Study Skills HS - SW (Preview)

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Critical Thinking 101

Assess Information Sort through the information you gathered. Reread it, looking for inconsistencies and inaccuracies. Evaluate the credibility of

Gather Information

Approach any problem, project, paper, or report by gathering

information sources. Search for gaps and relationships in the information. Try to avoid bias (personal preference) in your assessment, and be alert to the existence of bias in information and data.

knowledge about the topic. Read. Research. Gather facts and data. Work holistically, keeping an open- mind. Don’t exclude information that challenges beliefs, or contradicts ideas or opinions.

Apply Logic Compare the information. Discriminate between ideas. Determine fact vs. opinion. A fact is based on evidence and can be verified . PRODUCT PREVIEW Formulate a Thesis A thesis is a simple statement of what

An opinion is a belief or conclusion that is not supported by evidence or fact. Beliefs are often presented as fact, so always look for supporting evidence. Reflect on the information you have gathered and apply reason to make a judgement, reach a conclusion, or find a solution.

you will prove, show or conclude from the information you have gathered, assessed and logically reviewed.

Make Your Argument Base your evaluation on facts and evidence, not on feelings or beliefs (unless directed to do so). Refer back and forth between the

facts and evidence to prove your point. When writing or presenting any evaluation, avoid subjective language like “I believe”, “I think...” or “My opinion is.” Use logic jargon such as “Based on the evidence, I have concluded that...,” “The weight of the facts indicates that...,” or “The research best supports the conclusion that...”

THE 21st CENTURY STUDENT’S GUIDE TO STUDY SKILLS 233

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