critical thinking

Meaning

The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment. It involves questioning assumptions, identifying biases, and analyzing evidence rather than simply accepting information at face value. This skill is highly valued in academic and professional settings.

Examples

• The university curriculum is designed to encourage critical thinking rather than rote memorization.

  The university curriculum is designed to encourage critical thinking rather than rote memorization.

• Without critical thinking, it is easy to fall victim to misinformation online.

  Without critical thinking, it is easy to fall victim to misinformation online.

• Employers highly value critical thinking because it leads to better problem-solving in the workplace.

  Employers highly value critical thinking because it leads to better problem-solving in the workplace.

• Her essay demonstrated excellent critical thinking by analyzing the argument from multiple perspectives.

  Her essay demonstrated excellent critical thinking by analyzing the argument from multiple perspectives.

• We need to teach students critical thinking skills from an early age.

  We need to teach students critical thinking skills from an early age.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We need to make a critical thinking about this issue.

  ✓ We need to apply critical thinking to this issue.

  'Critical thinking' is an uncountable noun. You cannot 'make a critical thinking'; instead, you 'apply', 'develop', or 'use' critical thinking.

• ✗ He is a very critical thinking person.

  ✓ He is a very critical thinker.

  'Critical thinking' is the noun/concept. To describe the person, use the noun phrase 'critical thinker' or the adjective 'analytical'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• To solve complex academic problems, students must develop strong ______ ______ skills.

  💡 The ability to analyze information objectively.

  Show answer

  critical thinking

• The professor praised her essay for its deep analysis and ______ ______.

  💡 Objective analysis and evaluation of an issue.

  Show answer

  critical thinking