Topic One (1.1): Introduction to Critical Thinking

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

In this topic, you will be introduced to the basic structures and features of an argument. This will help you begin to identify the different forms of arguments that can be made. You will also learn why critical thinking is such an important skill to develop.

Read & Make Notes Icon.png Read and Make Notes

Read Chapter 13, on pages 121 to 126 in your textbook, and make detailed notes. You might find you need to read each section a couple of times to take it all in fully.

Skills Icon.png Tasks

  • Watch the following videos, which also provide an introduction to the idea of critical thinking:

WATCH – Episode 1.1: Introduction to Critical Thinking (Revised) (YouTube) Links to an external site.

WATCH – Critical Thinking: Fundamentals: Introduction to Critical Thinking [HD] (YouTube) Links to an external site.

  • The following website has a number of useful pages you might find useful throughout the course:

EXPLORE – Critical Thinking Web (Philosophy.hku.hk) Links to an external site.

  • Complete all of the activities in Chapter 13.
  • Write a detailed paragraph for each answer to explain the answer and the processes that allowed you to work it out.

Consolidate Icon.png Consolidate

  • Now complete the worksheet designed to accompany this chapter:

Download COMPLETE – Chapter 13 Worksheet

  • Answers for the worksheets can be found in General Resources.

REVIEW - General Resources

Glossary Icon.png Terminology

Make sure you understand all the key terms covered in this topic. You may like to make flashcards of key terms now, to help you with revision later on. You should do this for every topic area.