If you have ever received feedback like “this essay is too descriptive”, “needs more critical thinking”, or “engage more critically with the literature”, you are not alone. At university, critical thinking is one of the most frequently mentioned — and least clearly explained — expectations.
Students are often told that critical thinking is essential, but not always shown what it actually looks like or how to do it well. As a result, many people leave feedback sessions feeling confused, frustrated, or unsure how to improve next time.

This guide breaks it all down. We will explain the critical thinking meaning in a university context, outline what critical thinking skills actually are, show examples of critical thinking skills in real academic work, and, most importantly, explain how to think critically and how to improve critical thinking skills in a practical, realistic way.

Critical Thinking Meaning

So, what is critical thinking exactly?
At university critical thinking means actively analysing, evaluating, and interpreting ideas rather than simply accepting or describing them. It involves questioning information, comparing perspectives, weighing evidence, and forming your own reasoned judgement.

A simple way to think about it is this:

  • Descriptive writing answers “what does this say?”
  • Critical thinking answers “how convincing is this, why does it matter, and what do I think about it?”

Critical thinking doesn't mean being negative or argumentative for the sake of it. It is about being analytical, thoughtful, and justified in your approach to ideas and evidence.

Importantly, critical thinking does not require complex language or obscure vocabulary. In fact, some of the strongest critical work is written clearly and directly. What matters is how you engage with ideas and not how complicated you make them sound.

What Are Critical Thinking Skills? (And Why They’re a Set, Not Just One Skill)

When lecturers talk about critical thinking skills, they are not referring to a single ability. Critical thinking is a combination of related skills that work together.
So, what are critical thinking skills in practice?

They usually include:

  • Analysing arguments rather than summarising them
  • Evaluating the quality and relevance of evidence
  • Comparing different perspectives or theories
  • Identifying assumptions, limitations, or gaps
  • Drawing logical, well-supported conclusions

You might also hear these described as critical reasoning skills, particularly when the focus is on logic, structure, and justification. While the terminology varies, the core idea remains the same: universities reward students who can engage thoughtfully with ideas, not just repeat them.

This is why essays that show clear understanding but little evaluation often receive mid-range marks.

Why Is Critical Thinking Important at University?

From an academic perspective, critical thinking is central to how universities assess learning. Marking criteria across disciplines consistently prioritise:

  • Analysis
  • Evaluation
  • Argument
  • Independent judgement

In practical terms, this means critical thinking affects:

  • Essay grades, where higher marks depend on sustained evaluation
  • Seminars and presentations, where discussion requires engagement, not summary
  • Dissertations, where original thinking and justification are essential

Beyond assessment, critical thinking matters because it develops skills that extend beyond university. Being able to evaluate information, weigh competing claims, and reach reasoned conclusions is valuable in professional, personal, and civic contexts. In short, critical thinking is central to academic success and one of the main reasons you see a clear difference between average and high-scoring assignments.

Examples of Critical Thinking Skills in University Assignments

Understanding critical thinking becomes much easier when you see how it appears in real academic tasks. Below are some critical thinking skills examples commonly expected at university.

  • Analysing Arguments

    One example is analysing arguments. Instead of simply stating what an author claims, critical thinking involves examining how convincing their reasoning is, whether their evidence supports their conclusions, and how their argument fits within wider academic debate.

  • Evaluating Sources

    Another example is evaluating sources. This might involve questioning the reliability of data, the scope of a study, or the potential bias of an author. Rather than treating all sources as equally valid, critical thinking requires judgement.

  • Comparing Perspectives

    Comparing perspectives is also central. Many university essays ask students to engage with multiple viewpoints. Critical thinking means exploring how these perspectives differ, where they overlap, and which are more persuasive — not just listing them one after another.

  • Drawing Conclusions

    Finally, critical thinking includes drawing justified conclusions. A strong conclusion is not just a summary, but it should reflect on the implications of the discussion and explain why a particular position is reasonable given the evidence.

These examples of critical thinking skills appear across disciplines, even though the specific content may change.

If you want to see how evaluation, analysis, and argument come together in practice, these critical review examples are a useful place to start. They show how critical thinking skills are used in structured, university-level work — and what markers are actually responding to.

Critical Thinking Skills Examples: Before and After

Consider this brief comparison:

A descriptive approach might state what an author argues and then move on to the next source. While accurate, it offers little insight.

A critical version would explain how convincing the argument is, how it compares to others, and what its limitations might be. The content may be similar, but the level of engagement is very different.

This shift — from reporting information to evaluating it — is what markers are looking for when they assess critical thinking skills.

Critical Reasoning Skills vs Critical Thinking: Is There a Difference?

You may come across both terms — critical reasoning skills and critical thinking — sometimes used interchangeably. While there is significant overlap, there is a subtle distinction worth noting.

Critical reasoning often focuses more narrowly on logic and structure. It involves making sure arguments follow a clear line of reasoning and that conclusions logically follow from evidence.

Critical thinking is broader. It includes reasoning, but also interpretation, evaluation, reflection, and contextual understanding. In practice, universities rarely separate the two. Instead, they expect students to demonstrate both logical reasoning and thoughtful evaluation.

In short, if you are analysing arguments, evaluating evidence, and justifying conclusions, you are demonstrating both critical reasoning skills and critical thinking.

How Can You Think Critically? Here is What Lecturers Actually Want

Many students ask how to think critically, but the answer is often hidden behind academic jargon. In reality, lecturers are usually looking for a few clear things.

1. First, they want to see that you are engaging with ideas rather than accepting them at face value. This means questioning claims, exploring implications, and considering alternatives.

2. Second, they expect justified opinions. You are allowed — and encouraged — to take a position, as long as you explain why that position makes sense based on evidence.

3. Third, they value balance. Strong critical thinking often involves recognising strengths and limitations, rather than presenting ideas as entirely right or wrong.

One common misconception is that critical thinking requires constant disagreement. In fact, you can demonstrate strong critical thinking by supporting an argument, provided you explain why it is persuasive and acknowledge any limitations.

Critical Thinking Techniques and Strategies You Can Use in Essays and Exams

Developing critical thinking becomes much easier when you use specific, repeatable critical thinking techniques. These techniques are especially valuable in exams, where time pressure can push you towards describing things rather than deeply analysing them. Practising these strategies in advance can help make critical thinking more automatic.

One effective technique is active reading and questioning. As you read sources, ask yourself who the author is, what assumptions they make, and how their argument fits into wider debate.

Another technique is comparison. Instead of discussing sources individually, place them in conversation with one another. How do they agree? Where do they differ? Which is more convincing, and why?

Evaluation is also key. This involves assessing the quality of evidence, the scope of arguments, and any methodological or theoretical limitations.

📚 If you want a more detailed breakdown of how to structure this kind of analysis in writing, our guide to critical discussion is particularly useful.

Critical Thinking Framework

While critical thinking can feel abstract, it becomes far more manageable when you follow a clear critical thinking strategy.

One useful framework is:

  • Read actively, identifying arguments rather than facts
  • Question assumptions and claims
  • Compare perspectives or interpretations
  • Evaluate strengths and limitations
  • Conclude with a justified position

This strategy works across different types of assessment, from coursework essays to exam questions. Over time, it helps build confidence and consistency, which are essential for developing strong critical thinking skills.

The key is practice. Critical thinking is not something you either have or do not have; it is a skill that improves with repeated, structured use.

How to Improve Critical Thinking Skills (Without Overcomplicating It)

If you are wondering how to improve critical thinking, the good news is that small, focused changes can make a significant difference.

One of the most effective steps is engaging in different reading techniques active reading. Instead of highlighting large sections of text, write brief notes that question or respond to what you are reading.

Another is planning essays around arguments, not topics. Start by deciding what position you are going to take, then select sources that help you develop and challenge that position.

Feedback is also crucial. Rather than focusing only on the grade, look closely at comments relating to analysis, evaluation, or argument. These often point directly to areas where critical thinking can be strengthened.

Frequently Asked Questions About Critical Thinking at University

How is critical thinking assessed at university?

It is assessed through analysis, evaluation, and argument rather than factual recall. Markers look for how well you engage with ideas and justify your conclusions.

Why do I lose marks for being “too descriptive”?

Being too descriptive in your essays may show markers that your are understanding concepts, but that you're not using independent judgement. Higher marks depend on analysis and evaluation.

Does critical thinking look different in different subjects?

Yes, but the core principles remain the same. The form changes, but evaluation and justification are always central.

Can you show critical thinking without disagreeing with scholars?

Yes. You can demonstrate critical thinking by supporting arguments thoughtfully and acknowledging limitations.

Critical Thinking Is a Skill You Build

Critical thinking often feels intimidating because it is rarely explained clearly. But at its core, it is about engaging thoughtfully with ideas, asking meaningful questions, and justifying your conclusions.

It is not a natural talent that some students have and others lack. It is a skill that develops with practice, structure, and good feedback. Once you understand what critical thinking looks like — and how to apply it — it becomes far more manageable and far less mysterious.

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