Directive lesson
Critically Examine
Critical does not mean negative. It means you must test assumptions, consider supporting and opposing evidence, and arrive at a defensible judgement.
Use this flow
- Explain the claim
- Present supporting evidence
- Test assumptions and limitations
- Consider the counter-view
- Give a qualified judgement
Must do
- Show both support and limitation
- Use a clear standard for judgement
- Make the conclusion proportional to the evidence
Avoid
- Writing only criticism
- Using ‘however’ once and calling the answer critical
- Giving a black-and-white verdict
Real PYQ example
Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the main cause of population increase in India.