Critical Thinking: Why having an opinion isn’t enough

You’re in a tutorial. Someone makes a bold claim. You agree—but why? Is it backed by evidence or assumption-based? 

Critical thinking isn’t just about being critical. It’s about synthesising ideas, questioning evidence, reflecting on assumptions and applying concepts in different contexts. It’s also the foundation of building strong academic arguments. 

Apply critical thinking in practice 

Critical thinking helps you become a better student, a stronger communicator and a more confident contributor in group discussions. Use it to: 

• Build an academic argument
  Identify assumptions, weigh evidence and structure your thinking logically. 

• Contribute to group discussions
  Listen actively, ask thoughtful questions and challenge ideas respectfully. 

• Understand course content
  Connect complex concepts, ask questions and spot gaps in your understanding. 

Build critical thinking habits 

Critical thinking takes practice. Start by asking simple questions during class, while reading or working on assignments: 

• What’s the assumption here? 
• What would someone who disagrees say? 
• How does this connect to what I already know? 

The more you ask, the more natural it becomes. 

Try it out 

Next time you’re reading a journal article or scholarly paper, pause and ask: ‘What’s the assumption here?’ See how it elevates your thinking. 

Take it further 

Explore more resources on critical thinking or contact the Library for support.