Developing a
Critical Mindset –
The Critical Thinking Checklist
STEP 1
Critical Reading –
Critical thinking starts with the
research and your approach to
reading. This involves questioning
the research. Use these questions
below to help you.
STEP 2
Critical Thinking –
Your personal judgements
and opinions are essential for
developing a critical mindset.
When considering your research
always think about your point of
view, using the questions below
| Who? |
| Who has conducted the research? Is it the author or are they citing other researchers/authors? |
| What? |
| What is the aim of the research? |
| What is the main line of reasoning in the text? |
| What are the important facts being considered? |
| What are the key arguments being presented? |
| How? |
| How does the evidence support the author’s conclusions? |
| How does the author use the evidence to support their conclusions and/or line argument? |
| Why? |
| Are there any omissions, gaps or inconsistencies in the evidence? |
to help you.
| What? |
| What do you think? |
| Why? |
| Do you agree with what the evidence presented in the research? If not why? |
| Why do you think this? |
| How? |
| How do you know this? |
| Developing a Critical Mindset – The Critical Thinking Checklist | 2 |
STEP 3 Critical and Analytical Writing –
Assignment CHECK LIST
When writing your assignment work, reread and review it frequently. If you cannot
answer yes to any of the below questions your work may be missing evidence of
critical thinking. Refer to this checklist to help you.
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Are you clear what your conclusions are? |
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Is there a clear line of reasoning throughout your written work – from introduction to the conclusions? |
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Is the signifcance of the evidence identifed and made clear to the reader? |
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Have strengths and weaknesses of the evidence been evaluated? |
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Is the signifcance of the details presented evaluated? |
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Have you linked relevant information together through summaries and linking paragraphs? |
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Is it shown why something is relevant? |
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Have you read your own written work critically, as steps 1 and 2 above? |
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Have you made reasoned judgements? |
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Are your conclusions supported by the evidence presented? |
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