How to Show Critical Thinking (If You Want Better Grades at Uni)

Critical thinking isn’t being negative

“Critical” doesn’t mean attacking the author. It means examining ideas, not accepting them at face value. You’re showing that you’ve thought about the strengths, weaknesses, assumptions, and implications of what you’re reading.

Take a skeptical posture (the academic default)

Every time you read a source — even one written by your lecturer — ask yourself:

• Am I sure this is true?

• Does this align with other readings or what I already know?

• If not, why not?

• Can I explain that difference using evidence?

This is the mindset academics use daily. It’s also the mindset markers expect to see in higher‑grade work.

Why markers expect you to push back

Knowledge in every academic field is always evolving. Academics don’t expect you to simply repeat what an author says — they expect you to:

• question assumptions

• identify gaps

• compare ideas

• evaluate evidence

• consider alternative explanations

This is how researchers contribute to their field. Your marker expects you to show the early version of that same skill.

How to demonstrate critical thinking in your writing

• Compare the reading to another source

• Evaluate whether the evidence is strong or limited

• Identify assumptions or blind spots

• Explain why an idea does or doesn’t align with other knowledge

• Consider implications, consequences, or alternative interpretations

These moves signal critical thinking immediately — and they’re exactly what improves your marks.

Want help developing critical thinking and improving your grades?

If you want to show these skills in your next assessment, or get feedback on your writing, you can book a tutor and learn how to increase evidence of your critical thinking in your submission.