Additional Resources for Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Activity: Critically assessing a recent conversation

Think of something that someone has recently told you about an issue in the news. Then ask yourself the following questions:

Reflect critically on your conversation. How can you best respond to the information you were given?

  • Who said it?
    • Someone you know? Someone in a position of authority or power? Does it matter who told you this?
  • What did they say?
    • Did they give facts or opinions? Did they provide all the facts? Did they leave anything out?
  • Where did they say it?
    • Was it in public or in private? Did other people have a chance to respond an provide an alternative account?
  • When did they say it?
    • Was it before, during or after an important event? Is timing important?
  • Why did they say it?
    • Did they explain the reasoning behind their opinion? Were they trying to make someone look good or bad?
  • How did they say it?
    • Were they happy or sad, angry or indifferent? Did they write it or say it? Could you understand what was said?



(from https://www.skillsyouneed.com/learn/critical-thinking.html#ixzz4YYCE2lCn)