Throughout your time at university you'll continually be asked to "think critically." Of course, this term sounds terribly academic and scholarly, but it's important to remember that "thinking critically" is something we all do, every day of our lives.

For example, you're thinking critically whenever you discuss the merits and weaknesses of things you see on TV, or try to decide whether to buy brand X or brand Y of some product.

What is critical thinking?

Being "critical" essentially means adopting a questioning and evaluative mindset rather than blindly accepting what is presented to you. At university this includes information and ideas you read about in books, and other materials; or those discussed in chat rooms and the like.

Adopting a "critical" approach to your learning means trying to find the implications of ideas, and to draw reasonable inferences