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Critical writing

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Workshops

Critical writing: go beyond description

Have you ever been told your writing is too descriptive? Want to strengthen your academic work by developing a more thoughtful and evaluative approach?

This interactive workshop will help you take your writing to the next stage by focusing on critical thinking and expression. We’ll explore:

  • The key differences between descriptive and critical writing
  • How to use critical language effectively
  • Structuring strong, critical paragraphs

This workshop is open to all students—whether you're an undergraduate just starting out or a postgraduate looking to refine your writing. No subject knowledge required!

Upcoming Sessions:

The next workshops are due to run on:

  • Friday 17th October 2025, 12:00-13:00, online via Teams: Link to join
  • Wednesday 19th November 2025, 13:00-14:00, face to face at Middlesbrough Campus (T1.02, The Curve)

To view a recording of a previous workshop see below.

You do not have to book onto the workshop as attendance is on a first come first served basis.

If you need further information or any adjustments to fully access our sessions, please contact libraryhelp@tees.ac.uk in advance. 

We are very interested to hear your views about any workshop you attend.

Please complete the feedback form after you have attended.

Click on the calendar image or on the link below to see the programme of other webinars currently being offered: http://libguides.tees.ac.uk/workshop

Online tutorial for critical writing

Click on the image below to work through the online tutorial for critical writing. There are activities for you to take part in along the way.

Link to online tutorial

Helpsheets

The following help sheets will give further advice on what critical writing is, how to write good paragraphs and what the critical 'clue' words mean in your criteria.

Guides on critical writing

These guides will introduce you to the basics of critical writing  covering:
  • The difference between critical and descriptive writing
  • Identifying differing opinions in writing 
  • Using the WEED model to create critical paragraphs
  • Identifying different aspects of critical writing 

 

Guides

The differences between critical and descriptive writing

 

Using critical language

 

 

 

How to write critical paragraphs

 

 

 

Further reading

Online reading list of additional resources and further reading on critical writing

link to reading list

Using material on this page