How to Write a College Critical Thinking Essay
by Van Thompson, Demand Media
Critical thinking essays help college students develop analytical skills while crafting a sound argument. Unlike
review and narrative essays, critical thinking essays require students to add their own thoughts, contemplate
the meaning and value of a particular text and analyze important issues. Professors generally grade these
essays based on writing skill and the ability to develop a coherent, thoughtful argument.
1 Choose your topic. Many college professors require students to write critical responses to literature, opinion
pieces and essays. If your essay is a response to something you've read, carefully read the piece at least twice,
and outline its main points. Then select a specific argument or idea to analyze in your paper. If you're allowed to
pick your topic, choose an issue that you can boil down to a few basic arguments. Select a single argument or
philosophy that you can exhaustively analyze in a brief essay. For example, you might argue that Shakespeare's
influence can be seen in James Joyce's "Ulysses."
2 Develop a thesis. Your thesis is your central argument, and your entire paper should be based upon your
thesis. A strong thesis gives specific information about the topic you're addressing as well as your primary
arguments. Give your primary reasons for your arguments and, if you are responding to a text, a brief statement
of the author's arguments. For example, you might argue, "Kant argues that ethics are based on a categorical
imperative, but this categorical imperative does not provide guidance for all ethical dilemmas." This statement
provides a succinct summation of the argument and hints at the direction the paper will take.
3 Outline your paper by focusing on arguments that support your thesis. Draw on evidence if you are
required to do research. If your paper is merely analytical, you'll need to provide logical arguments in favor of
your point or analysis of the point to which you are responding. If you're comparing a work of literature to
another work, try listing similarities and differences in your outline. Stay away from tangential points and
emotional ploys. Stick to the most compelling evidence and arguments that support your thesis.
4 Draft the body of your paper. If you're responding to a text, summarize the main arguments in the first few
paragraphs. If you're developing an argument of your own, outline your ideas in the first paragraph or two.
Devote each subsequent paragraph to a distinct argument or piece of evidence in favor of your point. Anticipate
objections. Outline the criticisms another person might have of your argument, and explain why these criticisms
don't apply.
5 Add a concluding paragraph that summarizes your arguments. Your conclusion should recommend any
future research or point to any unresolved issues. For example, you might state: "Kant's categorical imperative
could not anticipate the ethical dilemmas of today, but a slight tweak to his argument can help it remain
relevant." This conclusion outlines a potential direction for future research and scholarly work and reminds the
reader of your central argument.
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How to Write a Good College Level Essay
by Van Thompson, Demand Media
College-level writing is more polished than high school-level writing.
By the time you begin college, your professors will expect you to know the basics of sentence structure,
grammar and paper organization. While you'll have to follow basic rules of good writing, there's no standard
college-level essay. Your essays in college will range from argumentative essays, which require you to clearly
argue a point, to narrative essays which require you to tell a story. When you write essays, follow your
professor's instructions and then pay close attention to the basics of good college-level writing.
Grammar and Spelling
By the time you begin college, you should know the basic rules of English grammar and avoid making spelling
mistakes. Your sentences should follow the familiar structure of noun-verb-object. Avoid common errors such
as confusing your and you're, as your professor will likely deduct points for these errors. If you're unclear on the
basic rules of grammar, pick up a grammar guide or take a class in remedial writing or college grammar.
Paper Structure
Your paper should have a clear structure and flow logically from one idea to the next. At the end of your
introductory paragraph, write a thesis statement that outlines the main ideas or arguments of your paper. Each
following paragraph should be dedicated to a sub-point in this thesis. Make sure that your sub-points clearly and
convincingly argue on behalf of your thesis, then add a concluding paragraph summing your arguments or
suggesting future research or action.
Formal Language
Use formal language in your essays and avoid colloquialisms, slang and first-person pot of view. Unless you're
told otherwise by your professor, don't begin sentences with "I think...." Instead, simply outline your argument
without referring back to yourself. In narrative essays, less formal language can be appropriate, particularly
when you're quoting others, but your essay should not read like a text message to a friend. Read your essay
aloud to ensure that each sentence makes sense and is written in clear prose.
Citing Sources
If you use sources and don't cite them, you're committing plagiarism. Not only must you credit each source, you
also must use the citation style your professor requests. Common styles include Chicago, Modern Language
Association and American Psychological Association. You'll need to provide in-text citations for direct quotes
and should clearly separate your ideas from a source's ideas.
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CSc 21 Fall 2014