What Is Critical Writing? (And How to Do It)
UK Academic Writing Guide | Reviewed by the Projectsdeal Editorial Team | Updated June 2026
Quick AnswerCritical writing means analysing and evaluating information rather than just reporting it. Descriptive writing says what happened or what a source says; critical writing asks so what? — weighing evidence, comparing viewpoints, questioning assumptions, and building a justified argument. It is the single biggest factor separating average marks from first-class work in the UK.
Overview
Tutors constantly write ‘too descriptive — be more critical’ on student work. Critical writing is the skill that unlocks higher grades, and it is learnable once you understand what it actually looks like.
Descriptive vs Critical Writing
Descriptive: ‘Maslow proposed a hierarchy of needs with five levels.’ Critical: ‘Although Maslow's hierarchy is widely cited, its rigid ordering has been challenged by later research showing needs can be pursued simultaneously, which limits its usefulness for explaining workplace motivation.’ The second sentence evaluates, compares and judges relevance.
How to Be More Critical
For every source or point, ask: How strong is the evidence? Who disagrees, and why? What are the assumptions and limitations? How does it connect to other ideas and to my argument? Then write those judgements down, supported by references. Use evaluative language (‘however’, ‘in contrast’, ‘this suggests’, ‘a limitation is’).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Reporting, not evaluatingStating what sources say without judging them. Add analysis and evaluation.
One-sided argumentIgnoring opposing views. Acknowledge and weigh alternatives.
No links between pointsListing ideas separately. Connect them into a reasoned argument.
Unsupported opinionCritical does not mean personal opinion — back judgements with evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is critical writing?
Writing that analyses and evaluates information — weighing evidence, comparing viewpoints and questioning assumptions to build a justified argument — rather than simply describing or reporting it.
How is critical writing different from descriptive writing?
Descriptive writing states what something is or what a source says; critical writing judges its strength, relevance and implications, and uses that to support an argument.
How can I make my writing more critical?
For each point, evaluate the evidence, consider opposing views and limitations, and explain what it means for your argument — all supported by references and evaluative language.
Why do I keep getting told to be more critical?
It usually means your work is summarising sources rather than analysing them. Shift from ‘what’ to ‘so what’: judge and connect ideas rather than just reporting them.
Need a Hand? Get Expert UK Help
Want to see what critical, first-class writing looks like for your exact title? Our UK experts write model answers that demonstrate critical analysis you can learn from.