Critical Thinking skills help you decide what to believe about an issue, how to defend what you believe, and how to evaluate the beliefs of others. By thinking critically, you stand the best chance to arrive at reasonable beliefs. Employers like graduates who can think critically. And it is a responsibility of citizens in a democracy to thinking critically about civic issues. Critical thinking empowers your mind.
* Focus on a question or issue.
* Take into account the whole problem. Think holistically.
* Consider alternatives.
* Try to be well-informed.
* Seek as much precision as possible.
* Be aware of your biases and assumptions.
* Be open-minded.
* Withhold judgment if you don't have enough basis.
* Take a position when you have enough basis.
Adapted from the CT taxonomy of Dr. Robert Ennis, Professor of the Philosophy of Education Department of Educational Policy Studies, University of Illinois.
* Be as clear as possible.