Critical Thinking in Writing

Cumulative

• Reasoning progresses in a sequential and strategic way.
• Each logical step in the process builds explicitly on the insights gained in earlier steps.
• The writer affirms the truth of the conclusion/thesis only after being led to that conclusion as the result of the cumulative reasoning process. The truth of the conclusion/thesis is not presupposed throughout.

Convincing

• Each critical assertion made as part of the developing line of reasoning is supported with logic.
• Each critical assertion made as part of the developing line of reasoning is supported with sufficient appropriate details and facts.
• The strategy used to advance the reasoning to the conclusion is logical.

Critical

• Contradictory evidence is acknowledged and addressed honestly and logically.
• Opposing points of view are explicitly anticipated and addressed honestly and logically.
• Crucial insights gained as part of the developing line of reasoning are tested and validated by being subjected to skeptical questioning.

• Level A: 8-9 Criteria Met
• Level B: 6-7 Criteria Met
• Level C: 4-5 Criteria Met
• Level D: 2-3 Criteria Met
• Level F: 1 Criterion Met