This topic covers part of Stages 4, 5 and 6 of the essay and report writing process – critical thinking and analysis. It first considers what critical thinking and analysis are. It then looks at the difference between descriptive and critical writing, and at how to write critically. Finally, it looks in detail at how to weigh up the evidence presented by writers and speakers in support of their arguments. Reading in general is covered in detail in the Reading and notetaking topic Academic writing in general is covered in the Effective writing topic