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Students need to think critically about what they read or hear. This accessible guide shows students what being 'critical' in their work means, and how to bring that 'critical' dimension into all the work they do. It addresses the need and the skills of being critical in relation to reading and writing and is ideal for students at any level.

Introduction
PART I: GETTING A 'CRITICAL' APPROACH
Being 'Critical' at University
A Critical Approach to Anything
PART II: GETTING CRITICAL IN YOUR READING
A Critical Approach to Choosing your Reading
Reading to Understand
Reading to Understand the Detail
Reading to Weigh up Different Factors/Gain Perspective
Reading to see the Arguments
PART III: GETTING CRITICAL IN YOUR WRITING
Describe What you Know
Analyse to Show you Understand the Detail
Evaluate to Weigh up Different Factors/Gain Perspective
Argue your Preferred Position
PART IV: BEING ASESSED FOR GETTING 'CRITICAL'
Understanding the Language of Assessment
References
Index

Kate Williams manages Upgrade, the Study Advice Service at Oxford Brookes University, UK. She has worked
with students from Foundation to PhD and has written a range of books and materials on study skills including
Study Skills (Macmillan 1989), one of the first in the field. With experience of project management in both writing
and editing, she is also the Series Editor for Pocket Study Skills.