Comparing involves focusing on and/or discussing the similarities of two elements:
"Both academic writing and professional writing use a somewhat formal tone."
Library Subject Guides
Analysis and criticality are essential to academic writing, and getting the language right will help you build a logical and coherent argument.
Analytical language involves a systematic examination of the subject matter.
It involves dissecting and interpreting information, organising it into coherent arguments or insights, comparing and contrasting different viewpoints, and drawing conclusions.
Critical analysis goes a step further than just analysis. It involves a deeper level of engagement with the material, questioning assumptions, and evaluating the strength of arguments and evidence.
Through critical analysis, you challenge the material, offer new interpretations, and scrutinise the validity of the information and its sources.
Comparing involves focusing on and/or discussing the similarities of two elements:
"Both academic writing and professional writing use a somewhat formal tone."
Contrasting involves focusing on and/or discussing the differences between two elements:
"While professional writing tends to use a first-person point of view ('I'), academic writing uses the more objective third-person point of view ('he' or 'she')."
Evaluating involves making judgements on the value of the information by answering questions like:
"The survey results indicate that more effort is required to address the issue in the UK’s higher education sector."
This involves taking into account different people’s opinions or points of view:
"Environmental activists continue to have their voice heard in order to save the woodland just outside the city arguing that it plays a crucial role in the quality of the air the residents of the city breathe. On the other hand, Walden City motorists urged the government to pass the bill to build a new ring road to ease traffic congestion during rush hour."
Explanation involves clarifying an idea or giving reasons to justify a position, which may include providing more details or relevant facts:
"Efficiency refers to the ability to accomplish a task or achieve a goal with the least amount of wasted resources, time, or effort. In simple terms, it involves doing things in the most effective and economical way possible. A process or system is considered efficient when it maximises output while minimising input and avoiding unnecessary steps or resources."
The rationale refers to the justification or reason for a decision or choice. In academic contexts it is mainly used to refer to the controlling principle in a study or piece of research:
"This study is motivated by the gaps identified in existing literature, which suggest that current teaching methods may not fully address diverse learning needs or cater to different cognitive styles."
Drawing a conclusion usually means arriving at the ultimate meaning of something: simply mentioning/describing facts is not enough; we need to be able to say why these facts are important to us...
"After conducting an in-depth study examining the relationship between regular physical exercise and mental well-being, it can be concluded that engaging in consistent physical activity is associated with significant positive effects on mental health."
Offering suggestions involves presenting ideas or plans for others to think about based on your analysis:
"In light of the increasing global emphasis on environmental sustainability, it is recommended that our university undertake comprehensive measures to enhance its commitment to eco-friendly practices."
Supporting your argument with evidence means providing information from your observations, readings, or other experiences that convinces others of a fact or truth:
"A substantial body of evidence supports the argument that incorporating technology into teaching methodologies positively influences student learning outcomes. One key piece of evidence is the comprehensive meta-analysis conducted by Smith et al. (2019), which synthesised data from over 50 studies examining the effects of technology-enhanced learning. The findings consistently demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in student achievement and engagement when technology was strategically incorporated into the curriculum."
Show an understanding of the material you are working with through relevant examples...
"This research on climate change seems to illustrate that rising sea levels are correlating with increased coastal erosion, leading to… This indicates a need for robust coastal defences."
Present your reasoning and explain how your conclusions are drawn from logical analysis, from your examination of the text, or from reflection.
"Considering the rapid decrease in bee populations, it is imperative to reassess our pesticide usage policies."
Explore questions such as 'why?', 'what if?', 'what are the implications?', and ‘so what?’; delve into the implications and underlying reasons...
"Why does this trend persist despite numerous policy changes? What if the underlying assumptions are flawed? What are the broader implications for social equality?"
Identify alternative interpretations or approaches concerning your reading material and/or practice:
"While some scholars advocate for a quantitative approach to social research, qualitative narratives offer a different, more personal perspective on the data."
Demonstrate your comprehension of the relationship among diverse ideas, evidence, or perspectives:
"This aligns with Taylor’s concept of X… Building upon the work of Gareth (2012), while Walker (2018) proposes/suggests…"
Demonstrate an understanding of how theories or research findings apply in your practical context:
"Applying Piaget’s theory of cognitive development in classroom settings can enhance individual learning paths."
Identify and discuss the potential shortcomings or limiting factors of a piece of research or a particular theory. Understand how these limitations relate to your own arguments or specific context:
"In the area of multicultural education…"
"Regarding the learning environment in the maths classroom…"
For more help advice on the practicalities of criticality, take a look at:
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