, and integrity are tools used in the transformation of the mind. Go further in detail and examine other transformational tools and how a student can understand them and use them in their everyday lives.
Explain the key differences between education quality and applied education
Explain the meaning of critical thinking in our world today
The significance of critical thinking in the world today
What is philosophy? Critically deduce the scope of philosophy, including branches, characteristics, and relevance.
Explain the scope of creative thinking regarding critical thinking
Explore the breadth of critical thinking
Explore the benefits of applied critical thinking to organizations and businesses today
Personal reflections on critical thinking

Sports Critical Essay Topics

What is the importance of indoor and outdoor activities?
Health problems related to excessive video gaming.
Why should animals not be used in sports?
The link between sports and academic performance.
Should sports betting be legal?
College football players should get paid.
Can two good teams have a boring game?
What is the impact of violent video games on children?
Why should violent sports be banned?
Why should cheerleading be considered a sport?

Historical Critiques Essay Topics for students

Define xenophobia, review its history and explain how it affects our daily life
Look at the history of the first countries of Canada and their effect on Canada we currently know.
Examine the prevalence of poverty in the U.S and explain how it leads to homelessness
What are the likely impacts of changing gender roles
Describe islamophobia and discuss how it affects the lives of American Muslims.
Describe the impact of racism on black people’s mental health in the United States.
Demonstrate the effect social media and technology have on human interaction and socialization.
Review the history of the slave trade and highlight the impact of the abolition
Demonstrate the characteristics of a diverse nation
What is the effect of drug use and addiction on adolescents in the United States?

Top-Notch Critical Thinking Topics For Papers

Examine the scope of fallacies as they relate to creative and critical thinking
Evaluate the link between critical thinking and money
Explain how personal fashion impacts one’s identity
Define the link between reflective analysis and critical thinking
High-End Critical Thinking Paper Topics
What is the connection between job satisfaction and team member turnover rate?
Examine the impact of social media on human psychology
What is the role of critical thinking in the world today?
Give reasons why education should be free.
Analyze the importance of individuality, self-knowledge, and self-worth in critical thinking
What’s the distinction between applied education and education quality?
Which is better between city life and country life?

35 Latest Topics For Critical Thinking Essay

Why can’t we give up fast food?
Mutual aid is important in society.
Can a black hole swallow our planet?
Why are people skeptical about environmental improvement?
Do people need to be checked in metropolitan areas?
Is office work better than working at home because of real communication with people?
The significance of reflective thinking in a society capped by technology and social media
Does order in your house mean order in life?
Can we live forever?
Is food a need or a special ceremony for body and soul?
Meetings: need or not?
Do women have a certain age for marriage?
Explain the rationale behind clear, objective thinking
What are the arguments in critical thinking? Explain the scope of statements such as deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning
Can a person be happy without a partner?
Should problem-solving skills be a measure of one’s intelligence?
Do talismans help and protect?
Write a paper detailing your reflections on academic situations
Always religion is humility and virtue?
Significance of multiculturalism in our world today
Why do people believe nature is a free market?
High heel shoes: beautiful and dangerous.
Criticism can be offensive to people.
What are fallacies? Explain the range of fallacies concerning critical and creative thinking.
Should we analyze every situation in life?
Explore the many ways a student can use the lessons learned in critical thinking classes in real-life situations
How to stop the sale of drugs?
How to learn to plan your budget?
Does a small child need a lot of money?
Support the existence of wisdom and quality education with facts, reason, and claims
The modern world has many temptations.
Problems with overpopulation.
Explore the stages in research as deduced by a critical thinker
Why are certain animals more faithful and kinder than people?
Do Native Americans live in reservations now?

Critical Thinking Essay Questions

Who is to be blamed for homeless people?
What is the connection between corruption and asterism?
What are the main causes of environmental degradation around the world?
What are the most beneficial environmental conversation techniques?
Examine the impact of social media on the mental health of a teenager
Demonstrate whether anorexia nervosa is associated with many health risks.
Should kids watch horror movies?
Why is the game of basketball so popular?
What is the importance of socialization?
Discuss why some animals are more gentle and trustworthy than humans.
Weigh the pros and cons of getting a college degree.
Discuss the effectiveness of a balanced diet for our health.
Compare traditional learning and virtue learning.
The most serious health risk from anorexia nervosa.
What is the impact of corruption on third-world countries?
Effective sleep habits for everyone.
Describe the importance of medical insurance, the reasons for its necessity, and the various disadvantages.

Critical Thinking Topics For Debate

Consider the spectator experience when it comes to mind sports.
Distinguish between online and offline relationships.
Conduct an assessment of the efficacy of standardized tests.
Investigate the advantages and disadvantages of district zoning
Why are humans so convinced that nature operates on a free market basis?
Consider the following five ways in which technological advancement has altered the course of human life
Weigh the pros and cons of attending a private or public school
Contrast recorded and lived music
Native American independence issues
Discuss the compatibility between environmentalism and capitalism
Emphasize the most significant risk factors for lung cancer and how to alleviate them
Vegan foods that are not healthy
Discuss the importance of a healthy lifestyle
Describe the effects of championing feminism on social media platforms
Analyze and evaluate how the development of the industry impacts students constantly striving to join it
Consider the obstacles Native Americans faced in their quest for self-determination.
What effect does a well-balanced diet have on the health of a child?
Consider why painkillers are required and some of their potential side effects.
Conduct research into the benefits and drawbacks of genetic engineering and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Define global warming and the effects it has on human life
Describe the media’s role in the development and prevention of crime

Original Critical Essay Topics Ideas

Crime among neighbors.
Secrets of the great canyon.
Children and video games.
Women in politics.
The discoverers of America.
Work and laptop.
Banking investments.
Exploring the pyramids: do not disturb the pharaohs.
Euthanasia and religion.
Domestic violence.
Revoke strong prison sentences for criminals.
Sport in college.
Is it possible to improve the financial situation of the country?
Inflation in the economy.
Football fans at the championships.
Road traffic.
TV and our minds.
Vikings and their achievements.
Athletes and dope.
Flora, fauna, and man.
Racism in society.
Human factor.
Sex change.
The impact of technology.
Olympic gods.

Environment Based Critical Thinking Essay Topics:

Why processed food may be detrimental to your health
Explain hurricanes and how they affect the environment.
Explain the effects of globalization and why it is the most significant economic phenomenon at this time
Choose any social issue you want to discuss and find an effective solution.
Are the celebrities effective in disseminating pro-environment ideologies?
Examine the negative impact of the lottery industry and justify why it should be banned
Is there any effect of the environment on psychological well-being?
Synthesize the Italian food custom and highlight different symbolism in it
What is the distinction between economic liberalism and economic nationalism?
Consider the following five ways in which technological advancement has altered the course of human life.

Critical Thinking Topics For Students

What’s the distinction between the caste system and the class system in society?
Analyze how the increase or decrease of carbon dioxide is harmful to the quality of life on earth
How can students’ cognitive abilities be developed?
Investigate the role of society in advancing negative emotions like hatred in human beings
Justify why democratic governments are regarded as the best at meeting citizens’ needs
Investigate why plants that grow in the tropical region
Discuss the factors that contribute to anarchy in a culture comprised of diverse cultures and religions.
Evaluate the basics of critical thinking
Investigate the origin of gender imbalance between men and women in developed economies
What is the impact of the composition of air in a particular region on a person’s health?
Why is it crucial to encourage and support women from their members of the opposite sex?
What is the importance of the marriage institution and society as a whole?

Critical Thinking Essay Topic Ideas On Technology:

What is the role of technology in transforming the lives of human beings?
Advantages and disadvantages of enhanced technology in the current world.
The integration of robots into the lives of humans.
Analysis of Apple iPhone.
How has technology improved the health sector?
The impact of technology on fashion trends.

Critical Essay Topics About Movies and TV

What are the reality TV shows that are so popular?
Choose the most popular game show and analyze it in detail.
Provide analysis on a movie that won an Oscar this year.
Choose a book you have recently read and provide a detailed analysis of its movie adaptation.
What are the pros and cons of classic movie remakes?
Choose any film that you have watched and describe the takeaways in it.
Why are talk shows very popular today?
Conduct a detailed analysis of any educational movie that you have watched.
Describe the main theme in current TV shows.
Provide a detailed analysis of one of the best comic book series.

Critical Essay Topics for College Students

Why, 30-40 years ago, were the principles and laws of society different?
Is contemporary art strange?
Does technology ruin society?
Styles are mixed.
Genetics and its secrets.
Can we help our planet?
Does alcohol always create problems?
Do we need children only for the continuation of our race?
Does inpatient treatment help?
Is every star a separate galaxy?
Why is it important for us to look good?
Children and parents: relationships.
One person can change the world.
TV zombies, people?
Why do we love TV shows?
Criticism of gays in society.
How do we understand love now and in medieval times?
Why does the opinion of other people stop us?
Developments and achievements. Do we need it?
Is there fresh air outside your apartment?
Is a stylish image success in everything?
How to get rid of bad habits? Why do we have it?
Is modern medicine a breakthrough?
Misconceptions affect our desires.
Are we ready to risk and make exploits?

Critical Thinking Essay Topic Ideas On Sports:

Salaries are given to top sportspeople.
What are the methods to control racism in sports?
Use of drugs by the sports players.
Write an analysis of sports on the internet.
How can you relate corruption to sports?
The strategies to get success in the field of sports.

Critical Evaluation Essay Topics

Analyze the cultural value of the pyramids of Giza
What is the impact of deforestation of tropical forests on the environment?
Investigate how environmentalism and capitalism compare to each other
Review the effectiveness of standardized tests.
Highlight the best places to visit in Europe and explain why they are so unique
Discuss the effects of global warming.
Examine the concept of same-sex marriage from a Christian point of view
Examine how moves portray a historical figure
Analyze the viewer’s experience of mind sports.
Synthesize the attributes of an epic summer movie
Evaluate the pros and cons of attending public and private schools.
How the internet has changed the world.
What are the pros of having a college degree?
What is the connection between religion and morality?
What’s the distinction between traditional and online relationships?
What are the side effects of painkillers?
Discuss the effect of technology on the health care industry
What is the impact of social media bullying on one’s mental health, and how can the problem be resolved?
Examine the correlation between economic growth and the environment
Evaluate events that defined economic development in the U.S since 1900
Compare and contrast live performances and recorded music.
Discuss the pros and cons of genetic modification.
Analyze the long term impact of colonialism as observed in the world today
How is the global climate-related to capitalism

World-Class Critical Essay Topics

What factors influence women’s and men’s decisions to undergo gender transition??
Examine the effect that nanotechnology has on human life.
Consider euthanasia from a religious perspective.
Why is it beneficial for humans to exhibit ethics?
How does divorce affect the mental health of a child?
What are the ramifications of robots displacing human labor??
Analyze the impact of inflation on the economy of a country
What are the benefits and drawbacks of cosmetic surgery?
What effect does domestic abuse have on children’s mental health?
Justify why businesses spend so much money on advertising.

Critical Thinking Essay Ideas Based On Economics:

Discuss the effectiveness of the American economic system.
Discuss the economic importance of microbes in human life.
How do students effectively spend their money?
Discuss any financial disaster from the past ad its reason.
How does inflation affect economic growth?
What is the connection between literacy and economic growth?

Critical Essay Topics on Social Issues

What are the advantages of eating healthy food?
Police brutality and how to stop it.
Provide alternatives to anti-poverty programs.
Advantages and disadvantages of eating fast foods.
The effectiveness of the media in solving issues like illiteracy and poverty.
How to stop the war in the middle east?
How effective is the legal system in combating drug abuse?
Craft a research paper on the impact of social media on mental health
The long-lasting impact of colonialism.
Analyze why some of the governmental policies are ineffective in the US.

Bottom Line

Thanks to the intricate questions surrounding our daily lives, you have several critical essay topics to choose from. Any critical essay topic can have disadvantages and advantages for animals, nature, people, or the entire planet. If you want to write a critical essay, you need to analyze the selected topic and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the situation.

Are you unable to write your critical essay? Do not fret. We have professional writers waiting to handle your critical essay. Just place your order now .

Original Critical Thinking Essay Topics for College Students

Writing any creative and critical thinking essay topic requires structure, guidance, and clear steps to showcase reflective thinking.

We will explore 101 critical thinking essay topics for college students that will score highly and broaden your capacity to think critically on any subject. Here are the steps we'll use as we help you come up wit h excellent critical-thinking essay topics .

Best critical thinking topic ideas & essay examples
Good critical thinking research topics & essay examples
Education and school critical thinking essay topics
Most interesting critical thinking research titles
Personality critical essays topics
Critical essays: ideas on nature and animals
Literature: critical essay prompts

Best Critical Thinking Topic Ideas & Essay Examples

Let's look at some critical thinking topic ideas that will get the creative juices. You'll be coming up with critical thinking essay questions and topics in no time. We came up with this list of topic ideas that cover a wide range of topics you may be interested in.

Remote working
Cybersecurity
Inflation in the economy
Capital punishment and the prison system
Health insurance
Mental health
Challenges of a multicultural society
Impact of global warming on developing countries
Education quality
Stem cell research
Economic development
Academic performance
Balanced diet
The world today
Crime development in poor countries
Standardized tests
Violent video games
School authorities
The judicial system
Romantic relationships
Peer pressure
Euthanasia and religion
Eating fast foods
Computer games
College football players
Fossil fuels
Gender roles
Plastic surgery
Slave trade
Fairy tales
District zoning
Social issues
Young people
Women in politics

You can use this list to develop critical thinking essay topics for your assignments. Let's look at some efficient ways to look at different topics that would help in solving problems even in daily life.

Entertainment Ideas

We'll use the topic idea "violent video games" to come up with our critical thinking essay topics. What do you know about violence and video games? Probably some generic information like "video games have become violent over the years." We can run with this because of the contentious information on the topic.

Cruel activities in schools and online teen communities have drastically increased in recent years. This is as violent video games have exponentially risen in the gaming market. So your title might be "Could violent video games be the cause of rising aggressiveness in teenagers?"

Factors Resulting in Different Types of Juvenile Delinquency in the USA

There is a certain way to go about this. We'll mention different factors and expound on them further to show you a glimpse of how to critically analyze your material.

Juvenile delinquency is tied to violence at home. Many kids that come from dysfunctional families with at least one abusive parent that either insults their spouse, the child, or both are likely to exhibit antisocial behavior and a tendency to get into legal trouble.

Rising delinquency cases in the US also result from poor moral guidance and supervision. Children need structure to maintain proper moral behavior. Young individuals are susceptible to bad influence and require continuous guidance to develop a good moral compass. A negligent parent or guardian may not rectify adverse behavior until it is too late.

Peer pressure is a major reason that many young boys and girls find themselves on the wrong side of the law. A child does not have the mental capacity to choose between long-term goals and short-term gratification wisely. They need adult supervision for these decisions, absent of which, they may start making bad decisions such as playing hooky.

Good Critical Thinking Research Topics & Essay Examples

Creative thinking helps when it comes to writing papers that require in-depth analysis to maintain your crowd. Here are some critical thinking essay topics that may kick-start your writing process.

What does global warming mean for Los Angeles?
Which economic factors contribute to a solid argument to cancel strong punishments?
What factors contribute to violence in "the lottery"?
Why is a college degree important to most people's self-worth?
How did recorded music influence music and society?
What do you need to change to live a happy life?
The most effective solution for climate change.
Why do different cultures transmigrate in the modern world?
Does plastic surgery benefit human life?
How does the author's background in "of mice and men" influence the novel "?
Critically analyze how students' critical thinking abilities influence their mental health.
What is the value of human life? A case of euthanasia.
Promoting imagination in early childhood development.
Why do people tend to get fewer children in modern China?
Why are the masses buying into nft, an abstract concept?
Schools influencing legislative action on gun control are essential in the us.
A reflective analysis of something: self-knowledge, my little brother, applied education, etc.
The main points emphasized in plato's "allegory of the cave."
Is quantitative tightening vital to curb us inflation?
Why is continued quantitative easing bad for economies around the world?
Why is bitcoin so big?
Are we headed for a global economic recession?

What Does Global Warming Mean for Los Angeles?

People in Los Angeles should brace for rising temperatures with projections reaching an average of over 92.5ºF for 26 days every year by 2050. This increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves is a warning towards harsher climate conditions soon as it's happening even in areas with lower average temperatures.

This is a good opening for a critical-thinking essay on global warming in Los Angeles.

Education and School Critical Thinking Essay Topics

You can never go wrong with critical thinking essays related to school. There is a wide range of information to choose from. Let's take a look at some of the critical thinking topics that could elicit great debates.

Advantages and disadvantages of homework in education
Should school districts make it mandatory to study art in educational establishments?
The importance of implementing sex education in schools: who should do it and when?
Is free college tuition a possibility in the us?
Homeschooling versus going to school
The differences between schools in poor school districts and their richer counterparts
Are conventional methods of dealing with bullying effective for cyber-bullying cases
Are there special considerations for students that wish to earn a master's degree?
Going to study abroad vs. studying locally
Is there a connection between going to school and finding a good job?

These are just the tip of the iceberg. You can dive deeper and find more important topics that are related to current local, national, and international issues. Let's take a look at critical thinking essay topics linked to current global relations.

Most Interesting Critical Thinking Research Titles

Choosing a generic title is good, but your teachers will appreciate it more if you put some elbow grease into your assignment. The point of giving you such homework is to boost your hunger for knowledge as you critically analyze a subject. We'll cover some essay topics that are related to what's going on around the world today.

China's latest military drill is a sign of increased aggression in the south china sea.
Does tiktok have safety measures to protect minors from harmful content on its site?
Will Switzerland's conservative party agree to sell its tanks for $1 to Poland?
Is Ai good for the hospitality industry?
Is Russia's oil likely to carry them through the war in ukraine?
Do violent video games contribute to increased aggressiveness in young people?
Are fast food restaurants responsible for high obesity rates in south Africa?
Are tiny apartments and sweltering rooftop huts a permanent fixture in Hong kong?
Why did South koreans so much taller in the past 100 years?
Why is Hong kong separate from mainland china?
What are the likely political implications of Donald trump's indictment?
What does the Chinese-brokered Saudi-Iran deal mean for the us?

Critical thinking essay topics are everywhere around us. Some of our topics may get dated, but you get the gist. We apply critical analysis every day. A critical thinker is your average Joe. Your writing process should begin with a look at global news. You may get some insight.

Personality Critical Essays Topics

Here are some critical thinking essay topics that lead to a greater understanding of different personality traits.

Lord of the flies: the effects of early childhood development on your personality
Personal development during teenage years
Developing personal innovation capacities
What is the process of developing a legal personality in international law?
Development of a personal nursing philosophy
Old man warner's issues with young people's personalities in the lottery
Effective personal development plan for a leader
Development of personal ethics
Personal development in Beowulf
Personal and career development plan
Personal leadership development goals in of mice and men
Personality development sociological memoir
Development of personal teaching philosophy
Cross-cultural personal development
Personal development issues for people with a difficult childhood

As you've seen by now, we have integrated various books to show applied critical thinking essay topics in course materials. You now have a wider range of essay topics to choose from.

Critical Essay Ideas on Nature and Animals

Human beings, nature, and animals have a long and intertwined history together. This makes the critical thinking essay topics on nature and animals somewhat inexhaustible. Some of these topics are controversial. So you may find it difficult to come up with a good essay topic sometimes. You must have accurate facts to support your argument while shining a spotlight on what you want people to reflect critically on. Here are some topic suggestions for you.

Impact of human activity on the golden eagle's habitat
Impact of global warming on the great barrier reef
Wildlife management in urban areas
Conservation of sperm whales
The impact of alternative sources of energy on wildlife
Management issues in wildlife parks
Wildlife management near airports
The impact of fracking on aquifers
Hunting in south Africa's game reserves
The extinction of bees in Europe
Wildlife trading of endangered animals

Critical thinking leads to optimal judgment following an objective analysis of facts. It utilizes problem-solving, reasoning, analysis, prudent decision-making, and evaluation. Our critical thinking topic ideas should help you understand the structure of a clear critical thinking process.

Literature Critical Essay Prompts

"Stopping advertising to save money is like stopping your watch to save time."

- Henry Ford

Do not start writing your paper without a clear path. Similar to a company that cheaps out on advertising, ignoring the importance of your title will lead to an uninspired topic that does nothing to help your essay. Here are some topics on literary criticism that necessitate a critical analysis of contentious issues.

What is literary criticism?
Agnosticism literary criticism
Literary criticism of lord of the flies
Feminist argument on literary criticism
"Introducing Literary Criticism: A Graphic Guide" by Holland

How to Choose Suitable Critical Essay Topics

Choosing a topic is one of the most common searches on Google by students. Most people understand how themes help in developing a narrative. They still find it difficult to make the best choice. To tackle this problem, we've created a list of four useful tips that will guide you in topic selection.

Choose a personal topic
Chart your argument
Eliminate bias
Gather useful sources

1. Choose a Personal Topic

Your audience will feel it if you do not have passion for your topic. A compelling evaluation needs an interested writer. Your reader should feel why the topic interests you. You'll enjoy writing if you are well-versed in your topic and eagerly seek to share your opinion with others.

2. Chart Your Argument

Getting critical response essay topics is one thing, settling on solid interpretation is another. Your topic may be too broad and generic. It may also be more researched and does not require close analysis. This necessitates finding more prompts.

3. Eliminate Bias

You must possess critical thinking skills before you start writing. Doing it critically is the point. More often than not, your topic will be controversial. You must remain objective to focus on a certain theme. Consider choosing a different topic if you can't remain objective.

4. Gather Useful Sources

Sources are a big part of your writing. Start gathering sources once you decide on a topic. You could get them from online libraries and databases. Remember to use articles with a DOI. These documents will serve as the backbone of your essay. You may need to find another topic if you can't find good sources.

What Are the 5 Cs of Critical Writing?

To indoctrinate you into the academic writing world, you need an understanding of the five hierarchical qualities of good critical thinking essay writing. These are the "5 Cs" of critical writing and include:

Conventionality
Completeness

1. Conventionality

Cambridge University defines conventionality as the tendency to act ordinarily or traditionally. This means following a certain format and style that does not deviate from other critical thinking essay papers.

Being clear and lucid is an important characteristic of critical writing. You must unearth each theory presented to argue your point. This means that critical thinking essays should leave an audience with the complete picture of a situation without any form of bias resulting from the paper.

3. Completeness

Do not assume that your audience has the same amount of information as you. You must accurately articulate every point and ensure that your reader gets every bit of information from the data available on the subject. Do not leave any hanging argument. Make sure you use the standard format for a paragraph: topic sentence, supporting sentence(s), and a conclusion sentence.

4. Concision

Being concise in your critical thinking essay means eliminating any redundancies in your work. Get straight to the point and do not meander. You may leave your audience confused.

5. Completeness

A complete paper leaves no stone unturned. A well-planned essay will include the nitty-gritty details of a paper and ensure the reader leaves satisfied. The only excuse to leave your audience with questions is if this was your intention when writing the critical essay.

What Makes a Good Critical Thinking Essay?

The purpose of critical thinking essays is to help students improve their research and analytical skills. This type of writing ought to make you read the texts carefully, use methodical skepticism, find weaknesses in personal and others' arguments, utilize concepts, and clearly express reasonable thoughts.

How Do You Start a Critical Essay?

The best critical thinking essay's introduction would use a hook. This is an excellent way to get your reader's attention. You have various options in this section, where a bold statement or rhetorical question could introduce your argument strongly and push the reader to turn the pages of your work. Your introduction paragraph should also mention the name of your research material, that is, the book or work of art that you intend to analyze. Remember to include the name of the author, the work's title, and any other relevant publication details.

What Is the Relationship between Ethics and Critical Thinking?

Ethics and critical thinking skills are both important in life. It'd help to have a greater grasp of their relationship and how to use them together to make decisions. Using critical thinking skills will help you eliminate improbable choices. Ethical thinking aids in navigating scenarios that require critical analysis, acting as a filter to promote an ethical choice.

How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay With Tips and Examples

11 December 2023

last updated

Essay writing is an integral academic exercise for students in higher educational institutions. As an example of different paper types, a critical thinking essay requires students to employ analytical and reflective writing skills. In essence, these skills underscore essential features of a critical thinking essay: analysis of information, reflection on key findings, a review of the relevance of the information, and an identification of any conclusions made by the author(s) or other scholars. Hence, a critical thinking essay is a specific type of writing that requires learners to read documents and make interpretations from their points of view. In turn, writers need to learn how to write a critical thinking essay to master their analytical, creative, and reflective skills.

General Guidelines for Writing a Critical Thinking Essay

Critical thinking is an essential skill, particularly for students who need to analyze and interpret data. In this case, the essence of this skill is that learners confront issues every day that require them to make prompt decisions. Moreover, critical thinking is the mechanism by which individuals arrive at these decisions. Therefore, a critical thinking essay is a document that allows students to address an issue holistically. Then, it means addressing issues in an essay format by using critical thinking skills from different perspectives, highlighting possible alternatives, and making well-thought-out decisions. To the audience, such a text makes it easy to understand the writer’s message and either agree or disagree with it. Besides, the decision to agree or disagree is based on the writer’s information regarding an issue in question. Hence, this is why authors of critical thinking essays need to provide details that make their arguments stronger and more palatable to the audience.

How to write a critical thinking essay with examples

1. Defining Characteristics of a Critical Thinking Essay

When writing a critical thinking essay, students should address several essential features. Firstly, writers need to reflect on what they have read, meaning taking time to consider the relevance of the information. In this case, such an attitude helps them to make strong arguments in defense of their points of view. Secondly, learners need to analyze how the information is presented and state whether it is sufficient or needs improvement. Thirdly, writers need to review the information based on previous knowledge. Here, they should say whether the information advances a concept or theory or contradicts existing knowledge. Finally, scholars need to identify the conclusion reached by the author(s) of the information and support or challenge it.

2. How to Identify a Critical Thinking Essay

Based on the essential features described above, students can tell whether an essay that they are writing is a critical thinking paper. Ideally, learners can know that their papers are critical thinking essays if prompt requirements require them to read and analyze a text. Basically, the analysis process includes reflecting on the text, commenting on how information is presented and its relation to previous knowledge, and supporting or challenging the conclusion made. In principle, these requirements reflect the defining features of a critical thinking essay.

3. How Does a Critical Thinking Essay Differ From Other Papers

A critical thinking essay differs fundamentally from other types of essays because it requires a student to read a text, such as a book or a poem, and analyze it using the writer’s perspective. Moreover, some instructions need students to analyze a film. In other words, writing a critical thinking essay emphasizes the students’ understanding of information and the meaning of what they have read, watched, or heard. Indeed, it is a central point of difference from other types of papers that require students to refrain from personal viewpoints. Then, this feature means that instructors grade a critical thinking essay based on the writer’s ability to develop a coherent argument and use essential writing skills. In this light, one can argue that a critical thinking essay is a form of an argumentative essay .

Free Examples of 20 Topics for Writing a Critical Thinking Essay

1. identify communication differences between men and women.

Under this topic, the students’ task is to read texts that talk about how men and women communicate and identify the differences. In this case, writers should analyze what they have read and summarize it via concise statements or arguments.

2. Discuss Drug Use in Sports

Under this topic, the students’ task is to research texts, such as research journal articles and government reports, that address the problem of drug use in sports and summarize their findings.

3. Explore the Anti-Meth Campaign

Under this topic, the students’ task is to read widely about anti-meth campaigns and provide an in-depth analysis of their impacts. By reading a critical thinking essay, the audience should understand whether specific campaigns have been effective or ineffective.

4. Discuss Homelessness and Its Social Impacts

Under this topic, the students’ task is to read texts about homelessness, such as journal articles and reports by governments and other humanitarian organizations, and explain the root causes and social implications of homelessness.

5. Discuss the History of College Football in the United States

Under this topic, the students’ task is to read documents, such as books and media articles, narrating college football history in the US. After writing a critical thinking essay, the audience should identify specific challenges that college football has faced in its development in the country.

6. Explore Health Effects of Obesity

Under this topic, the students’ task is to read research studies and medical reports discussing obesity. In turn, a critical thinking essay should explain the specific causes of obesity and the risks that obese individuals face.

7. Discuss the Significance of Street Art and Graffiti

Under this topic, the students’ task is to read texts discussing the evolution of street art and graffiti and make compelling arguments as to why they are essential features of modern art.

8. Sports On Television: Is It Necessary?

Under this topic, the students’ task is to explain why television has become a critical platform for sports and how it undermines or helps advance its social and cultural significance.

9. What Is the Essence of Multicultural Identity?

Under this topic, the students’ task is to explore the phenomenon of multiculturalism that has become notable and acceptable in modern society and explain its significance.

10. The Relevance of Body Size in Modeling

Under this topic, the students’ task is to explore the modeling profession and explain why body size matters. In other words, a critical thinking essay should make a case as to why a model should have a particular body size.

11. Understanding Multicultural Families

Under this topic, the students’ task is to explore multicultural families by reading texts that address the issue from a research or commentary perspective and summarize the leading arguments.

12. Changing Gender Roles: What It Means for Traditionalists

Under this topic, the student’s task is to explore gender roles from a historical and present perspective and discuss how it threatens or cements traditional views about the roles of men and women.

13. What Is Ethnic Music, and Does It Matter in a Multicultural Society?

Under this topic, the students’ task is to study multiculturalism and identify how ethnic music is a significant characteristic.

14. American Society and the Latino Influence

Under this topic, the students’ task is to study contemporary American society’s characteristics and indicate the extent to which Latinos and their culture (Latin American) have become a significant part of the American identity.

15. Challenges of Single-Parent Households

Under this topic, the students’ task is to read research studies on single parenthood and identify its challenges.

16. What Are the Features of a Good Movie?

Under this topic, the students’ task is to watch movies they consider “good” and provide an analysis of what makes them so.

17. Describe a Poem With a First-Person Point of View

Under this topic, the students’ task is to select a poem, examine it, and describe its outstanding features, such as literary devices.

18. The Dynamics of Adoption in a Multicultural Society

Under this topic, the students’ task is to examine the aspect of adoption within the context of a multicultural society.

19. What Store Strategies Influence Consumers?

Under this topic, the students’ task is to study the phenomenon of retail stores and give an analysis of specific factors that lead to their growth or shut down.

20. Euthanasia: The Questions of Ethics, Morals, and Legality

Under this topic, the students’ task is to examine the aspect of euthanasia (mercy or assisted killing) and give an opinion on whether society should address it from a perspective of ethics, morals, or law.

How Students Can Understand if They Need to Write a Critical Thinking Essay by Looking at a Topic

When it comes to essay writing, the department’s requirements provide direction about a critical thinking topic. By reading such a topic, students get an idea of what kind of paper they are supposed to write. Regarding a critical thinking essay, a topic should require students to research a specific theme, reflect on what they have read, and comment on how the author(s) have presented information, the relevance of the information to existing knowledge, and the significance of the author’s conclusion. In turn, these five tasks underscore the essential features of a critical thinking essay.

Structure of a Critical Thinking Essay

When it comes to an essay structure , a critical thinking essay comprises three main sections: introduction, body, and conclusion. When writing each of these sections, students should capture essential features. Firstly, the introduction should provide a hook to capture the readers’ attention and formulate a thesis statement to guide the paper’s arguments and ideas. In the body, writers should use topic sentences to introduce paragraphs. Besides, students should follow a sandwich rule, where they make a claim, provide supporting facts, and explain the significance of cited evidence to the paper’s thesis. In the conclusion part, authors should restate a thesis statement, summarize the main body points, and make a concluding remark. Finally, other essential features that learners should use in the main text are transitions to give a critical thinking paper a natural and logical flow of ideas and arguments.

Sample Outline Template for Writing a Critical Thinking Essay

I. Introduction

A. Start with a hook sentence that makes a critical thinking essay interesting. B. Cover brief information about a theme discussed in body paragraphs. C. End with a thesis statement of a critical thinking essay.

A. Background Information:

introduce an issue for readers;
provide examples that support this issue;
explain how examples correlate with a theme;
finish with defining an issue for readers.

B. Argument on an Issue

begin with an argument on an issue;
covers examples to support this argument;
explain how examples and argument are related;
conclude how an argument on this theme is relevant.

C. Importance of an Issue

state why this issue is important;
support this statement with examples from credible sources;
explain how these examples underline the importance of an issue;
end with a concluding sentence that supports this importance.

III. Conclusion

A. Restate a thesis claim. B. Cover the key points discussed in body paragraphs. C. Provide a final thought on an issue.

An Example of a Critical Thinking Essay

Topic: Roles of Critical Thinking Skills

I. Introduction Sample of a Critical Thinking Essay

Critical thinking is a requirement in higher education because it reflects the level of mental preparedness of students intending to join the labor industry. In this case, essay writing is one of the strategies that higher education institutions use to develop these critical thinking skills in students. Writing argumentative essays has profoundly shaped my critical thinking skills and made me more reflective and analytical in my texts.

II. Examples of Body Paragraphs in a Critical Thinking Essay

A. background information of an issue.

The advent of the Internet opened a new world of research as scholars found a platform to publish research findings. Besides scholars, public and private entities have turned to the online platform to spread information they perceive as critical and needful. Over time, I have come to see the Internet as a crucial reservoir of knowledge, and I always turn to it for personal enrichment. Moreover, Gilster (1997) perceives critical thinking as a critical skill for individuals who use online platforms for academic purposes. In this case, the author demonstrates that, since the Internet is full of falsehoods and incomplete and obsolete information, it is critical for those who depend on this technology to employ critical thinking. Hence, such thinking helps users distinguish between essential, relevant information, and what appears to be irrelevant and nonessential.

On the issue of critical thinking, examining and analyzing content are fundamental exercises. In essence, critical thinking entails reading a text and interpreting it by using an analytical lens. For example, when students read novels, they can use their critical thinking skills to analyze the plot and characters and provide arguments that indicate an in-depth understanding of both (Gilster, 1997). In most cases, such ideas go beyond what is written in the novel to include the student’s interpretation of events. In my case, I use the Internet to find research and media articles on different topics, such as homelessness, substance abuse, crime, and police and law enforcement. Moreover, I use these articles to reflect on the dynamics that shape life in contemporary society, using my critical thinking skills to relate the past, present, and future. Therefore, I can state confidently that this habit has made me a strong debater on contemporary issues.

By using critical thinking skills, readers make deductions, thereby showcasing their understanding levels. As the literature suggests, critical thinking serves as a basis for knowledge accumulation and advancement (Ku & Ho, 2010). In my academic journey, I have employed critical thinking to gain insight into several issues. Furthermore, one of these issues is the significance of politics to the life of ordinary citizens. Then, many documents I have read about politics have made me conclude that politicians are selfish by default and only develop consensus when their interests are accommodated. Hence, this understanding has made me have minimal expectations from local and national political figures.

III. Conclusion Sample of a Critical Thinking Essay

Critical thinking is a key skill that helps individuals to analyze and reflect on information from diverse sources. Over the years, I have used critical thinking to analyze research and media articles published on online platforms and make logical deductions. Moreover, these deductions point to my ability to take information, analyze, and interpret it. Thus, I can confidently state that my critical thinking skills have made me aware of human weaknesses and the risk of putting too much trust in people vulnerable to shortcomings.

Gilster, P. (1997). Digital literacy: The thinking and survival skills new users need to make the Internet personally and professionally meaningful . New York, NY: Wiley.

Ku, K. Y., & Ho, I. T. (2010). Metacognitive strategies that enhance critical thinking. Metacognition and Learning , 5 (3), 251-267.

Summing Up on How to Write a Good Critical Thinking Essay

A critical thinking essay is a document that reflects students’ ability to use analytical and reflective skills in studying an issue. Although writing a critical thinking essay assumes following a basic structure of a standard essay, it has features that distinguish it from other papers. When writing this type of essay, students should master the following tips:

read and analyze information;
reflect on study findings;
review the relevance of the information within the context of existing knowledge;
identify any conclusions made by authors or other scholars and their significance.

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96 Critical Thinking Research Topics & Essay Examples

📝 critical thinking research papers examples, 🏆 best critical thinking essay titles, 🎓 simple research topics about critical thinking, ❓ critical thinking research questions.

Cross-Cultural Psychology: Definition and Elements Psychology essay sample: Cross-cultural psychology aims to illustrate the major difference between regions by applying credible comparative analysis of cultures.
What Makes a Leader? Psychology essay sample: Emotional intelligence is the ability to control and express one’s emotions with empathy specifically in interpersonal relationships.
Critical Thinking in Decision-Making Process Psychology essay sample: Sometimes people make decisions that are beyond their and their reasonable thinking. Instead, their thinking mostly depends on a particular situation or on other people’s experiences.
EPortfolio Artifacts Overview Psychology essay sample: The ability to realize a professional potential within the framework of organizational needs is a valuable artifact.
Thinking. "Blink" Book by Malcolm Gladwell Psychology essay sample: The main point of Malcolm Gladwell’s book "Blink: The power of thinking without thinking" is the importance of "thin slicing" or making decisions without an in-depth assessment.
Critical Thinking Definition and Description Psychology essay sample: Critical thinking is essential in any academic field and, consequently, developing it should be a priority for anyone engaging in intellectual pursuits.
Introspection and Development Level Determination Psychology essay sample: In this article, the author talks about the importance of introspection to determine the level of one's development.
Perception and Critical Thinking Psychology essay sample: Effective perception should depend on the information collected with the help of all five senses. It provides the necessary grounds for critical thinking.
Problem-Solving in Cognitive Psychology Psychology essay sample: The abilities to analyze and make the right decision based on the proposed circumstances are the skills that distinguish the human species from most other living beings.
Study of Psychology and the Process of Critical Thinking Psychology essay sample: From the psychological point of view, critical thinking helps in analyzing and presenting facts. People who think critically find solutions to their problems systematically.
Ethical Practices for Psychologists Psychology essay sample: Psychologists need to understand the ethical principles of their occupation and activate critical thinking. It helps them make the right decisions and come to logical conclusions.
Self-Exploration: The Role for a Helper Psychology essay sample: Self-exploration assists helpers in creating a trustful relationship with their clients. Without self-exploration, the counselor could project their problems onto their clients.
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and Leadership Ability Assessment Psychology essay sample: This paper provides the discussion of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule as one of the most effective tools to diagnose ASD and determine its severity.
Cognitive Conflict Theory in Everyday Use Psychology essay sample: Cognitive conflict implies a special psychological state when the new knowledge gained is not combined with the picture of the world, that already exists in a person's head.
Bloom’s Taxonomy and Counselling Psychology essay sample: The paper states that Bloom's Taxonomy approach can be used in counseling to receive positive mental health shifts and helps people live better lives.
Biopsychosocial and Holistic Approaches to Assessment Psychology essay sample: Biopsychosocial and holistic assessments are applied to ensure child welfare assessment. They enable us to work with children and families to deliver services.
Common Sense, Psychological, and Sociological Ways of Thinking Psychology essay sample: The essay will argue that sociological thinking can be the most helpful to improving society, but it fails to achieve it because decision-makers in power underutilize it.
The Anxiety Related to the COVID-19 Virus Uncertainty: Strategy Psychology essay sample: The initial issue that the author developed a strategy to deal with was the anxiety related to the COVID-19 virus uncertainty.
Personal Hardship and Critical Thinking Strategies Psychology essay sample: Personal hardships might seem overwhelming and impossible to overcome by numerous people. When faced with pandemics, such hardships are seen in a more fatalistic manner.
Importance of Being Skilled in Critical Thinking Psychology essay sample: Being skilled in critical thinking is assessing your thinking in a systematic manner, examining every aspect of it, evaluating its quality, and then improving it.
Cognitive Development: Piaget's Theory Psychology essay sample: Cognitive processes, according to Piaget, develop through four stages: sensory-motor, preoperative, operational, and formal.
Importance of Critical Thinking Skills Psychology essay sample: Self-regulation is the ability to acknowledge that a decision is supposed to be made. One takes time to apply critical thinking skills.
Teenage Driving with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Psychology essay sample: ADHD is a condition that influences many aspects of a person’s daily life, including their ability to successfully operate a vehicle.
Psychology: Learning, Memory, Problem-Solving Psychology essay sample: In this essay, three core psychology concepts examined during the course will be explained alongside personal experiences and thoughts regarding their significance.
Critical Thinking: Definitions and Use Psychology essay sample: Critical thinking is defined as - a system of judgments that are used to analyze things from a critical perspective and events with the formulation of reasonable conclusions.
Formal Operational and Post-Formal Operational Thinking Psychology essay sample: Formal and post-formal operational stages are phases in cognitive development. The formal operational stage is the last cognitive stage proposed by Piaget.
Psychological Analysis and Critical Thinking Psychology essay sample: It is impossible to answer the question 'Who am I?' because everyone spends their whole life trying to answer who they are only at the end of their life's journey.
Bias, Moral Reasoning, and Critical Thinking Psychology essay sample: There are essential practices and concepts in everyday life that determine social interactions. These include critical thinking.
The Concept of Critical Thinking Psychology essay sample: The paper states that the concept of critical thinking is essential for everyone’s well-being as it helps make proper decisions promptly.
Unrequited Love Theories in Practice Psychology essay sample: The biological and social aspects of unrequited love are covered in Bamford's article, while the severity of the experience is covered by Bode & Kuula.
Teaching Critical Thinking to Kids: Fun and Engaging Activities for Young Minds
The Link Between Emotional Intelligence and Critical Thinking in Kids
From Conflict to Resolution: Using Critical Thinking in Family Decision-Making
Fostering a Growth Mindset in Children Through Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking: Theory and Practice Critical thinking is very instrumental in the processes of analyzing information and consequently coming up with the best decisions on any given problem, person or condition.
Incorporating Critical Thinking Into Everyday Learning for Children
The Role of Critical Thinking in Solving Complex Problems
Debunking Common Myths About Critical Thinking: Separating Fact From Fiction
Critical Thinking in the Age of Information Overload: Navigating Misinformation and Fake News
Improving Decision-Making Skills Through Critical Thinking: Practical Tips for Effective Analysis
Driving Business Growth Through Critical Thinking: Identifying Opportunities and Mitigating Risks
Management. Critical Thinking, Planning and Organizing Critical thinking is one of the tools that are used by companies and business organizations to come up with business strategies.
Empowering Children to Think Critically in a Fast-Paced World
The Psychology of Critical Thinking: Understanding Cognitive Biases and How to Overcome Them
Critical Thinking vs. Creative Thinking: Finding the Balance
5 Fun and Engaging Critical Thinking Activities for Kids
The Influence of Media Literacy on Critical Thinking in Family Environments
The Role of Critical Thinking in Parenting: Making Informed Decisions
Critical Thinking in Marketing and Sales: Strategies for Crafting Compelling Campaigns
Social Media Dramatically Influences Social Identity The origin of social media usage and the initiatives leading a modern man to be a part of it have complex content and will be researched from each side.
The Impact of Technology on Children’s Critical Thinking Skills
Critical Thinking in Science and Research: Uncovering Truth Through Rational Inquiry
Ethical Decision-Making: The Intersection of Critical Thinking and Moral Reasoning
Critical Thinking in the Digital Era: Evaluating Online Sources and Information Credibility
The Art of Socratic Questioning: Enhancing Critical Thinking Through Thoughtful Inquiry
Cultivating Critical Thinking in Higher Education: Strategies for Educators and Students
The Influence of Cognitive Biases on Critical Thinking: Overcoming Mental Pitfalls
Role of Critical Thinking in Education Critical thinking is a self-adjusting, deliberate judgment that leads to interpretation, analysis, evaluation, conclusions, and explanations of the reasons for the decision.
Teaching Kids to Question: A Guide to Encouraging Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking in the Classroom: Strategies for Educators
Critical Thinking and Creativity: Exploring the Connection Between Rational Analysis and Innovation
Applying Critical Thinking to Personal Finance: Making Sound Money Management Choices
The Importance of Critical Thinking Skills in Child Development
The Role of Parents in Fostering Critical Thinking in Kids
Academic Writing Process and Critical Thinking This paper discusses the academic writing process and highlights the importance of critical thinking in each stage, outlining the stages of the writing process.
Books That Promote Critical Thinking for Children
Developing Problem-Solving Skills in Children Through Critical Thinking
Encouraging Independent Thinking in Children: A Parent’s Guide
Critical Thinking: Nurturing Independence in Teenagers
The Impact of Critical Thinking on Problem-Solving in Family Dynamics
Beyond the Buzzword: Understanding the Core Elements of Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking Skills Development Critical thinking is a fundamental function that will help us use all our skills wisely and logically and allow us to grow personally.
Insights on the Value of Critical Thinking in Today’s Workforce
From Data to Insights: Leveraging Critical Thinking in Data Analysis
Empowering Employees: Training Programs for Developing Critical Thinking Skills
Teaching Critical Thinking in the Classroom: Effective Methods for Educators
How to Make Better Decisions in Your Daily Life?
Why Critical Thinking Essential for Career Success?
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How Critical Thinking Can Strengthen Family Relationships?
How Critical Thinking Can Help Families Overcome Cognitive Biases?
How Critical Thinking Strengthens Family Values?
How Critical Thinking Impacts Decision-Making and Problem-Solving?
How Critical Thinking Empowers Organizations to Thrive in Change?
What the Connection Between Critical Thinking and Emotional Intelligence?
What the Importance of Critical Thinking in Today’s World?
What the Strategies for Educators and Parents to Teaching Critical Thinking?
How to Stand Out in Your Career Through Critical Thinking in the Workplace?
How Critical Thinking Can Enhance Personal and Professional Relationships?
What’s Fostering Critical Thinking in Children?
What the Future of Critical Thinking?
How to Apply Critical Thinking in the Workplace Effectively?
How to Overcome the Influence of Bias on Critical Thinking?
What the Role of Critical Thinking in Decision Making?
What the Impact of Technology on Critical Thinking?
Why Employers Value Critical Thinking Skill?

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73 Thought Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best thought topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good essay topics on thought.

Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament Both critics and defenders of the Bible have been using comparative studies to understand the culture presented in the Bible and what was practiced in the regions mentioned in the Bible.
Historical Schools of Thought They are sure that it is impossible to describe truth with the help of language, which presupposes that historical facts can also be questioned. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
Thought Response: The Saints and the Roughnecks The society’s view of the Saints and the Roughnecks is quite different. The basis for individual participation in criminal groups and the crime committed is a product of a learning environment.
Kant’s Third Antinomy in Philosophical Thought The first proposition deals with definiteness of the beginning and the end of the world in comparison to the infiniteness of the world.
Ancient Greek Philosophers: A Critical Evaluation of Their Impact on Modern Thought However, according to the article, it is imperative to note that neither reason nor the quest for evidence started with the ancient Greeks, but the pre-Socratic philosophers endeavored to identify a single underlying standard that […]
Challenges of Life and Thought-Provoking Questions in Rudyard Kipling’s “If” His poem “If” which was first published in 1910 remains one of the most expressive pieces written in a specific didactic manner which attracts the readers’ attention by the currency of the depicted ideas.”If” is […]
The Classical School of Thought and Strain Theory in Criminology The second pinnacle to the classical theory also advances the fact that people have the will to control the variables that characterize their personality. The strain theory advances the fact that social structures in society […]
The Ship of Theseus Thought Experiment and Solution The puzzle is complicated by the later addition of a replica ship being built out of the original parts in the warehouse.
Shafi’i School of Thought This school is based on principles of rationality and, hence, Muslims states are more adjustable to the changes taking place in the world.
The Messiah and Messianic Prophesy in Jewish and Christian Thought In this regard, the equation relating the calculation of this period prophesized by Daniel on the coming of a Messiah disregards Jesus as the expected Messiah on the basis of His time of birth.
Modern Political Thought As the sense of independent and development sunk in peoples mind, the aspect of communism disintegrated and in its place individualism and the sense of “I” was adopted that is embraced world-wide.
Associationist Theories of Thought The first doctrine is that the more recondite phenomena of the mind are formed out of simple parts. Associationism is the theory of psychology explaining the connection between thoughts and past experiences.
Islamic Thought: Women in Islamic Perspective Non-equality of rights exists, but feminism is not the solution, for in its simplest form feminism is even destructive for the status of women and the idea is contrary to the natural human values of […]
Psychological Perspectives and Schools of Thought Among the contemporary perspectives, the neuroscience point of view sees people as organisms with their physiological processes and connects the brain and the nervous system to the behavioral responses.
Japanese Psychology as World-Renowned School of Thought The worldview of people living in the land of the rising sun is often the subject of study and comparison with Western cultures.
Positivist School of Criminology Siegel states that: “Cesare Lombroso, an Italian prison doctor working in the late 19th century and sometimes regarded as the “father” of criminology, was one of the largest contributors to biological positivism and founder of […]
Process and Secular Theological Schools of Thought Additionally, the paper will discuss secular theology and the relation it has with the philosophy of Bonhoeffer. Finally, the paper will discuss the validity of the views on God as presented in process theology and […]
Social Thought: ”The Future of an Illusion” by Freud Commencing with an overview of the material conditions of society, The Future of an Illusion proclaims that these conditions result from two processes: the technological processes that control the forces of nature and extract its […]
St. Thomas Aquinas’ Influence on Western Thought Interest in the teachings of Aristotle contributed to the unification of many philosophers, which happened in the case of Thomas Aquinas. The main achievement of Thomas is that he is considered the founder of the […]
De Bono’s Hats: Consciousness and Mode of Thought The idea of lateral thinking and the Six Hats method based on it provided the means for planning a detailed, consistent, and more influential group thought process.
Analysis of Schools of Thought in China The impact of Legalism united the country, contributed to the power of the Qin dynasty, and supported the reign of the first emperor.
American Political Thought in the Pre-Revolutionary Period Hence, the Enlightenment and Great Awakening played a central role in shaping the colonists’ ways of thinking, which significantly changed the way that the residents of North American colonies regarded the authorities.
The Development of Economic Thought The economic model has undergone a radical metamorphosis since the eighteenth century, many inspired by the work of John Maynard Keynes, who described the possibilities of using fiscal and monetary policies of the state to […]
Mother Earth, a Thought-Provoking Piece of Art The wide use of blue color is especially remarkable because it is a great method by the author of the painting to attract the viewers’ attention to the theme of the painting the Planet Earth […]
Intro to Linguistics: Language as the Declaration of Thought First of all, it can be said that everything that happens to achieve something in the world is a kind of situation that may be described as ‘case’ in the universe.
Professional Learning Communities: Schools of Thought The overall outcome of the analysis will be used as the proper meaning and purpose of professional learning communities. According to them, professional learning communities comprise a group of individuals who possess the same career […]
The Ship of Theseus: An Ancient Thought Experiment The ship begins a voyage around the world and in the course of this voyage some of the parts of the ship inevitably break. The entire framework of the ship that left the port has […]
Critical Thinking: Thought and Intellectual Standard Elements of thoughts and intellectual standards are very vital parts of the critical thinking process and this essay will look at some of the elements of thoughts and intellectual standards in details.
A Philosophical Thought on Modern Political Environment In his literature titled ‘the prince’, Machiavelli points out some of the things that a prospective leader needs to do for them to occupy the bigger seat.
American Monetary Thought, 1920-1970 by Perry Mehrling It is important to note at this point that the book took a biographical view on how the three mentioned economists looked at the situations that faced them at the time they gave their views […]
Extending Thought in Young Children This project was carried out to illustrate the importance of family participation in the proper upbringing of children as well as the importance of team work between child minders and children in an effort to […]
Various Limitations Upon Clear Thinking in the Halpern “Thought and Knowledge” It is due to the issue of critical empowerment, that the ability of individuals escorts them to withdraw themselves from the understood assumptions of theoretical practices and power relations with the subject.
Classical Political Thought. Democracy in Plato’s Republic During Plato’s life, the democratic constitution set the seal on the work of the tyranny, for it ensured the exclusion of the large landowner from a predominating influence on politics, and it put effective power […]
Philosophical Thought by Nietzsche He is examining the notion of autonomy and what truly constitutes an autonomous act and arrives at the understanding that what is important in the question of free will is the rationale behind the choice […]
Classical Utopian Thought: “Utopia” by Thomas More In addition, the paper will try to understand the relationship of Utopia with the development of Classical Utopian thought, as well as, with the Christian Idealism that are some of the major themes of More’s […]
“A History of Chinese Political Thought” by Y. Kim According to the author, the Qing dynasty was one of the key points that marked the end of one era and the beginning of the other one.
Epilogue of “A History of Chinese Political Thought” by Kim It is devoted to China’s identity and its relation to political thought within the three periods of China’s contested centrality: in early modern East Asia, in modern East Asia, and in contemporary East Asia. In […]
“A History of Chinese Political Thought” by Kim To become the strong Republic of China, the Qing dynasty had to contribute to the foundation of collective identity and establish its operational power in a large context.
Sweet Silent Thought: Alliteration and Poetry In the research article “Sweet silent thought: alliteration and resonance in poetry comprehension,” the researchers were mainly interested in scrutinizing alliteration and how it generally functions as a memory cue during the process of poetry […]
Frantz Fanon’s Philosophy: Africana Critical Thought First of all, the existential component of Fanon’s philosophy was expressed in the attempt to analyze the essential aspects of existence from the perspective of human beings as not only thinking subjects but also subjects […]
Readings on Catholic Social Thought While most Mass-attending devout Catholic worshippers would flinch at the mere hint of violence, the purpose of this essay is to give an understanding of what conditions can a war be imposed upon aggressors.
Heliocentric Thought in the Middle Ages: Lesson Plan The students will learn basic information about the development of heliocentric thought in the Middle Ages and its significance on the later development of science and culture.
The Key Features of Buddhist Thought and Practice These three characteristics are always connected with existence as they tend to illuminate the nature of existence as well as helping the faithful to have knowledge of what to do with existence.
Perception, Thought Process and Attention They tend to understand that the world has its dangers and as a result, they are in a position to perceive the world’s opportunities and beauty and consequently think positively.
Thought Traps as the Cause of Bad Decisions in Human Life Thinking traps or cognitive bias are one of the most widespread causes of incorrect or bad decisions that affect the life of the individual and the lives of people surrounding him or her.
Thought Processes and Perception Influences These are some of the factors that lead to the features, which affect the process of thinking and making decisions. There is a relationship between logic and perception, in that the meaning of logic and […]
Linking Schools of Thought to General Psychology The use of scientific method in this school of thought is one of its core values. The questions therefore tend to focus on in-depth accounts of mental conditions.
The Concept of Labor in Political Thought In the most basic terms, the concept of labor according to Marx is based on the process of objectifying the materials.
Environment, Thought Process and Perception However, the perception of the world depends on the environment in which one lives in. The other form of perception is environmental perception that is formed basing on the manner in which one receives information.
Effects of Thought Suppression on Smoking Behavior In the article under analysis called I suppress, Therefore I smoke: Effects of Thought Suppression on Smoking Behavior, the authors dedicate their study to the evaluation of human behavior as well as the influence of […]
Organ Donation Myths: Critical Thought This essay is aimed at subverting three of the most common myths about the subject matter by considering the facts closely, relating them to the values concerning the organ donation, and isolating the issues related […]
The History of Economic Thought Jeremy Bentham is one of the most influential philosophers of the 18th and the early 19th centuries, he propounded many significant insights that sought to determine t role of the state in economics and among […]
Scientific Thought Through the History In France, Voltaire and colleagues struggled to enlighten the society that strongly held the culture of church and monarchy.d’Alembert, Montesquieu, and Pierre were some of the arebellious’ who supported Voltaire in the campaign for freedom […]
Management Article: I Thought I Knew What Good Management Was From the essay we realize how important it is for the managers to deploy the services of external consultants in the course of harmonizing the system and ironing out any internal wrangles and disputes. Another […]
An Exploration of the Application of Environmental Ethical Thought to Animal Rights A good example to illustrate the scope of hunting as an environmental problem that is associated with the polar bear is to look at its nature in Canada and the United States of America.
Foucault on the Rise of Critical Thought Foucault thus clarified that the rise of critical thought was not coincidental to the occurrence of the Reformation and the Renaissance.
Fables and Ethics: Applying Principles in Ethical Thought through the Analysis of Narratives The right thing to do in this case is not to achieve perfection in terms of following the guidelines set by the National Museum but to involve the members of the community so that they […]
Thought Leaders and Organizational Change The thought leader should be aware of the goals of the change and all the details related to it. The leader should be consistent and persistent while outlining peculiarities of the change to the group […]
Hobbes’ School of Thought Hobbes’ school of thought believes that the political authority is sovereign to the populations, thus should remain obedient and fearful to the authority in order to enjoy the services of the ruling class.
Connections Between Students’ Prior Experiences, Interests, and Thought Processes Students’ prior experience, interest, and process of thinking can influence learning due to the fact that learning is the dynamic process of shaping and reshaping thoughts based on new knowledge.
History of Economic Thought Mercantilists consider the advancement of foreign trade to be a key to the attainment of state security and prosperity of a country.
Effects of Classical Body to Environmental Thought The study emphasizes on the negative effects of this features to the environment and methods of stopping them from harming the environment.
Schools of economic thought Of all the schools of thought, the neoclassical school of thought has had the most influence in my way of thinking.
Towards Understanding the History of Psychology through Philosophical Thought Many civilizations throughout the course of history have offered speculative ideas about the nature of thought, soul, and spirit, a focal point that is mainly perceived as the precursor to the field and discipline of […]
The Impact of Racial Thought on the Aboriginal People in Relation to Australian History To this effect, Anderson and Perrin vocalize the concerns of most researchers at that time by saying that: The Aborigines’ utter lack of development posed a fundamental challenge to the assumption of human unity.”In so […]
History of Management Thought The main purpose of the experiment was to improve the overall experience of work of the employees to increase the productivity of the workers.
SmallBizMaster Classes you never thought would help in an online business Did you wonder why you had to suffer through most of the courses you took from kindergarten to the completion of your education?
Autism and Visual Thought Suprisingly the quality of visual thinking according to Bogdashina is dependent on other factors like time and the state the autistic person is in.
Relationship Between Language and Thought As for Tyler, it is certain that theories have said that language and thought are similar, such that language is used to express thoughts of a person.
The Effects of the Internet on People’s Ability for Deep Thought and Extended Contemplation The critics and technology stakeholders chosen as the respondents to the survey provided their take on the issue of the effects of the internet.
The Concept of the Lie in Political Thought: “Nietzsche and Rousseau” In the realm of political thought, there exists a troubling paradox: how is it that the political elite can continue to lie to the populace with impunity, particularly when the populace is well aware of […]
Analysis of Jill Bolte Tailor’s Experience Through the Religious Prism In order not to be misled, I would like to offer to your attention the exact definition of the word “nirvana” in the Webster’s Dictionary, which states: “Nirvana is the final beatitude that transcends suffering, […]
Critical Thinking Method vs. The Elements of Thought Questions: Finding Out Which Method Is More Effective For example from Asking the Right Questions the first two questions: 1) What are the issues and conclusions? and 2) What are the reasons; are similar to Elements of Thought’s first two questions: 1) What […]
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2.1: Critical Thinking Essay

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Andrew Gurevich
Mt Hood Community College via MHCC Library Press

In the first few weeks, we will watch several TED Talks about the nature of the brain, the complex relationship between critical and creative thinking, and how emerging research in hemispheric science sheds some light on how we think about the world. We will also read several articles on the same (or similar) topics. After watching these talks, we will also review some of the basic material on how arguments are evaluated in academic contexts (by exploring the Greek model of Logos, Pathos & Ethos). Then in your essay, please address the following:

What is the importance of developing a proper understanding of the nature of critical and creative thinking and how the two must be used in relationship to one another? With quotes and references to the TED Talks , class readings, and your own research and experience, please discuss what we are learning about the nature of critical and creative thinking and how we must use the two in conjunction to help us generate ideas for collaborative design and problem solving.(HINT: This should be the lens through which you generate your primary thesis statement which will, in turn, direct the ways you develop and discuss the rest of the elements you have been asked to explore. In other words, use this as the frame by which you choose what you will focus on with regard to the nature of the brain, critical thinking and argument.)
If appropriate to your thesis, discuss how the emerging research in brain hemispheric science influences our understanding of the critical and creative thinking processes.
If appropriate to your thesis, discuss how evidence-based approaches to argument (Logos) are central to properly developing, analyzing and understanding the arguments we encounter in the world.
If appropriate to your thesis, what is the importance of cultivating “intellectual humility” and avoiding the panic often associated with “being wrong” in the process of becoming strong critical and creative thinkers?

Remember, an essay is an “attempt” to interact meaningfully with concepts that require careful, thoughtful reflection and exploration. Think of this assignment as a conversation between yourself and the speakers about the substantive issues the TED Talks address.

Assignment Details:

3-5 sources consulted in the essay and listed on a Works Cited page.
3-4 pages, double-spaced, 12.pt font. MLA format.
Present your main idea in a clear thesis statement in the Introduction.
Support your claim or focus with evidence and examples from the TED Talks and some more external research.
Present one major point (in a topic sentence) per paragraph and explain it fully, with detailed support and examples, before you move on to your next point/paragraph.
Wrap up your essay with a conclusion that revisits your overall topic and thesis.
Remember to include an “in-text” citation following each source you quote, summarize or paraphrase.
We have several pages posted here in The Writing Process page that deal with proper MLA documentation. Please refer to them.
Consult the MHCC databases for relevant articles related to your research.
Submit your essay by the due date on the schedule in the appropriate place in the week’s lesson module.
Follow the submission instructions there for uploading your essay.

Things to Consider:

You may write an essay that is more personal but based in the relevant research. Or you may write an essay that is more clinical and objective in scope that looks at the issue from a societal and/or cultural perspective. Either way, pick something that is interesting to you and to your own life, career path, goals, etc. and make it relevant to the material we have been covering so far.
Remember, also, that a thesis statement may begin (in a draft form) as a question but by the time you turn your essay in, it has to be stated as an assertion.
Develop your thesis through a primary pattern of development: (personal narrative, comparison/contrast, cause/effect, etc.) These can be explored in “The Writing Process” section of our BlackBoard page.

Sample Topics:

These are listed in rough form. You may pick from these or develop your own:

Intellectual humility, grounding critical thinking in sound reasoning and authoritative, relevant support, and being curious and asking the right questions.
Importance of being wrong, withholding judgment until enough evidence is gathered, and considering multiple perspectives.
Being “critical” of something is not the same as attacking or dismissing it. Critical and Creative Thinking. What each is and how they work together.
Left and Right Hemispheres. What the new research shows and how this influences our understanding of the critical and creative thinking processes.
Memory and the pitfalls and opportunities it presents when engaged in critical and creative thinking processes.

Sample Outline:

Topic choice (converted to a workable thesis statement):

Strong critical and creative thinking skills include the abilities to: recognize the importance of being wrong, withhold judgment until enough evidence is gathered, and consider multiple perspectives.

General Introduction and a developed Thesis based on the above topics.
Importance of being wrong. Support paragraphs that use proper references to the TED Talks, your own experience and external research.
Withholding judgment until enough evidence is gathered. Support paragraphs that use proper references to the TED Talks, your own experience and external research.
Considering multiple perspectives. Support paragraphs that use proper references to the TED Talks, your own experience and external research.
Conclusion that revisits main Thesis and provides a sense of closure.

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100 Critical Essay Topics for Students

When students get writing assignments, the first thing they should do is find good critical analysis essay topics. Their eventual success depends on this choice, so they must be careful and attentive to details. But difficulties emerge at the very start as lots of young people have no idea what critical analysis is and which topic they should be looking for in the first place. This essay type requires you to analyze a text or an issue, interpret it, and support this interpretation with facts and evidence.

It’s vital to learn how to prove your opinions and how to remain objective despite your personal feelings on the matter. This is going to be extremely useful when you continue to work on other essays and in your life in general, especially when you have arguments with someone. Topics have a big meaning here: we’re going to show you why as well as how to make the best choice.

How to Choose Suitable Critical Essay Topics

Inquiry about topics is one of the most common things students search online. On the one hand, it shows that many of them understand the importance of themes, but on the other, it also proves that making a choice isn’t easy. For tackling this problem, we’ve developed 4 great tips that will guide you through the process of topic selection.

Choose passionately. To evaluate something and make your essay compelling, you need to be interested in the topic you’re exploring. It cannot be an issue you don’t care about because if you lack a solid position, there is no point in writing an essay like this. Your readers must feel your passion along with your interest; besides, writing is much more exciting when you know what you’re doing and eagerly want to share your opinion with others.
Ensure you have an argument . For example, you found critical analysis topic you like and that you wouldn’t mind exploring. But when you start settling on an interpretation, you realize you don’t have a solid one. The topic might be too broad and generic or too obvious, in no need for close analysis. In this instance, you’ll have to look for some other prompts.
Check your bias. Before writing anything, ensure you know how to do that critically. Good critical analysis essay topics are often controversial, and if you can’t stay objective, then you shouldn’t focus on this theme. For instance, if you are exploring Trump’s presidency but you hate him with passion, you might consider changing topics because you won’t be able to assess all of his actions without bias.
Collect useful sources. Sources will be essential as you write. When you decided on a topic, start gathering them. Look through databases and online libraries; focus on articles that have DOI and which deal with your theme. They must serve as foundation for your essay. In case you can’t find good sources, you might consider looking for another topic once more.

100 Critical Analysis Topics For Your Essay

Despite suggestions above, making a decision isn’t always easy. You could chase after numerous shapes of topics fruitlessly, unable to settle on one and summon even a shred of inspiration. For such cases, seeing a list like we developed below could be a great decision. Take a look: there are ten big categories with ten diverse topics of all types. If you read through them all, you’re guaranteed to find something to write about.

Education and School Topics

Students are often drawn to critique essay topics related to education. If you are also interested in them, here they are.

Discuss the Importance of Homework in Education
Should Art Be an Obligatory Subject in Educational Establishments?
Implementing Sex Education in Schools: When Should It Be Done & Why?
Colleges With No Tuition: Is It a Possibility in a Country like the USA?
Should Going to School Be a Necessity for Children Regardless of Their Upbringing?
How Do Schools in Poor Districts Differ From Those In Expensive Ones?
Is System of Anti-Bullying Measures in Modern American Schools Effective?
Is There a Specific Kind of Students Who Should Consider Earning Master’s Degree?
Studying in the US vs. Going to Study Abroad?
Is There a Correlation between Getting Education and Finding a Great Job?

Critical Essay on Society and Social Issues

Our world is a tough place with constant conflicts and problems, so there are plenty of critical thinking essay topics that could be analyzed here.

Explain Why the Issue of Homelessness Is Not Resolved Even in Developed Countries
Impact That Abusive Households Have On Children’s Minds
Are Children Who Grow Up With Single Parents Less Successful Than Those Who Have Both Parents?
Why Is Cheating Done by Males Seen as More Neutral Than When Females Do It?
What Should an Effective Plan Against World Poverty Look Like?
How Racism Is Displayed by Police Officers & What Consequences This Problem Has
Why Is the Problem of Eating Disorders So Prevalent Among Young Females?
Could Obesity Be Viewed as a Real Social Problem?
Why Men Are More Aggressive in Their Communication Methods
Do Beautiful People Have Easier Lives Than Those Who Do Not Correspond to Conventional Beauty Standards?

Personality Critical Essays Topics

People often hold fascination toward other people. If you are interested in discussing your personality or that of someone else, you’ll enjoy critical response essay topics below.

Is Society the Most Important Factor Among Those Affecting People’s Personality?
Why Do People Start Smoking At Progressively Earlier Stages of Life?
How Having Supportive Parents Influences Person’s Confidence Levels
Why Do People with Successful Backgrounds Develop Gaming Addiction
How Do Children Subjected to Corporal Punishments Differ From Those Who Lived in Healthy Families?
Explain How the Concept of Peer Pressure Appeared & What Impacts It Has
How Do Ineffective Teachers Affect Their Young Students’ Desire to Study?
Most Prevalent Addictions Developed by Teenagers: What Are They & What Causes Them?
Discuss Why Pack Mentality Is Dangerous and Which Factors Cause It
Why Children Raised Under the Same Conditions Often Grow Up to Be Extremely Different

Literature Critical Essay Prompts

How about cultural criticism essay topics? Books are amazing, and writing papers on them could be fun.

What Does the Story Birthmark by Nathaniel Hawthorne Teach Us?
Pick a Favorite Story & Evaluate How Its Overall Atmosphere Has Been Created
Assess How Setting of the Hunger Games Mirrors Our Modern World
Select Any Book About Immigration and Analyze Its Cultural Context
Is There a Link Between Stephen King’s Background & His Works?
How Does J.K. Rowling Make Her Readers Sympathize with Her Characters?
Evaluate Personality of Bella Swan & Why People Love or Hate Her
What Idea Lies Behind War and Peace Novel?
What Elements Make Horror Novels Scary?
Discuss the Idea of Info Dump & How It Affects Books

Entertainment Ideas

In the time of isolation, critical review topics about entertainment are a great way to distract yourself.

Three Most Ways of Entertainment: Discuss Why They are Popular
Why Are Modern Parties Getting More Immoral With Time?
Why Are Documentaries That Are Animal Friendly Show Animal Violence?
Role of Alcohol and Drugs In Modern Entertainment Teenagers Practice
Could Computer Games Be Used for Something Other Than Entertainment?
Reality Shows Are Based on Fake Events and Performance
Why Is Music a Popular Choice Among People?
What Truth Lies Beneath Musical Clips
Writing Stories Is one of the Best Ways of Having Fun
What Makes YouTube Content So Addictive?

Critical Essays Ideas on Nature and Animals

As the world is dying slowly, topics for critical thinking are in endless supply. Try some of these.

Methods We Could Use to Preserve Our Nature
Dogs Being People’s Best Friends: Is This Idea True?
Do Trees Have Their Way to Communicate Their Thoughts?
Why Spending Time Outside Is Soothing for Body and Mind
Where Did Negative Stereotypes About Pigeons Come From & Why?
Why Do People Keep Dangerous Animals as Pets?
Analyze Relationship Between Dogs and Cats from Behavioral Perspective
Are Some Animals Born Bad or Do People Not Know How to Train Them?
Why Are Microbes Dangerous and What Use Do They Bring?
Is Testing on Animals More Unethical or More Beneficial?

All of us are worried about our health in the middle of pandemics. These critical thinking essay topics examples reflect this unfortunate trend.

Analyze Why Health Insurance Should Be Improved
Is Art Therapy a Myth or Reality?
Why Do the Same Drugs Have Different Prices?
Evaluate Whether America Provides Quality Healthcare
What Is More Important, Physical or Mental Health?
Analyze Differences between Various Types of Nurses: Why Do They Exist?
Is Panic Over COVID Blown Out of Proportions?
Is It Possible to Stop People From Abusing Insurance Benefits?
Why Do People Buy Drugs When They Do Not Need Them?
How Does Mother’s Smoking During Pregnancy Affect Child’s Development?

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Movies and TV Prompts

You can always look through good critical thinking topics in the sphere of fiction. Completing an essay on your favorite movie or TV show sounds fund and easy!

Which Books Are Chosen For Being Turned Into Movies?
When Did the Idea of Humor In Movies Become Vulgar?
Why Are Art House Movies Considered Niche?
Why Musicals Attract the Audience?
Select Any Movie From Any Decade: What Does It Reveal About Culture Of Those Times?
Analyze Which Movies Can Expect to Get Oscars?
Why Are Remakes of Older Movies Created?
Analyze How Women Are Portrayed in Media These Days
Dissect the Issue of Queerbaiting in TV Shows: What Is Its Purpose?
Why Is ‘Hannibal’ Such a Vastly Misunderstood Show?

Analyzing the past is often fascinating, so pick any critical thinking topic from this category.

Take Country with the Longest History: How Did It Manage to Exist for So Long?
How Accurate Are Modern Historical Movies?
Where Did Hitler Go Wrong When Creating His Nazi Ideology?
What Caused USSR to Fall Apart
Pick Any Historical Documentary & Evaluate How Accurate It Is
Why Do People Say That America Is Built on Blood?
Analyze History of Your Hometown: What Caused Its Success/Failure?
Do People Learn From Mistakes of Their Ancestors?
Which War Could Be Considered the Bloodiest & Why?
Analyze How Media Shapes People’s Views on History

Critical Essay Ideas on Environment

Are you worried about our environment? If you do, these topics for critical thinking could fit the bill.

Evaluate a Specific Way of Fighting Pollution
Why Do People Continue to Use Plastic Despite Its Destructiveness?
Can All People Be Forced to Fight for Environment?
Discuss How and Why Environmentalism Started
Describe GMO and Provide Critical Analysis on Its Impacts
What Could Replace Pesticides With Modern Technologies?
Is Green Ideology Sustainable in a Long-Term Perspective?
Why Do Some Individuals Not Believe in Global Warming?
Is There a Real Way to Stop Global Warming?
How Does Capitalism Affect the Environment?

Adjust Your Critical Essay Topic Ideas and Make Writing Fun

We hope you found a topic to your liking in the list we offered above! Adjust it as you see fit until it suits the essay plan you have in mind, and then start your research. When you’re writing about something you truly enjoy, you’ll see many other positive changes: time will fly faster, the grade will be higher, and your overall enjoyment will increase by a lot! In case essay still gives you troubles, consider finding assistance online. Share your request with us, and you’ll get a response within a minute. We will happily provide you with an individual supply of critical analysis paper topics or complete an essay for you by your deadline. Just tell us what you require and it’ll be done!

Can’t come up with a topic for you paper? We’ve prepared a collection of essay topics for you

Want to write a winning essay but lack experience? Browse our free essay samples

Critical Thinking Essays – Examples, Topics, & Guide

Critical thinking is an essential skill everybody can master. It improves the quality of people’s academic, professional, and personal lives. This skill lets you analyze new information and view things from different perspectives. But what is it, and how do you develop it? What do you do if you have a critical thinking essay assignment?

Our experts will answer these questions and many more. Additionally, they will provide tips that will help you in the future and aid in writing your academic papers. You’ll read about the critical thinking paper format, browse various topics, and discover high-quality critical thinking essay examples.

🧠 What Is Critical Thinking?

🧩 Basics of Critical Thinking Essays
⚠️ Fallacies in Critical Thinking
📑 Essay Structure
💡 Paper Topics
🌟 Essay Examples

🔗 References

Critical thinking lets you approach any issue logically and rationally. The references to this term go back to the Greek philosophers Socrates and Plato. It enables you to draw connections between ideas and events, interpret them, evaluate, and analyze information. In the end, you’ll find it easier to determine whether something is true or false. You also see the bigger picture and present your ideas more cohesively.

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

🧩 The Basics of Critical Thinking Essays

Working on your critical thinking will reap great rewards for your academic and daily life. Here are the changes and improvements you may notice for yourself:

What Is a Critical Thinking Essay?

A critical thinking essay has students analyze works from an author’s point of view. You can assess movies, poems, paintings, books, and other pieces of content in these papers. This academic paper lets students hone their analytical skills. The essay focuses a lot on how students interpret the meaning of the assessed work.

Unlike different types of essays and academic writing, this one doesn’t involve expressing personal subjective opinions. You can describe the subject of the study, detailing its core ideas and effectiveness. Your paper should make a coherent argument based on specific examples.

The Critical Thinking Process

As you can see, critical thinking skills are vital to your academic, professional, and personal growth. They come in handy not only in the college environment but also in improving the quality of your daily life .

The internet and social media are filled with misinformation and fabrications. Critical thinking makes it easier to navigate this sea of half-truths. Several steps can help you develop this skill.

Find the problem . Identify the issue you’re trying to solve. Ask what happened, why, what assumptions you’ve made, and how it can be solved at first glance. Clearing these details makes it easier to pursue the next steps.
Do your research. Once you establish what’s wrong, identify its causes. Find out why it happened, who is responsible, and what the outcome can be. Use as many sources as you can to see the whole picture .
Establish data’s relevance. After you’ve gathered enough facts, check the credibility of the sources. Look only for information that’s relevant to your issue. It will help you reach the best conclusion.
Ask questions. Your decision should be unbiased. It can be achieved by questioning your assumptions, possible variables, various perspectives, and points of view you might have ignored. These aspects make your thought process more logical and less personal.
Search for the best solution. To achieve this, connect the causes and effects of the problem. Find the best way to address it by assessing the gathered facts. Often, this process isn’t as straightforward, as there are too many factors to consider.
Present it. Next, present your solution to the interested parties. Sometimes, you have several equally good solutions to propose. Keep testing them one by one until you find the right match.
Assess your choice. Finally, inspect how well your solution worked. It may be a huge success but is equally likely to fail wholly or partially. You can still learn valuable things from this experience.

12 Essential Critical Thinking Questions

We would also like to cover 12 helpful tips for assessing all types of information. Practice them, and you’ll soon be able to improve your critical thinking skills.

How did you learn this?
How would you approach this issue?
Do you agree or disagree with the author?
Would you change your mind when faced with new facts?
Are there more than two sides to this problem?
Did you do thorough research?
What would be an ideal outcome?
What is the other side of this argument?
How can you stop this problem from occurring?
Why is this an issue in the first place?
Whom can this problem affect the most?
How can you tell if something works or not?

📑 Critical Thinking Essay Structure

You can write a critical thinking essay by yourself when you are familiar with the writing process and logical fallacies. We’ve prepared this segment to make your work as effective as possible. Here, we will go through the stages of a standard critical thinking essay and what to include in each of them. Besides, after reading it, you won’t have issues writing thesis statements .

How to Start a Critical Thinking Essay?

Like all essays, papers on critical thinking begin with an introduction. Here, you provide basic information about your subject, its origin, and its significance. Always start with a hook sentence that contains a fact, a quote, a statistic, or an interesting question. It’s your way of teasing what the critical thinking paper is about.

Introduction: Background and Thesis

The introductory part of your critical thinking paper tells readers what it will be about. Here, you also explain the subject of your paper and why it’s crucial. Provide exciting background data so that people understand the topic. End with a thesis statement that introduces the rest of your writing. Here are some tips to make it perfect:

Don’t go into much detail . A good introduction should disclose the right amount of information that makes people read more. Ideally, an intro looks like a teaser for a movie you’re about to see.
Explain the topic in plain terms . Write the introduction from the perspective of someone who knows nothing about the paper’s main subject. You can never assume that everybody is on the same page as you.
Stay brief . Don’t get carried away; trim this part until it’s about 250 words long. Edit and rewrite until you get a snippet of the paper in a couple of paragraphs.

The three best tips for your thesis statement.

Body Paragraphs

After you finish the previous part, it’s time to present your arguments in the body. This section can be divided into several segments. The first paragraph summarizes the work or a concept you’re assessing without personal opinions. The second one contains your evaluation, including the strong and weak points.

There are several things to consider when writing this part of the critical thinking paper:

Look for controversies and biases. A good critical essay should uncover biases and controversial statements made by an author. Point them out even if you enjoy the work, as this is a matter of fact.
Establish inconsistencies and fallacies. Nobody can be 100% logical all the time. To make your paper more solid, look for errors or inconsistent arguments.
Find points of connection. Finally, look for things you agree with about the author. This way, you’ll add authenticity to your work and make it stand out among other submitted papers.

The conclusive part of the essay reinforces the content of the introduction and body paragraphs . It tells readers what makes the subject of your paper unique and worth discussing. Here, you summarize the strong and weak points of the topic. Tell your audience about the personal effect it had or how it inspired you.

There are several things you can do to write a better conclusion:

Reread the entire paper. This way, you can reflect on the text and include the right focal points in the final part. Do this several times until you find the right words for the conclusion.
Share your thoughts . The final part should contain your general opinion about the assessed subject. You can agree or disagree with its author and provide several ways to improve or change things.
Reinforce the significance of the evaluated work . Recognize why the person’s work influences a particular field and how it can be used in further studies.

How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay: Key Takeaways

To start a critical essay, you need a solid central argument. Once you have one, collect information from reliable sources. Next, you develop a thesis statement and draft an outline. Then, you will have everything necessary to start writing your assignment’s introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

💡 Critical Thinking Paper Topics

If you still struggle with finding the right theme for your work, don’t worry. We’d like to introduce a list of critical essay topics and questions. It’s bound to have exciting and inspirational ideas that can serve as inspiration or the subject of your academic papers.

Should college education be free for particular majors?
What are the benefits of social work for lawbreakers?
Is psychology a real discipline , or is it made up?
Theme of loss in Islands in the Stream .
Show how the movie The Night in Lisbon depicts immigration.
A reflection on the fall of Troy .
What can people learn from stoic philosophy?
Leading causes of eating disorders .
The role of racism in university admissions.
Can peer pressure be beneficial?
Discuss the main ideas of The Pickwick Papers .
Can we stop global warming?
Is there a formula for an Oscar-winning movie?
An examination of ethnic and gender stereotypes in British songs.
The leading causes of Roman decline.
Was America founded on the wrong ideas?
Analyze the portrayal of Asian Americans in modern movies.
What are the main factors of developing a pack mentality?
The influence of teachers on children’s education.
What are the main pitfalls of sex education in US schools?
Does art therapy help alleviate symptoms of PTSD?
Is comedy a dying art?
Analyze the history of Imperial Japan .
Primary factors that lead to alcoholism .
How is womanhood depicted in Anna Karenina ?
Why are people obsessed with The Sopranos ?
Ways to clean plastic from the ocean .
Evaluate the portrayal of Atticus Finch by Gregory Peck.
Why do people fail to learn from historical mistakes?
The effect of abusive relationships on children .
Analyze the influence of book titles on reader expectations.
Why are people fascinated by dangerous animals?
How do problem-solving skills help with team management?
What are the ethical implications of animal testing?
Should everybody get a college education?
The main outcomes of WW1.
Was the USSR set up for failure?
Describe how justice is portrayed in Les Miserables .
Evaluate the efficiency of green technology .
Why do some people have trouble with decision-making?

🌟 Critical Thinking Writing Examples

Finally, we would like to show several critical thinking essay examples. Reading them will give you a better understanding of how to begin writing your work and which direction to choose.

Critical Thinking in Educational Psychology Teaching students about making rational decisions is one of the main goals of education. It’s vital to foster critical thinking, which is a handy skill to have in modern society. Nowadays, these efforts are justified by the need to navigate vast data streams and make thoughtful decisions about their reliability. However, certain controversies are involved in its theoretical and practical use, especially about how schools teach people about critical thinking and the result of their efforts. This paper aims to assess the framework of issues related to critical thinking and ways of improving its teaching in educational psychology.

Helpful tips for writing your critical thinking essay.

Mass Media: Critical Thinking Skills, Images, and Stereotypes Being able to think critically lets you question your beliefs and any new information. It makes your thinking clear and rational, allowing you to see logical connections between facts and use them to form solid arguments. Reason lets you master this process through active research instead of passive observation. It’s crucial in the modern world and its oversaturation with information. The rise of fake news makes it worthwhile to avoid provocations and see events for what they are. You’ll need analysis, creative thinking, interpretation, judgment, problem-solving, and reasoning to make better decisions.
Critical Thinking in Nursing Care Critical thinking is one of the essential skills when it comes to patient care. It lets you come to the right conclusions through the use of such tools as analysis, consideration, interpretation, evidence, and methodology. Major theories and components are crucial for making effective decisions. One of them is the ability of nurses to understand and solve issues through rationalization. All while following established rules and guidelines. They improve their results and create a safer work environment.

We wish you the best of luck writing your superb critical thinking papers. Be sure to practice our tips and try our handy thesis statement generator ! Also, feel free to share our guide with friends.

Defining Critical Thinking. – Edward M. Glaser, Foundation for Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking Skills. – SkillsYouNeed
Common Fallacies (or Errors) in Reasoning. – Miami Dade College
5 Top Critical Thinking Skills (And How to Improve Them). – Jennifer Herrity, Indeed
13 Easy Steps to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills. – Bernard Marr, Forbes
How Using Critical Thinking Can Lead to Professional Growth. – Khushi Dalmia, Emeritus
Avoiding Errors in Reasoning. – UCC
How to Write a Critical Analysis Essay. – MasterClass
Critical Thinking for Critical Writing. – Julia Lane, Simone Fraser University
Critical Analysis Template. – Keiran Rankin and Sara Wolfe, Thompson Rivers University

Academic Writing: Critical Thinking & Writing

Academic Writing
Planning your writing
Structuring your assignment
Critical Thinking & Writing
Building an argument
Reflective Writing
Summarising, paraphrasing and quoting

Critical Thinking

One of the most important features of studying at university is the expectation that you will engage in thinking critically about your subject area.

Critical thinking involves asking meaningful questions concerning the information, ideas, beliefs, and arguments that you will encounter. It requires you to approach your studies with a curious, open mind, discard preconceptions, and interrogate received knowledge and established practices.

Critical thinking is key to successfully expressing your individuality as an independent learner and thinker in an academic context. It is also a valuable life skill.

Critical thinking enables you to:

Evaluate information, its validity and significance in a particular context.
Analyse and interpret evidence and data in response to a line of enquiry.
Weigh-up alternative explanations and arguments.
Develop your own evidence-based and well-reasoned arguments.
Develop well-informed viewpoints.
Formulate your own independent, justifiable ideas.
Actively engage with the wider scholarship of your academic community.

Writing Critically

Being able to demonstrate and communicate critical thinking in your written assignments through critical writing is key to achieving academic success.

Critical writing can be distinguished from descriptive writing which is concerned with conveying information rather than interrogating information. Understanding the difference between these two styles of academic writing and when to use them is important.

The balance between descriptive writing and critical writing will vary depending on the nature of the assignment and the level of your studies. Some level of descriptive writing is generally necessary to support critical writing. More sophisticated criticality is generally required at higher levels of study with less descriptive content. You will continue to develop your critical writing skills as you progress through your course.

Descriptive Writing and Critical Writing

Descriptive Writing
Critical Writing
Examples of Critical Writing

Descriptive writing demonstrates the knowledge you have of a subject, and your knowledge of what other people say about that subject. Descriptive writing often responds to questions framed as ‘what’ , ‘where’ , ‘who’ and ‘when’ .

Descriptive writing might include the following:

Description of what something is or what it is about (an account, facts, observable features, details): a topic, problem, situation, or context of the subject under discussion.
Description of where it takes place (setting and context), who is involved and when it occurs.
Re-statement or summary of what others say about the topic.
Background facts and information for a discussion.

Description usually comes before critical content so that the reader can understand the topic you are critically engaging with.

Critical writing requires you to apply interpretation, analysis, and evaluation to the descriptions you have provided. Critical writing often responds to questions framed as ‘how’ or ‘why’ . Often, critical writing will require you to build an argument which is supported by evidence.

Some indicators of critical writing are:

Investigation of positive and negative perspectives on ideas
Supporting ideas and arguments with evidence, which might include authoritative sources, data, statistics, research, theories, and quotations
Balanced, unbiased appraisal of arguments and counterarguments/alternative viewpoints
Honest recognition of the limitations of an argument and supporting evidence
Plausible, rational, convincing, and well-reasoned conclusions

Critical writing might include the following:

Applying an idea or theory to different situations or relate theory to practice. Does the idea work/not work in practice? Is there a factor that makes it work/not work? For example: 'Smith's (2008) theory on teamwork is effective in the workplace because it allows a diverse group of people with different skills to work effectively'.
Justifying why a process or policy exists. For example: 'It was necessary for the nurse to check the patient's handover notes because...'
Proposing an alternative approach to view and act on situations. For example: 'By adopting a Freirian approach, we could view the student as a collaborator in our teaching and learning'. Or: 'If we had followed the NMC guidelines we could have made the patient feel calm and relaxed during the consultation'.
Discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of an idea/theory/policy. Why does this idea/theory/policy work? Or why does this idea not work? For example: 'Although Smith's (2008) theory on teamwork is useful for large teams, there are challenges in applying this theory to teams who work remotely'.
Discussion of how the idea links to other ideas in the field (synthesis). For example: 'the user experience of parks can be greatly enhanced by examining Donnelly's (2009) customer service model used in retail’.
Discussion of how the idea compares and contrasts with other ideas/theories. For example: ‘The approach advocated by the NMC differs in comparison because of factor A and factor C’.
Discussion of the ‘’up-to-datedness” and relevance of an idea/theory/policy (its currency). For example: 'although this approach was successful in supporting the local community, Smith's model does not accommodate the needs of a modern global economy'.
Evaluating an idea/theory/policy by providing evidence-informed judgment. For example: 'Therefore, May's delivery model should be discontinued as it has created significant issues for both customers and staff (Ransom, 2018)'.
Creating new perspectives or arguments based on knowledge. For example: 'to create strong and efficient buildings, we will look to the designs provided by nature. The designs of the Sydney Opera House are based on the segments of an orange (Cook, 2019)'.

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What is a Critical Analysis Essay?

So, what is a critical analysis essay ? From my perspective, it’s an often academic writing exercise where you critique and interpret various aspects of a subject. This could range from a literary work to a historical event or even a complex scientific theory.

Such essays are not just summaries; they require you to delve beneath the surface, question assumptions, and present informed opinions. It’s about looking at a subject through a microscope and sharing your unique interpretation based on evidence. Even if you do not have a microscope 😉

What is the Difference Between a Critical Thinking Essay and a Critical Analysis Essay?

A “critical analysis essay” is like sitting down for a heart-to-heart with a friend about something that’s been bugging you. You’re not just blurting out whatever pops into your head. Instead, you’re taking a good, hard look at your thoughts, turning them over, and really questioning them. It’s all about how you sort through your ideas and how you convince others that what you’re saying makes sense.

Now, for a “critical analysis essay,” think of it as if you’re a judge on a talent show. You’ve got this act in front of you – could be a song, a dance, a painting – and you’re there to break down the performance. You’re looking at every little part to decide what’s hitting the right notes and what’s falling flat. And you’re not just going with your gut; you’re making your call based on solid evidence, explaining your verdict to everyone watching.

In a nutshell, both essays are about thinking smart, but the first one is more about sharing your own thinking process , while the second one is about taking a deep dive into something specific and telling it like it is.

Choosing Your Topic for Critical Analysis Essays

Selecting a topic can be daunting, but it’s crucial. It is balancing your interests and the potential for deep analysis. A broad topic can make your essay feel scattered, while something too narrow might limit your discussion.

Consider issues or subjects that make you curious, then narrow them down to a manageable scope. For instance, instead of tackling a broad subject like World War II, you could focus on the impact of propaganda in shaping public opinion during the war.

Where to Find Inspiration

Inspiration for your topic can come from many sources. Academic journals, class lectures, or current news articles can be great starting points. You could also look at the world around you – cultural trends, technological advancements, or social movements. A relevant and timely topic engages your interest and resonates with your audience.

Ready for the most interesting part of this read?

Topics for Various Disciplines for Critical Analysis Essays

Let me start with some ideas with a short description of how to use them so you can get a better understanding of how things work here in critical analysis essay writing.

Literature and the Arts

Consider exploring complex themes in renowned literary works or the influence of a particular art movement. For example, a critical analysis of Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” could explore themes of alienation and human identity, or an analysis of Cubism could examine its role in challenging traditional perspectives in art.

Historical Perspectives

Historical topics offer a wealth of possibilities. You could analyze the realpolitik behind key World War II decisions, or explore the social changes brought about by the Renaissance. These topics allow you to delve into the causes and effects of significant events, offering a richer understanding of history and cultural context.

Scientific and Technological Angles

There’s no shortage of fascinating topics in the realm of science and technology. From the ethical implications of AI in society to the scientific breakthroughs in genetics, these topics fuel and keep you engaged with cutting-edge developments.

Social and Political Issues

Topics in this category can include the dynamics of international relations, global warming, the impact of policy changes on society, or the role of leadership in shaping a nation’s path. This field offers a platform to analyze and critique current and historical events, policies, and their broader implications.

I am more than sure that you will need more critical analysis essay topic ideas, so below I’m sharing more ideas and breaking them into categories for your navigation.

Analyzing the theme of sacrifice in “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini.
The portrayal of women in Shakespeare’s “Othello.”
The use of symbolism in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
The representation of artificial intelligence in modern cinema.
A critical analysis of the cultural impact of “Game of Thrones.”
The evolution of superhero movies and their role in American cinema.
The influence of Renaissance art on modern aesthetics.
Critical analysis of Brutalism and its reception in the 21st century.
The role of graffiti as a form of social commentary.
The impact of social media on interpersonal communication.
Gender roles and their portrayal in contemporary advertising.
The effectiveness of the criminal justice system in dealing with juvenile offenders.
The critical role of propaganda during World War II.
A critical analysis of the Arab Spring and its long-term effects.
The political discourse in the age of misinformation and fake news.
The ethical implications of euthanasia.
A critical examination of existentialism in modern philosophy.
The concept of justice in Plato’s “Republic.”
The ethical considerations of genetic engineering.
The impact of technology on human cognition and attention spans.
A critical look at the race for space exploration and its significance.
The effects of globalization on local economies.
A critical analysis of the gig economy and worker rights .
Corporate social responsibility: A critical evaluation of its impact on consumer behavior.
The impact of standardized testing on the education system.
A critical look at the effectiveness of online learning versus traditional classroom learning.
The role of education in social mobility in different societies.
The portrayal of mental illness in modern media.
The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy as a treatment for depression.
The psychological impact of social isolation in the digital age.
The effectiveness of international agreements in combating climate change.
A critical analysis of the concept of sustainability in urban planning.
The impact of industrial agriculture on biodiversity.
The ethical implications of cloning and stem cell research.
A critical examination of the anti-vaccination movement.
The impact of pharmaceutical patents on developing countries.
The influence of classical music on modern genres.
A critical analysis of the role of Broadway in American culture.
The representation of race and ethnicity in Hollywood films.
The role of religion in modern politics.
A critical analysis of the separation of church and state in practice.
The impact of religious practices on mental health.
The concept of cultural appropriation in fashion and art.
A critical look at the evolution of gender identity in the 21st century.
The role of language in shaping national identity.
The impact of trade wars on global economic stability.
A critical examination of the United Nations’ role in maintaining international peace.
The influence of cultural exchange on international relations.
The role of citizen journalism in shaping public opinion.
A critical analysis of the impact of algorithms on news consumption.
The evolution of advertising tactics in the age of ad-blockers.
The influence of mega sporting events on national identity and economy.
A critical examination of gender equality in professional sports.
The role of sports as a tool for social change and awareness.
The impact of fast fashion on consumer culture and the environment.
A critical look at the evolution of streetwear.
The role of fashion influencers in shaping trends and consumer behavior.
The effects of tourism on preserving or exploiting cultural heritage.
A critical analysis of “voluntourism” and its impact on local communities.
The sustainability of the cruise ship industry.
The cultural significance of food and its role in identity.
A critical examination of diet trends and their health claims.
The impact of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on agriculture and food safety.
The role of failure in the entrepreneurial process.
A critical analysis of the Silicon Valley model of innovation.
The impact of crowdfunding on the traditional investment landscape.
The effectiveness of international law in addressing cybercrimes.
A critical examination of restorative justice practices.
The role of the judiciary in shaping societal norms.
The implications of digital footprints and privacy in the digital age.
A critical look at the gamification of everyday life.
The cultural significance of memes and viral content.
How might virtual reality change the landscape of education by providing immersive learning experiences?
In what ways could augmented reality applications revolutionize the way we interact with our everyday environment?
What are the potential psychological effects of long-term virtual reality usage on the human brain?
How do smart cities use technology to improve the efficiency of urban services and the quality of life for residents?
What are the privacy implications of the data collection necessary for running a smart city?
How can urban planners ensure that the benefits of smart cities are equitably distributed among all socioeconomic groups?
How does the evolution of internet slang reflect broader changes in culture and communication?
What impact does the use of internet slang have on language proficiency and literacy?
How can educators balance the need for formal language instruction with the recognition of evolving language trends?
What are the most significant barriers to the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources?
How do renewable energy projects impact local ecosystems and what measures can be taken to mitigate any negative effects?
Can renewable energy completely replace fossil fuels in the foreseeable future, and what would be the economic implications?
What distinguishes ethical hacking from cybercrime, and how are ethical hackers trained to ensure they remain on the right side of the law?
How can ethical hacking be used to strengthen cybersecurity measures in businesses and governments?
What ethical dilemmas arise when hackers use their skills for government surveillance or corporate espionage?
What role does social media play in shaping our self-esteem and mental well-being?
How can technology be used to improve access to mental health resources and support?
What are the long-term effects of the digital age on children’s mental health and development?
How does reality TV influence viewers’ perceptions of social norms and behaviors?
What are the ethical responsibilities of reality TV producers in portraying reality and protecting participants’ well-being?
How has reality TV affected the traditional boundaries between private life and public entertainment?
What ethical guidelines should be established for the potential mining of resources from other planets or moons?
How should humanity approach the potential discovery of extraterrestrial microbial life in terms of planetary protection and contamination?
What are the ethical considerations in sending long-term human missions to Mars, especially regarding the health and rights of the astronauts?

I hope this idea will give you at least some inspiration so you can invent your critical analysis essay topic. Ready to start the essay writing process now?

Adding some more ideas. Copy-paste them and start writing an excellent critical analysis essay.

15 General, But Interesting Critical Analysis Essay Topics

Why do conspiracy theories gain traction, and what does this reveal about human psychology and societal fears?
In what ways have maps influenced our perception of the world, and what hidden narratives do they carry?
What do the historical and cultural evolutions of tattoos tell us about changing ideals of beauty and self-expression?
Why has esports become a global phenomenon, and what does its rise indicate about the future of entertainment and sports?
How do time travel narratives in literature and film challenge our philosophical understanding of time and causality?
What social and cultural challenges might arise from the human colonization of other planets?
What ethical dilemmas are presented by technologies that promise to extend human lifespan significantly?
In what ways is silence employed in music and performance, and what does its use suggest about the nature of sound and space?
What can the creation and use of artificial languages teach us about human linguistic capabilities and the desire for a universal language?
Is the zero-waste movement a practical solution for environmental sustainability, and what impact does it have at the individual and societal level?
How do modern superhero narratives serve as a platform for contemporary mythology and what societal values do they reflect?
How do internet memes act as a barometer for cultural, political, and social climates?
What role do microbiomes play in our life, and how might they alter our understanding of human health and behavior?
What psychological principles do video game designers use to create engaging and sometimes addictive gameplay?
How has the art of storytelling evolved within the medium of video games, and what potential does it hold for future narrative experiences?

If you are interested in critical thinking essay topics, make sure to read another article where I have shared a great list of essay topics for our readers.

Tips for Writing a Successful Critical Analysis Essay

The art of writing a critical analysis essay lies in how well you can argue your point. Start with a clear thesis statement that is the backbone of your essay. Each point you make should support this thesis with evidence from credible sources.

Avoid mere summarization; instead, offer fresh insights. Ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a logical flow in your argument.

Easy Critical Analysis Essay Topics for Beginners

If you’re starting out, choose straightforward topics that offer scope for detailed analysis. Analyze a popular film, a well-known piece of art, or a basic scientific concept. These topics are less intimidating and provide a good foundation for developing critical analytical skills .

Advanced Topics for Experienced Writers

For the more seasoned writer, challenging topics can showcase your analytical prowess. Tackle complex philosophical theories, intricate scientific phenomena, or in-depth political strategies. These topics require a deeper understanding and research, offering a chance to demonstrate your academic maturity and prowess.

By the way, if you ever need help with your philosophy paper , Writing Metier is here to assist you!

The skills you acquire from writing critical analysis essays go beyond academic grades. They foster critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and the ability to view issues from multiple perspectives – invaluable skills in any career path you choose.

Ready to Write Your Critical Essay?

Selecting good critical essay topics can be a transformative academic path. It’s a chance to deepen your understanding, sharpen your analytical abilities, and articulate your views with clarity and sophistication.

Immerse yourself in the process, and remember that your perspective is a powerful tool in critical essays writing .

And if you ever need assistance with your critical essay, you can always count on our professional critical essay writers , who are available for you almost 365 days per year.

Free topic suggestions

Laura Orta is an avid author on Writing Metier's blog. Before embarking on her writing career, she practiced media law in one of the local media. Aside from writing, she works as a private tutor to help students with their academic needs. Laura and her husband share their home near the ocean in northern Portugal with two extraordinary boys and a lifetime collection of books.

Critical Thinking Essay Outline

A critical thinking essay outline is an essential part of writing an excellent essay. It helps you to organize your thoughts and ideas and ensures that your arguments are logical and well-structured. When writing a critical thinking essay outline, it's important to understand the topic well, analyze your sources carefully, and create a well-structured outline.

Critical Thinking Essay Topics

Critical thinking essay topics for your ease. This article explores a range of captivating critical thinking essay topics that will challenge your analytical abilities and stimulate intellectual discourse. Choose your topic wisely.

Critical Thinking Essay vs. Critical Essay

Both critical essays and critical thinking essays are important forms of academic writing that require careful analysis, evaluation, and reflection. While a critical essay involves analyzing and evaluating a text or idea, a critical thinking essay requires you to analyze an issue and reflect on it from different angles.

Critical Thinking Skills for writing Critical Thinking Essay

Critical thinking is an essential skill when it comes to writing a successful critical thinking essay. It involves analyzing and evaluating complex topics, making connections, and forming well-supported arguments. Developing strong critical thinking skills takes time and practice, but it can be done with the right approach. In this article, we'll explore tips and strategies to help you improve your critical thinking skills and approach your essay with confidence.

How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay? A Complete Guide

Whatever profession you plan to get into, it is important to have critical thinking skills so that you can understand how to make essential decisions in life. To find out how to write a critical thinking essay, continue reading!

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Critical Thinking: Definition and Analysis

This essay about the significance of critical thinking in various aspects of life, from academia to everyday interactions. It emphasizes the importance of analysis and synthesis in fostering intellectual autonomy and resilience. Through examples in different contexts, it highlights how critical thinking enables individuals to navigate complex information, evaluate arguments, and cultivate intellectual humility.

How it works

Critical thinking, a term often echoed in scholarly circles, workplaces, and beyond, is a skill of immense significance across various dimensions of life. It serves as the cornerstone of education, problem-solving, decision-making, and personal development. However, despite its ubiquitous presence, the concept of critical thinking remains somewhat enigmatic, with its definition subject to interpretation and nuanced understanding. In this exploration, we delve into the depths of critical thinking, endeavoring to unravel its essence, dissect its components, and illuminate its implications.

At its essence, critical thinking can be described as the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information or arguments in a systematic and reasoned manner.

It goes beyond mere acceptance or rejection of ideas; rather, it involves a rigorous examination of evidence, assumptions, and logical coherence. Critical thinkers engage in reflective and independent thinking, questioning assumptions, exploring alternative perspectives, and arriving at well-informed conclusions. Essentially, critical thinking acts as intellectual armor, equipping individuals with the tools to navigate the complex landscape of information and ideas in today’s world.

One of the foundational elements of critical thinking is analysis. Analysis entails breaking down complex ideas or issues into their constituent parts, closely examining them, and discerning patterns, relationships, or implications. It serves as the scaffolding for reasoned judgments by providing a framework for understanding. During analysis, evidence is scrutinized, biases are uncovered, the credibility of sources is assessed, and underlying assumptions are revealed. Through this process, a deeper understanding of the subject matter is attained, enabling individuals to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses more effectively.

However, analysis in critical thinking is not limited to deconstruction; it also involves synthesis – the integration of disparate elements into a coherent whole. Synthesis represents the culmination of analytical inquiry, where insights gleaned from individual pieces of information or perspectives are merged to form a comprehensive understanding. It is the creative aspect of critical thinking, where innovative ideas or solutions emerge from the interplay of diverse viewpoints. Thus, analysis and synthesis work in tandem to foster holistic comprehension and innovative thinking.

To underscore the significance of analysis in critical thinking, one can examine its application across various contexts. In academia, students are frequently tasked with analyzing literary texts, scientific data, historical events, or philosophical arguments. Through close examination, experimentation, or historical research, students learn to dissect complex phenomena, identify underlying themes or principles, and construct coherent interpretations. Similarly, professionals in fields such as business, law, or healthcare rely on analytical skills to dissect problems, assess risks, and formulate effective strategies. Whether it involves conducting market research, analyzing legal precedents, or diagnosing medical conditions, the ability to analyze information critically is indispensable.

Moreover, analysis in critical thinking extends beyond academic or professional domains; it permeates everyday life. Consider the deluge of information encountered through media channels, social networks, or interpersonal interactions. In an era of information overload and misinformation, the ability to analyze sources critically is paramount. Individuals must scrutinize news articles for bias, fact-check viral claims, and discern the agenda behind persuasive rhetoric. By honing analytical skills, individuals become less susceptible to manipulation and more adept at navigating the complexities of the modern world.

Furthermore, analysis in critical thinking fosters intellectual humility – the recognition of one’s fallibility and the willingness to revise beliefs in light of new evidence or perspectives. In a world marked by ideological polarization and echo chambers, intellectual humility is a rare trait. However, critical thinkers, through their commitment to rational inquiry and open-mindedness, cultivate this virtue. They recognize that truth is multifaceted and elusive, and that certainty is often illusory. Consequently, they approach arguments or viewpoints with skepticism, subjecting them to rigorous analysis before rendering judgment.

In conclusion, critical thinking, grounded in analysis, is an indispensable skill for navigating the complexities of the modern world. It empowers individuals to dissect information, evaluate arguments, and synthesize insights, fostering intellectual autonomy and resilience. Whether in academia, professional endeavors, or everyday life, the ability to think critically is indispensable. By honing analytical skills and nurturing intellectual humility, individuals can traverse the vast expanse of information and ideas with clarity and discernment. As dedicated practitioners of critical thinking, let us embrace the challenge of analysis, for therein lies the path to intellectual enlightenment and empowerment.

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16.5 Writing Process: Thinking Critically About Text

Learning outcomes.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Develop a writing project focused on textual analysis.
Complete the stages of the writing process, including generating ideas, drafting, reviewing, revising, rewriting, and editing.
Integrate the writer’s ideas with ideas of others.
Collaborate in the peer review process.

When analyzing a text, writers usually focus on the content of the text itself and deliberately leave themselves in the background, minimizing personal presence and bias. To write this way, they avoid first-person pronouns and value judgments. In reality, of course, writers do reveal their presence by the choices they make: what they include, what they exclude, and what they emphasize. Although your own subjectivity and situation will likely affect your inferences and judgments, recognizing these potential biases will help you keep the focus on your subject and off yourself.

Summary of Assignment

Write an analytical essay about a short story or another short text of your choice, either fiction or literary nonfiction. If desired, you may choose “The Storm” by Kate Chopin, reprinted above. Consider the author’s form and organization, tone, or stylistic choices, including diction and sensory or figurative language. You might also consider the historical or social context, the theme, the character development, or the relation between setting and plot or characterization. If you are free to choose your own text and topic, consider the following approaches:

Analyze the literary components mentioned and focus your essay on their significance in the work.
Like student author Gwyn Garrison, choose one or several components and examine how different authors use them and how they relate to broader contexts.

Convincing textual analysis essays usually include the following information:

overview of the text, identifying author, title, and genre
very brief summary
description of the text’s form and structure
explanation of the author’s point of view
summary of the social, historical, or cultural context in which the work was written
assertion or thesis about what the text means: your main task as an analyst

When writing about a novel or short story, explain how the main elements function:

narrator (who tells the story)
plot (what happens in the story)
one or more characters (who are acting or being acted upon)
setting (when and where things are happening)
theme (the meaning of the story)

Keep in mind that the author who writes the story is different from the narrator and invented characters in it. Keep in mind, too, that what happens in the story—the plot—is different from the meaning of the story—the theme. Understanding what happens will help you discover what the text means.

The elements of literary or narrative nonfiction are similar to those of a fictional story except that everything in the text is supposed to have really happened. For this reason, the author and the narrator of the story may be one and the same. Informational nonfiction—essays, reports, and textbook chapters—is also meant to be believed; here, however, ideas and arguments must be strong and well supported to be convincing. When analyzing nonfiction, pay special attention to the author’s thesis or claim and to how it is supported through reasoning and evidence. Also note interesting or unusual tone, style, form, or voice.

Another Lens 1. In writing from a personal or subjective viewpoint, the writer and their beliefs and experiences are necessarily part of your analysis and may need to be expressed and examined. For example, you may write subjectively and compare and contrast your situation with that of the author or a character. You might explain how your personal background causes you to read the text in a particular way that is meaningful to you. If you choose this option, be sure to analyze the text as you would for a more objective analysis before focusing on your personal views.

Another Lens 2. A leading contemporary example of narrative nonfiction writing is Jon Krakauer ’s (b. 1954) Into the Wild , the story of Chris McCandless (1968– c. 1992), a young college graduate who lived at subsistence level in the backwoods of Alaska for 113 days. The text is somewhat similar thematically to Henry David Thoreau ’s (1817–1862) Walden (1854), written more than a century earlier and discussed later in this section. Both are about dropping out of society to create a meaningful life. After reading the excerpt of Into the Wild linked above, you may choose to write a textual analysis of it either on its own or in light of the sample analysis of Thoreau’s writings later in this section. Consider comparing and contrasting McCandless’s situation with Thoreau’s life in Walden and how Krakauer and Thoreau use various literary elements in their writing. Topics for analysis might be setting, character traits, motives, cultural communities, historical context, and attitudes toward life and society.

Quick Launch: Start with Your Thesis

For textual analysis, your thesis should be a clear, concise statement that identifies your analytical stance on which readers will expect you to elaborate.

Develop a working thesis

A working thesis is referred to as such because the thesis is subject to revision. You may have to revisit it later in the writing process, for it is almost impossible to craft a thesis without having analyzed some of the text first. Your thesis, therefore, will come from the element(s) you choose to analyze, such as the following:

an aspect or several aspects of form and structure and their significance
social, historical, or cultural context in which the text was written and its significance
style elements such as diction, imagery, or figurative language and their significance
aspects of characters, plot, or setting
overall theme of a single work or more than one work
comparison or contrast of elements within one or more works
relation to issues outside the text

To develop a working thesis, use the formula shown in Table 16.1 , basing your answers on one of the bulleted items listed above.

You can also start with an analytical question: For what reason(s) does Chopin use linguistic variety? Your initial answer might yield the thesis above. Or you can ask another analytical question, such as this one: In what ways do the plot and setting of “The Storm” reinforce its theme?

Drafting: Explore Possible Areas of Analysis for Fiction: Approach 1

Analytical essays begin by answering basic questions: What genre is this text—poem, play, story, biography, memoir, essay? What is its title? Who is the author? When was it published?

Identify and Summarize the Text

In addition to the basic questions, analytical essays provide a brief summary of the plot or main idea. Summarize briefly, logically, and objectively to provide a background for what you plan to say about the text. This information may be incorporated into the introduction or may follow it.

Explain the Form and Organization

To analyze the organizational structure of a text, ask: How is it put together? Why does the author start here and end there? Why does the author sequence information in this order? What connects the text from start to finish? For example, by repeating words, ideas, and images, writers call attention to these elements and indicate that they are important to the meaning of the text. No matter what the text, some principle or plan holds it together and gives it structure. Fiction and nonfiction texts that tell stories are often, but not always, organized as a sequence of events in chronological order. Poems may have formal structures or other organizational elements. Other texts may alternate between explanations and examples or between first-person and third-person narrative. You will have to decide which aspects of the text’s form and organization are most important for your analysis.

For example, this student analyzes the point of view of Gwendolyn Brooks ’s poem “ We Real Cool .”.

student sample text Gwendolyn Brooks writes “We Real Cool” (1963) from the point of view of members of a street gang who speak as one voice. The boys have dropped out of school to spend their lives hanging around pool halls—in this case “The Golden Shovel.” These guys speak in slangy lingo, such as “Strike straight,” that reveals their need for a melded identity in their rebellious attitude toward life. The plural speaker in the poem, “We,” celebrates what adults might call adolescent hedonism—but the speaker, feeling powerful in the group identity, makes a conscious choice for a short, intense life over a long, safe, and dull existence. end student sample text

Place the Work in Context

To analyze the context of a text, ask: What circumstances (historical, social, political, biographical) produced this text? How does this text compare or contrast with another by the same author or with a similar work by a different author? No text exists in isolation. Each was created by a particular author in a particular place at a particular time. Describing this context provides readers with important background information and indicates which conditions you think were most influential.

For example, this student analyzes the social context of Gwendolyn Brooks ’s poem “We Real Cool.”

student sample text From society’s viewpoint, the boys are nothing but misfits—refusing to work, leading violent lives, breaking laws, and confronting police. However, these boys live in a society that is dangerous for Black men, who often die at the hands of police even when they are doing the right thing. The boys are hopeless, recognizing no future but death, regardless of their actions, and thus “Die soon.” end student sample text

Explain the Theme of the Text

To analyze the theme of a text, determine the implied theme in fiction, poetry, and narrative nonfiction. One purpose for writing a textual analysis is to point out the theme. Ask yourself: So what? What is this text really about? What do I think the author is trying to say by writing this text? What problems, puzzles, or ideas are most interesting? In what ways do the characters change between the beginning and end of the text? Good ideas for a thesis arise from material in which the meaning is not obviously stated.

For example, this student analyzes one theme of Gwendolyn Brooks’s poem “We Real Cool.”

student sample text For the “Seven at the Golden Shovel,” companionship is everything. For many teenagers, fitting in or conforming to a group identity is more important than developing an individual identity. Brooks expresses this theme through the poem’s point of view, the plural “We” repeated at the end of each line. end student sample text

Analyze Stylistic Choices

To analyze stylistic choices, examine the details of the text. Ask yourself: Why does the author use this word or phrase instead of a synonym for it? In what ways does this word or phrase relate to other words or phrases? In what ways do the author’s figurative comparisons affect the meaning or tone of the text? In what ways does use of sensory language (imagery) affect the meaning or tone of the text? In what ways does this element represent more than itself? In what ways does the author use sound or rhythm to support meaning?

For example, this student analyzes the diction of Gwendolyn Brooks’s poem “We Real Cool.”

student sample text Brooks chooses the word cool to open the poem and build the first rhyme. Being cool is the code by which the boys live. However, the word cool also suggests the idiom “to be placed ‘on ice,’” a term that suggests a delay. The boys live in a state of arrested development, anticipating early deaths. In addition, the term to ice someone means “to kill,” another reference to the death imagery at poem’s end. The boys are not suggesting suicide; they expect to be killed by members of society who find them threatening. end student sample text

Support Your Analysis

Analytical interpretations are built around evidence from the text itself. You’ll note the quotations in the examples above. Summarize larger ideas in your own language to conserve space. Paraphrase more specific ideas, also in your own words, and quote directly to feature the author’s diction. See Editing Focus: Paragraphs and Transitions and Writing Process: Integrating Research for more information about summarizing, paraphrasing, and quoting directly. If you include outside information for support, comparison, or contrast, document the sources carefully: MLA Documentation and Format .

Use a graphic organizer such as Table 16.2 to gather ideas for drafting.

Drafting: Explore Possible Areas of Analysis for Literary Nonfiction: Approach 2

Although similar to fiction, narrative or literary nonfiction has a basic orientation toward exposition: relating real events in a creative way rather than inventing fictional events and characters. In reading and analyzing expository prose, you also may encounter literary language, narrative structure, characters, setting, theme, and plot development, depending on the type of prose. Therefore, your approach to analyzing nonfiction will call on many of the same strategies you use to analyze fiction. Two basic differences, however, are that literary nonfiction may have less dialogue, depending on the genre, and that the author and narrator may be the same. In other words, no intermediary or artistic filter may exist between the author and the work. The nonfiction author is assumed to be speaking a truth, which may be serious, comic, controversial, or neutral. Fictional characters, on the other hand, are creations of an author’s mind; they think and speak as they were created to do.

Planning the Essay

In writing your essay, you will need to present the same kinds of text evidence as you would when analyzing fiction to give credibility to your claims and to support your thesis. And you’ll need to keep in mind the rhetorical situation—purpose, audience, stance, context, and culture—as well, for it remains the building block of an effective analysis. As in most academic essays, body paragraphs refer to the thesis through topic sentences and move consistently toward supporting it before you finally arrive at a convincing conclusion that has grown out of the analysis. In nonfiction, because you assume you are dealing with a truthful explanation of facts and views, your task should be to give a new view and understanding of something that already may be familiar to readers. In writing your analysis, consider the following plan:

Begin your analysis of nonfiction with an introductory overview in which you include the work’s genre, title, author, and publication date.
Identify the literary point of view, if relevant: first person— I or plural we —or third-person— he, she , or they .
Continue with a brief summary of the work, and place it in context: the work’s social, historical, and cultural background will help readers follow your points about its theme.
Present your thesis near the end of the introduction. It should be argumentative, in an academic sense, so that you can “prove” your points.
Support your thesis with well-elaborated body paragraphs, as you do with all thesis-based writing. Include paraphrases, summaries, and quotations from the text (and outside sources, if you do research for the assignment). Body paragraphs support the topic sentences, which in turn support the thesis.
Conclude by restating your thesis (using different words and an appropriate transition). Add a general statement about the work and its significance or, if applicable, its relation to culture, history, current events, art, or anything else outside it.

Use the applicable suggestions in Table 16.3 in planning your essay :

Literary Nonfiction Model

A frequent theme in literary nonfiction is the examination of alternative ways of living, often solitary and away from society, and finding truth in individualism and self-sufficiency. Although most people live in social groups and willingly accept the identity and security that communities offer, dropping out and going it alone have long been a part of emotional as well as physical life for some.

You have the option to analyze the nonfiction accounts of writers exploring solitary human behavior in American life. If you select Another Lens 2 , you will read an excerpt from the story of Chris McCandless (1968–c. 1992), who chose a brief and uncomfortable solitary existence in Alaska. Or you can read the following section dealing with the works of Henry David Thoreau , the American philosopher and author who dropped out of society temporarily, largely because of his strong opposition to government policies he believed to be morally wrong and because of his refusal to conform to social practices and expectations he found objectionable.

Introduction

Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862) is best known as a thinker and writer on nature, as reflected in his two famous works, the highly influential Civil Disobedience (1849) and Walden ; or, Life in the Woods (1854). Both works celebrate individual freedoms: the right to protest against what one believes is morally or ethically wrong and the choice to live as one believes. In describing his life over a period of precisely two years, two months, and two days in a 10-by-15-foot cabin he built on Walden Pond, 20 miles northwest of Boston near Concord, Massachusetts, Thoreau wrote:

public domain text I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately [carefully, unhurried], to front [confront] only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practise resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life. end public domain text

Thoreau’s insistence on standing by his principles and on living a simple life by choice are two abiding themes in his work. Even before the physical move to Walden, Thoreau had refused to pay his poll tax (granting him the right to vote) for a number of years because he strongly objected to the government’s use of his money to support enslavement and the war with Mexico. He went peacefully to jail as a result, until he was bailed out (the next day). In “Civil Disobedience,” Thoreau advocates for more individual freedom and for individuals to defy unjust laws in nonviolent ways. His writings on “passive resistance” inspired the thoughts and actions of influential figures such as Indian leader Mohandas Gandhi (1869–1948), American religious and civil rights leader Martin Luther King , Jr. (1929–1968), and other leaders of nonviolent liberation movements. In Walden , Thoreau describes and advocates for a simple life in which a person breaks with society when they feel the need to express their individualism, often based on ideas others do not share.

These themes are the focus of analysis in the following excerpts from an essay by student Alex Jones for a first-year composition class.

student sample text The Two Freedoms of Henry David Thoreau by Alex Jones end student sample text

student sample text Henry David Thoreau led millions of people throughout the world to think of individual freedom in new ways. During his lifetime he attempted to live free of unjust governmental restraints as well as conventional social expectations. In his 1849 political essay “On the Duty of Civil Disobedience,” he makes his strongest case against governmental interference in the lives of citizens. In his 1854 book Walden; or Life in the Woods , he makes the case for actually living free, as he did in his own life, from social conventions and expectations. end student sample text

annotated text The title clearly identifies Thoreau and sets the expectation that two aspects or definitions of freedom will be discussed in two different works. Alex Jones wants readers to know that millions of people worldwide figure in Thoreau’s legacy. He gives the examples of “unjust governmental restraints” and “conventional social expectations” as the parts of social life Thoreau rejected, thus limiting the scope of the analysis and preparing for the body of the essay. end annotated text

annotated text Jones notes the titles and publication dates of both works and immediately moves ahead to analyze the two works, “Civil Disobedience” first. He will show how this political statement leads to the narrative of Walden , the actual story of a man’s life in temporary exile. end annotated text

student sample text Thoreau opens “Civil Disobedience” with his statement “that government is best which governs not at all.” end student sample text

annotated text The analysis moves immediately to the first work to be discussed and features the memorable quotation regarding a government that does not govern. The statement may seem contradictory, but for Thoreau it is a direct statement in that someone who allows himself to be imprisoned will find freedom by distancing himself from all others to prove his point. end annotated text

student sample text He argues that a government should allow its people to be as free as possible while providing for their needs without interfering in daily life. In other words, in daily life a person attends to the business of eating, sleeping, and earning a living and not dealing in any noticeable way with an entity called “a government.” end student sample text

annotated text Jones repeats “in daily life” to give a rhythm to his own prose and to emphasize the importance to Thoreau of daily activities that are simple and meaningful. The word government is repeated for emphasis as the negative subject of this essay—in literary terms, a powerful and constant antagonist that constrains and disempowers. end annotated text

student sample text Because Thoreau did not want his freedom overshadowed by government regulations, he tried to ignore them. However, the American government of 1845 would not let him. He was arrested and put in the Concord jail for failing to pay his poll tax, a tax he believed unjust because it supported the government’s war with Mexico as well as the immoral institution of slavery. Instead of protesting his arrest, he celebrated it and explained its meaning by writing “Civil Disobedience,” one of the most famous English-language essays ever written. In it, he argues persuasively, “Under a government which imprisons any unjustly, the true place for a just man is also a prison” (230). Thus, the idea of passive resistance—and accepting unjust arrest to make a point—was formed, a doctrine that advocated protest against the government by nonviolent means: end student sample text

student sample text How does it become a man to behave toward this American government today? I answer that he cannot without disgrace be associated with it. I cannot for an instant recognize that political organization as my government which is the slave’s government also. (224) end student sample text

annotated text Jones strengthens his own writing by calling the essay one of the most famous works ever written. This is not an ordinary technique in textual analysis, but when done for emphasis, it helps the analysis gain power. Using “instead of protesting” at the start of his sentence is another example of strong contrast and linkage. end annotated text

student sample text For nearly 200 years, Thoreau’s formulation of passive resistance has been a part of the human struggle for freedom. In fact, it changed the world by inspiring the resistance movements led by Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. end student sample text

annotated text The total effect is to make Jones’s analytical essay more important for readers, as Thoreau’s writings have indeed changed the world despite being written humbly as the voice of one man’s conscience and isolation in his own freedom. end annotated text

student sample text Thoreau also wanted to be free from the everyday pressures to conform to society’s expectations. end student sample text

annotated text Jones transitions from the first short work to the different and equally famous nonfiction narrative Walden , moving smoothly from one freedom to the next with the transition “also wanted.” This second analysis of freedom is the second part of the essay’s thesis. end annotated text

student sample text He believed in doing and possessing only the essential things in life. To demonstrate his case, in 1845, he moved to the outskirts of Concord, Massachusetts, and lived by himself for just over two years in a cabin he built at Walden Pond. Thoreau wrote Walden to explain the value of living simply, far removed from the unnecessary complexity of society: “simplicity, simplicity, simplicity! I say, let your affairs be as two or three, and not a hundred or a thousand” (66). At Walden, he lived as much as possible by this statement, building his own house and furniture, growing his own food, bartering for simple necessities, and attending to his own business rather than seeking employment from others. end student sample text

annotated text Jones uses textual evidence to support his claim. He summarizes Thoreau’s activities at Walden and quotes Thoreau as evidence to reinforce the freedom of mind that simple living allows. end annotated text

student sample text Living at Walden Pond gave Thoreau the chance to formulate many of his ideas about living an unencumbered, economical life. At Walden, he lived simply to “front only the essential facts of life” (66) and to center his thoughts on “living” instead of on unnecessary details of mere livelihood. He developed survival skills that freed him from the constraints of city dwellers whose lives depended upon a web of material things and services provided by others. He preferred to “take rank hold on life and spend my day more as animals do” (117). end student sample text

annotated text Jones uses the poetic language of high rhetoric directly from Thoreau. The body of the essay gives specific evidence of how Thoreau ate, built, read, and provided for his needs, cutting away all but the essential man in the two settings of his life. end annotated text

student sample text While living at Walden Pond, Thoreau was free to occupy his time in any way that pleased him, which for him meant mostly writing and tending his bean patch. The details of his gardening appear frequently, as he concentrated on it during his time there. He wasn’t troubled by a boss hounding him with deadlines or a wife and children who needed his attention. His neighbors accused him of being selfish and did not understand that he sought most of all “to live deliberately” (66), as he felt all people should learn to do. end student sample text

student sample text Then, as now, most people had more responsibilities than Thoreau had and could not just pack up their belongings and go live in the woods—if they could find free woods to live in. Today, people are intrigued to read about Thoreau’s experiences and are inspired by his thoughts, but few people can actually live or do as he suggests. The idea of life without cell phones or Internet seems inconceivable, even if one grows one’s own food and lives mostly off the grid. end student sample text

annotated text The next-to-last paragraph recognizes what could be a counterclaim: not everyone in contemporary times would view living alone for two years as a pleasure. Rather, they might see it as a different kind of prison, perhaps even a dangerous one. Indeed, such deprivation has less appeal these days, and people who do go off by themselves may be seen to have questionable motives. end annotated text

student sample text The theme of exploring how a man lives in or outside governmental control is clear in the choices he must make to define himself as a free person. Nevertheless, practical or not, Thoreau’s writings about freedom from government and society have inspired countless people to reassess how they live their lives. Though unable to live as Thoreau advocated, readers everywhere remain inspired by his ideals and his belief in the two freedoms. end student sample text

annotated text Jones concludes by emphasizing the strength of Thoreau’s ideas—his two freedoms—and the influence they have had in the world. end annotated text

Review the Essay

After reading Alex Jones’s essay, complete the following sentences to review his work:

He identifies and summarizes the content by ________.
He describes the form and structure of Thoreau’s works when ________.
He places Thoreau and his works in context by ________.
He clearly states his own theme in reading Thoreau, which is ________.
He indicates Thoreau’s unusual language at times, such as ________.
He gives supporting evidence for his points, such as ________.
He includes a visual to ________.
He concludes with a balanced and convincing viewpoint by ________.

For Reference: excerpt from Walden by Henry David Thoreau from “Where I Lived and What I Lived For”

public domain text When first I took up my abode in the woods, that is, began to spend my nights as well as days there, which, by accident, was on Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, 1845, my house was not finished for winter, but was merely a defense against the rain, without plastering or chimney, the walls being of rough, weather-stained boards, with wide chinks, which made it cool at night. The upright white hewn studs and freshly planed door and window casings gave it a clean and airy look, especially in the morning, when its timbers were saturated with dew, so that I fancied that by noon some sweet gum would exude from them. To my imagination it retained throughout the day more or less of this auroral character, reminding me of a certain house on a mountain which I had visited the year before. This was an airy and unplastered cabin, fit to entertain a travelling god, and where a goddess might trail her garments. The winds which passed over my dwelling were such as sweep over the ridges of mountains, bearing the broken strains, or celestial parts only, of terrestrial music.… end public domain text

public domain text The only house I had been the owner of before, if I except a boat, was a tent, which I used occasionally when making excursions in the summer, and this is still rolled up in my garret; but the boat, after passing from hand to hand, has gone down the stream of time. With this more substantial shelter about me, I had made some progress toward settling in the world. This frame, so slightly clad, was a sort of crystallization around me, and reacted on the builder. It was suggestive somewhat as a picture in outlines. I did not need to go outdoors to take the air, for the atmosphere within had lost none of its freshness. It was not so much within doors as behind a door where I sat, even in the rainiest weather. The Harivansa [important Sanskrit text] says, “An abode without birds is like a meat without seasoning.” Such was not my abode, for I found myself suddenly neighbor to the birds; not by having imprisoned one, but having caged myself near them.… end public domain text

public domain text For the first week, whenever I looked out on the pond it impressed me like a tarn high up on the side of a mountain, its bottom far above the surface of other lakes, and, as the sun arose, I saw it throwing off its nightly clothing of mist, and here and there, by degrees, its soft ripples or its smooth reflecting surface was revealed, while the mists, like ghosts, were stealthily withdrawing in every direction into the woods, as at the breaking up of some nocturnal conventicle. The very dew seemed to hang upon the trees later into the day than usual, as on the sides of mountains. end public domain text

public domain text This small lake was of most value as a neighbor in the intervals of a gentle rain storm in August, when, both air and water being perfectly still, but the sky overcast, mid-afternoon had all the serenity of evening, and the wood-thrush sang around, and was heard from shore to shore. A lake like this is never smoother than at such a time; and the clear portion of the air above it being shallow and darkened by clouds, the water, full of light and reflections, becomes a lower heaven itself so much the more important. From a hill top nearby, where the wood had been recently cut off, there was a pleasing vista southward across the pond, through a wide indentation in the hills which form the shore there, where their opposite sides sloping toward each other suggested a stream flowing out in that direction through a wooded valley, but stream there was none. That way I looked between and over the near green hills to some distant and higher ones in the horizon, tinged with blue. Indeed, by standing on tiptoe I could catch a glimpse of some of the peaks of the still bluer and more distant mountain ranges in the north-west, those true-blue coins from heaven’s own mint, and also of some portion of the village. But in other directions, even from this point, I could not see over or beyond the woods which surrounded me. It is well to have some water in your neighborhood, to give buoyancy to and float the earth. One value even of the smallest well is, that when you look into it you see that earth is not continent but insular. This is as important as that it keeps butter cool. When I looked across the pond from this peak toward the Sudbury meadows, which in time of flood I distinguished elevated perhaps by a mirage in their seething valley, like a coin in a basin, all the earth beyond the pond appeared like a thin crust insulated and floated even by this small sheet of interverting water, and I was reminded that this on which I dwelt was but dry land . end public domain text

public domain text We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake, not by mechanical aids, but by an infinite expectation of the dawn, which does not forsake us in our soundest sleep. I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by a conscious endeavor. It is something to be able to paint a particular picture, or to carve a statue, and so to make a few objects beautiful; but it is far more glorious to carve and paint the very atmosphere and medium through which we look, which morally we can do. To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts. Every man is tasked to make his life, even in its details, worthy of the contemplation of his most elevated and critical hour. If we refused, or rather used up, such paltry information as we get, the oracles would distinctly inform us how this might be done. end public domain text

public domain text I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practise resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life, to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms, and, if it proved to be mean, why then to get the whole and genuine meanness of it, and publish its meanness to the world; or if it were sublime, to know it by experience, and be able to give a true account of it in my next excursion. For most men, it appears to me, are in a strange uncertainty about it, whether it is of the devil or of God, and have somewhat hastily concluded that it is the chief end of man here to “glorify God and enjoy him forever.” end public domain text

public domain text Still we live meanly, like ants; though the fable tells us that we were long ago changed into men; like pygmies we fight with cranes; it is error upon error, and clout upon clout, and our best virtue has for its occasion a superfluous and evitable wretchedness. Our life is frittered away by detail. An honest man has hardly need to count more than his ten fingers, or in extreme cases he may add his ten toes, and lump the rest. Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity! I say, let your affairs be as two or three, and not a hundred or a thousand; instead of a million count half a dozen, and keep your accounts on your thumb nail. In the midst of this chopping sea of civilized life, such are the clouds and storms and quicksands and thousand-and-one items to be allowed for, that a man has to live, if he would not founder and go to the bottom and not make his port at all, by dead reckoning, and he must be a great calculator indeed who succeeds. Simplify, simplify. Instead of three meals a day, if it be necessary eat but one; instead of a hundred dishes… end public domain text

public domain text Why should we live with such… waste of life? We are determined to be starved before we are hungry. Men say that a stitch in time saves nine, and so they take a thousand stitches to-day to save nine to-morrow. end public domain text

Peer Review:

After you have completed your first draft, exchange essays with a partner for peer review. Look at the questions you answered to address the essay about Thoreau. Then, to provide helpful feedback, answer these questions about your peer’s draft.

Does the introduction include the author, title of the work, publication date, historical context, and a brief summary?
What is your peer’s main claim, or thesis? Is it clearly stated? If not, how might your peer clarify it?
Is the thesis effectively supported throughout the essay? How does each paragraph support the thesis? What evidence does each contain? Has the writer included direct quotations, paraphrases, and summary as relevant and convincing support? Is there enough information to sustain the writer’s claims? How might the author improve their support? In working on this section, go through each body paragraph separately for these criteria.
Does the analysis address counterclaims? If not, how might the writer include them?
Which sentence or sentences restate the thesis? If a restatement is not there, what might the writer include?

Once you have feedback from a peer, consider their suggestions. Read all comments, and think carefully before making changes.

Use your discretion . Sometimes writers do not agree with their peers’ suggestions; indeed, authors do not always revise everything suggested by editors. However, it is important to clarify what might have prompted a response from a peer, such as “This seems like more of an unsupported opinion than text-based evidence.” Here you might consider including a source citation either from the text or from an outside resource, or consider further explaining your claim. However, if you think your peer reviewer misinterpreted or read your claim superficially, do not revise it. At all times, though, maintain ownership. It is your paper; you are the ultimate judge of whether the ideas in it represent you and your views. Never include someone else’s idea in your paper if you do not understand it or believe it. Whether or not you decide to revise, be sure to read and consider all suggestions carefully.
Focus on global suggestions first. Global feedback applies to your entire paper. You may have to revise your topic or thesis so that your paper meets assigned guidelines or does what it should. It is important to revise global feedback first, for these revisions might necessitate changes in content and organization, among other things.
Complete a close revision. Check your paper to revise for clarity at the sentence level, and double-check citations, if you have them, for accuracy and style.

In Chapter 16, you have learned about the revision process, including how to evaluate suggestions for revision from peer review. In this activity, evaluate each revision suggestion for specificity. A specific suggestion is helpful and easy to implement. A general suggestion is not helpful and should be ignored unless you can go back and ask the reviewer to provide more details. Based on your evaluation, look at each revision suggestion and decide whether to implement or to ignore.

Student Revision Model

Below is a paragraph from the first draft of Gwyn Garrison’s paper. It was reviewed by a peer, who made the suggestions indicated. First, read the draft. Next, read the reviewer’s suggestions and consider whether you would accept or reject each one. Then, read the paragraph as it appears in the final version. After each suggestion, consider why you think Gwyn Garrison accepted or rejected the reviewer’s comment.

Original Draft

student sample text When Calixta acts outside of societal norms, she discovers the freedom of self-expression and passion. Chopin’s diction evokes a spiritual transcendence that allows Calixta to exist momentarily outside social norms that exist only in the physical plane of existence: “when he possessed her, they seemed to swoon at the very borderland of life’s mystery.” The affair becomes a vehicle that allows Calixta to get to a place of true self-expression. The storm, an aspect of nature or the natural world, acts as the catalyst in Calixta’s natural self-realization of womanhood. The storm breaks externally and internally for Calixta. Chopin’s depiction of Calixta’s sexual liberation and fulfillment outside of her marriage is an early step in the fight to bridge the gap between women’s bodies and their sociopolitical lives. By presenting female sexuality in a way that is enlightening rather than degrading, Chopin helps destigmatize labels such as whore, which have been used to shame women for acting outside of traditional gender expectations. end student sample text

Peer Reviewer’s Comments

A transition would help link this paragraph with the previous one.
At the beginning of the paragraph, after the first sentence, add a short description or explanation of what is happening in the scene.
The quotation from the text doesn’t help explain your claim. Anyway, you left out a word.
Perhaps you could add a quotation about the storm.
Can you clarify the relationship between the storm and Calixta’s self-realization?

Final Version

student sample text When Calixta acts outside of societal norms, however , she discovers the freedom of self-expression and passion. All of the parts of her womanhood that have no place in the society in which she lives have been repressed until this one moment. In this scene, Chopin takes possession of the term whore and redefines Calixta’s behavior as a transformative awakening. Chopin’s diction evokes a spiritual transcendence that allows Calixta to exist momentarily outside social norms that exist only in the physical plane of existence: “when he possessed her, they seemed to swoon together at the very borderland of life’s mystery.” The affair becomes a vehicle that allows Calixta to get to a place of true self-expression. The storm, an aspect of nature or the natural world, acts as the catalyst in Calixta’s natural self-realization of womanhood. As the storm breaks externally, it also breaks internally for Calixta. Chopin’s depiction of Calixta’s sexual liberation and fulfillment outside of her marriage is an early step in the fight to bridge the gap between women’s bodies and their sociopolitical lives. By presenting female sexuality in a way that is enlightening rather than degrading, Chopin helps destigmatize labels such as whore, which have been used to shame women for acting outside of traditional gender expectations. end student sample text

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Why is critical thinking important?

What do lawyers, accountants, teachers, and doctors all have in common?

Students in the School of Literatures, Languages, Cultures, and Linguistics give a presentation in a classroom in front of a screen

What is critical thinking?

The Oxford English Dictionary defines critical thinking as “The objective, systematic, and rational analysis and evaluation of factual evidence in order to form a judgment on a subject, issue, etc.” Critical thinking involves the use of logic and reasoning to evaluate available facts and/or evidence to come to a conclusion about a certain subject or topic. We use critical thinking every day, from decision-making to problem-solving, in addition to thinking critically in an academic context!

Why is critical thinking important for academic success?

You may be asking “why is critical thinking important for students?” Critical thinking appears in a diverse set of disciplines and impacts students’ learning every day, regardless of major.

Critical thinking skills are often associated with the value of studying the humanities. In majors such as English, students will be presented with a certain text—whether it’s a novel, short story, essay, or even film—and will have to use textual evidence to make an argument and then defend their argument about what they’ve read. However, the importance of critical thinking does not only apply to the humanities. In the social sciences, an economics major , for example, will use what they’ve learned to figure out solutions to issues as varied as land and other natural resource use, to how much people should work, to how to develop human capital through education. Problem-solving and critical thinking go hand in hand. Biology is a popular major within LAS, and graduates of the biology program often pursue careers in the medical sciences. Doctors use critical thinking every day, tapping into the knowledge they acquired from studying the biological sciences to diagnose and treat different diseases and ailments.

Students in the College of LAS take many courses that require critical thinking before they graduate. You may be asked in an Economics class to use statistical data analysis to evaluate the impact on home improvement spending when the Fed increases interest rates (read more about real-world experience with Datathon ). If you’ve ever been asked “How often do you think about the Roman Empire?”, you may find yourself thinking about the Roman Empire more than you thought—maybe in an English course, where you’ll use text from Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra to make an argument about Roman imperial desire. No matter what the context is, critical thinking will be involved in your academic life and can take form in many different ways.

The benefits of critical thinking in everyday life

Building better communication.

One of the most important life skills that students learn as early as elementary school is how to give a presentation. Many classes require students to give presentations, because being well-spoken is a key skill in effective communication. This is where critical thinking benefits come into play: using the skills you’ve learned, you’ll be able to gather the information needed for your presentation, narrow down what information is most relevant, and communicate it in an engaging way.

Typically, the first step in creating a presentation is choosing a topic. For example, your professor might assign a presentation on the Gilded Age and provide a list of figures from the 1870s—1890s to choose from. You’ll use your critical thinking skills to narrow down your choices. You may ask yourself:

What figure am I most familiar with?
Who am I most interested in?
Will I have to do additional research?

After choosing your topic, your professor will usually ask a guiding question to help you form a thesis: an argument that is backed up with evidence. Critical thinking benefits this process by allowing you to focus on the information that is most relevant in support of your argument. By focusing on the strongest evidence, you will communicate your thesis clearly.

Finally, once you’ve finished gathering information, you will begin putting your presentation together. Creating a presentation requires a balance of text and visuals. Graphs and tables are popular visuals in STEM-based projects, but digital images and graphics are effective as well. Critical thinking benefits this process because the right images and visuals create a more dynamic experience for the audience, giving them the opportunity to engage with the material.

Presentation skills go beyond the classroom. Students at the University of Illinois will often participate in summer internships to get professional experience before graduation. Many summer interns are required to present about their experience and what they learned at the end of the internship. Jobs frequently also require employees to create presentations of some kind—whether it’s an advertising pitch to win an account from a potential client, or quarterly reporting, giving a presentation is a life skill that directly relates to critical thinking.

Fostering independence and confidence

An important life skill many people start learning as college students and then finessing once they enter the “adult world” is how to budget. There will be many different expenses to keep track of, including rent, bills, car payments, and groceries, just to name a few! After developing your critical thinking skills, you’ll put them to use to consider your salary and budget your expenses accordingly. Here’s an example:

You earn a salary of $75,000 a year. Assume all amounts are before taxes.
1,800 x 12 = 21,600
75,000 – 21,600 = 53,400
This leaves you with $53,400
320 x 12 = 3,840 a year
53,400-3,840= 49,560
726 x 12 = 8,712
49,560 – 8,712= 40,848
You’re left with $40,848 for miscellaneous expenses. You use your critical thinking skills to decide what to do with your $40,848. You think ahead towards your retirement and decide to put $500 a month into a Roth IRA, leaving $34,848. Since you love coffee, you try to figure out if you can afford a daily coffee run. On average, a cup of coffee will cost you $7. 7 x 365 = $2,555 a year for coffee. 34,848 – 2,555 = 32,293
You have $32,293 left. You will use your critical thinking skills to figure out how much you would want to put into savings, how much you want to save to treat yourself from time to time, and how much you want to put aside for emergency funds. With the benefits of critical thinking, you will be well-equipped to budget your lifestyle once you enter the working world.

Enhancing decision-making skills

Choosing the right university for you.

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your life is what college or university to go to. There are many factors to consider when making this decision, and critical thinking importance will come into play when determining these factors.

Many high school seniors apply to colleges with the hope of being accepted into a certain program, whether it’s biology, psychology, political science, English, or something else entirely. Some students apply with certain schools in mind due to overall rankings. Students also consider the campus a school is set in. While some universities such as the University of Illinois are nestled within college towns, New York University is right in Manhattan, in a big city setting. Some students dream of going to large universities, and other students prefer smaller schools. The diversity of a university’s student body is also a key consideration. For many 17- and 18-year-olds, college is a time to meet peers from diverse racial and socio-economic backgrounds and learn about life experiences different than one’s own.

With all these factors in mind, you’ll use critical thinking to decide which are most important to you—and which school is the right fit for you.

Develop your critical thinking skills at the University of Illinois

At the University of Illinois, not only will you learn how to think critically, but you will put critical thinking into practice. In the College of LAS, you can choose from 70+ majors where you will learn the importance and benefits of critical thinking skills. The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at U of I offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in life, physical, and mathematical sciences; humanities; and social and behavioral sciences. No matter which program you choose, you will develop critical thinking skills as you go through your courses in the major of your choice. And in those courses, the first question your professors may ask you is, “What is the goal of critical thinking?” You will be able to respond with confidence that the goal of critical thinking is to help shape people into more informed, more thoughtful members of society.

With such a vast representation of disciplines, an education in the College of LAS will prepare you for a career where you will apply critical thinking skills to real life, both in and outside of the classroom, from your undergraduate experience to your professional career. If you’re interested in becoming a part of a diverse set of students and developing skills for lifelong success, apply to LAS today!

Read more first-hand stories from our amazing students at the LAS Insider blog .

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744 Critical Thinking Essay Topics & Analysis Ideas
744 Critical Thinking Essay Topics & Analysis Ideas. Critical thinking essay topics encourage students to analyze, interpret, and evaluate complex issues. Some themes may explore socio-political phenomena, ethical dilemmas, scientific theories, and cultural paradigms, among others.
142 Comprehensive Critical Thinking Essay Topics (2023)
Critique Essay Topics. Explain why people tend to think that nature is a free shop. Discuss why some animals are kinder and more faithful as compared to people. Examine five ways in which technological advancement has impacted human life. Examine the viewer experience of mind sports.
Semihuman AI
Enhancing your critical thinking skills is a crucial step before diving into the writing of a critical thinking essay. One effective exercise is to practice debating on various topics with friends or classmates. Choose topics that are controversial or have multiple viewpoints. This will encourage you to:
How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay: Complete Guide
As every piece of academic writing, critical thinking essay format consists of an introduction, several body paragraphs, and conclusion. Choose a central problem or argument. At college you may be asked to critically analyze essays, articles, controversial opinions, literature, etc. If you will have a chance to pick a topic by yourself, make ...
What Is Critical Thinking?
Critical thinking is the ability to effectively analyze information and form a judgment. To think critically, you must be aware of your own biases and assumptions when encountering information, and apply consistent standards when evaluating sources. Critical thinking skills help you to: Identify credible sources. Evaluate and respond to arguments.
199+ Best Critical Thinking Essay Topics For College Students
Writing a critical essay can be pretty intricate, especially if you don't have a good critical thinking essay topic. An ideal critical thinking essay is centered on a solid thesis statement, a good critical thinking essay topic, and an outstanding analysis of the selected topic. Although challenging, choosing the appropriate critical thinking essay topic is the first step toward writing an ...
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Personality Critical Essays Topics. Here are some critical thinking essay topics that lead to a greater understanding of different personality traits. Lord of the flies: the effects of early childhood development on your personality; Personal development during teenage years; Developing personal innovation capacities
How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay With Tips and Examples
Free Examples of 20 Topics for Writing a Critical Thinking Essay. 1. Identify Communication Differences Between Men and Women. Under this topic, the students' task is to read texts that talk about how men and women communicate and identify the differences.
Critical Thinking Essay Examples
Critical thinking is the analysis of available facts, evidence, observations, and arguments to form a judgment. The list of core critical thinking skills includes observation, interpretation, analysis, inference, evaluation, explanation, and metacognition. In addition to possessing strong critical-thinking skills, one must be disposed to engage ...
How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay Guide with Examples
This should be noted especially in academic writing and critical thinking compositions. The conclusion of an essay is like the final wrapping of a gift; it needs to be: Of the appropriate size; Fit properly. Sum up every written idea in the paper. Reflect the main theme indicated. Considering the weightiness of this essay type, we are pleased ...
96 Critical Thinking Research Topics & Essay Examples
Psychology essay sample: The initial issue that the author developed a strategy to deal with was the anxiety related to the COVID-19 virus uncertainty. Personal Hardship and Critical Thinking Strategies. Psychology essay sample: Personal hardships might seem overwhelming and impossible to overcome by numerous people.
73 Thought Essay Topic Ideas & Examples
The Effects of the Internet on People's Ability for Deep Thought and Extended Contemplation. The critics and technology stakeholders chosen as the respondents to the survey provided their take on the issue of the effects of the internet. The Concept of the Lie in Political Thought: "Nietzsche and Rousseau".
Critical Thinking Essay Topics
Critical Thinking Essay Topic Ideas on Movies and TV: Discuss the review of any critical film. Pick any famous game show and analyze what makes it interesting. An analysis of a movie that is dedicated to high school. The impact of horror movies on the psychology of children. Analyze the remake of a classic movie.
How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay? Step by Step
Step 4 - Identify challenges. When looking at different critical thinking essay topics, identify the primary challenges that you think you will face. Once you know what those are, the approach you will choose will be in line with what you are looking for, eventually allowing you to do a much better job.
2.1: Critical Thinking Essay
Sample Outline: Strong critical and creative thinking skills include the abilities to: recognize the importance of being wrong, withhold judgment until enough evidence is gathered, and consider multiple perspectives. General Introduction and a developed Thesis based on the above topics. Importance of being wrong.
100 Inspiring Critical Essay Topics
Critical Essay on Society and Social Issues. Our world is a tough place with constant conflicts and problems, so there are plenty of critical thinking essay topics that could be analyzed here. Explain Why the Issue of Homelessness Is Not Resolved Even in Developed Countries. Impact That Abusive Households Have On Children's Minds.
What Are Some Good Critical Thinking Essay Topics?
Unleash Your Critical Thinking Skills with these Top Essay Topics. The Power of Storytelling: Why It Matters for Children and Society. In this essay, you need to talk about the importance of storytelling for young children. You need to understand how and why storytelling is important and why kids love hearing stories.
Free Critical Thinking Essay Guide
A critical thinking essay has students analyze works from an author's point of view. You can assess movies, poems, paintings, books, and other pieces of content in these papers. This academic paper lets students hone their analytical skills. The essay focuses a lot on how students interpret the meaning of the assessed work.
Critical Thinking & Writing
Critical writing requires you to apply interpretation, analysis, and evaluation to the descriptions you have provided. Critical writing often responds to questions framed as 'how' or 'why'.Often, critical writing will require you to build an argument which is supported by evidence.. Some indicators of critical writing are:. Investigation of positive and negative perspectives on ideas
Critical Analysis Essay Topics for Various Subjects
If you are interested in critical thinking essay topics, make sure to read another article where I have shared a great list of essay topics for our readers. Tips for Writing a Successful Critical Analysis Essay. The art of writing a critical analysis essay lies in how well you can argue your point. Start with a clear thesis statement that is ...
Critical Thinking: Definition and Analysis
Essay Example: Critical thinking, a term often echoed in scholarly circles, workplaces, and beyond, is a skill of immense significance across various dimensions of life. It serves as the cornerstone of education, problem-solving, decision-making, and personal development.
16.5 Writing Process: Thinking Critically About Text
Convincing textual analysis essays usually include the following information: overview of the text, identifying author, title, and genre; very brief summary; description of the text's form and structure; explanation of the author's point of view; summary of the social, historical, or cultural context in which the work was written
34+ Outstanding Critical Thinking Essay Topics For Students
Humility, courage, autonomy, and integrity are tools used in the transformation of the mind. Go further in detail and examine other transformational tools and how a student can understand them and use them in their everyday lives. Explore the many ways a student can use the lessons learned in critical thinking classes in real-life situations.
Why is critical thinking important?
The importance of critical thinking can be found across a wide set of disciplines. They are not only used in the humanities but are also important to professionals in the social and behavioral sciences, physical sciences, and STEM—and the list does not end there. At the University of Illinois College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, you'll be ...

142 Critical Thinking Essay Topics That Will Get You An A+

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