Critical Discussion

Essays, discussion papers, conference papers, journal articles and literature reviews are assignments
that offer you the opportunity to critically analyse information, arguments or opinions. In the
academic context this is not a negative exercise. To critique means to ask questions and offer an
informed opinion. To do this effectively means that you should attempt to understand a topic or
issue from different perspectives, or apply different theoretical explanations or frameworks. Thats
why we ask you, in many assignments, to consider different stakeholder perspectives.

Academic writing may include:

Abstract: a concise yet comprehensive summary of the work.

Academic writing should include

Introduction: states the problem and summarises the main points.

Body: progressively expands on the main points.
Conclusion: restates or summarises the main points, links the discussion to the broader
debate within the field.

General guide for academic writing

Write in your own words

Write clearly, avoid unnecessary jargon
Use correct, formal English
Avoid long, complex sentences
Avoid excessively short or overly long paragraphs
Structure the discussion logically
Paraphrase or quote from authoritative sources to support and illustrate your argument
Whether you have quoted or paraphrased, you must acknowledge all ideas from other
authors or researchers

Specific details of a critical discussion will vary depending on the particular academic discipline they
are reflecting.

Additional Information:

Ashland University: Guidelines for Writing Scholarly Papers

Types of Critical Discussion

Essay
The purpose of an essay is to present an argument, supported by evidence. It should include
opposing points of view which are analysed and critically assessed.

Generally does not include an abstract.

Does have an introduction, body and conclusion.
May be written in continuous prose without internal headings or sub-headings. In this case,
the challenge is to make the discussion flow clearly and logically from one point to the next.
Acknowledge all ideas from other authors or researchers.

Additional Information:

University of Reading: Planning and structuring your essay

University of Huddersfield: Essay Writing (1) Structure and Organisation

Discussion Paper
A discussion paper presents and discusses issues around a particular topic. In doing so, it presents
alternative points of view. The intention is not to make specific recommendations, but to provide a
well-rounded analysis of the issues.

Generally does not include an abstract

Does have an introduction, body and conclusion
Should be succinct
Content must be supported with evidence
Acknowledge all ideas from other authors or researchers

Conference paper
The purpose of a conference paper is to present information about an area of expertise or interest to
a targeted audience. A conference paper generally reports on research. Points to consider:

Succinct, informative, interesting title

Include an abstract
Use internal headings and sub-headings to structure the discussion
Could Include
o Introduction: introduce the problem or issue, with a brief literature review if
appropriate
o Research design
o Results
o Discussion
o Conclusion
Should be concise
Use formal language
Appropriately referenced
Journal Article
While there are different types of journals, including scholarly, trade and professional journals, this
discussion focusses on scholarly and academic journal articles. An academic journal article is usually
longer and more formal than a conference paper. A primary purpose of journal articles is to publish
research. However, they may also include.

Theoretical discussions: relate existing research to theories or models in order to expand or

refine theoretical constructs. They do not normally contain original research
Reviews: synthesise current research, identify trends or advances and/or identify gaps in
knowledge. Reviews do not report on original research. These types of articles are also
referred to as literature reviews (see section below).

The structure of a journal article reporting research is similar to that of a research conference paper.

Additional Information
International Journal of Quality in Health Care: Writing a research article advice to
beginners

Literature Review
Literature reviews critically evaluate previously published material to provide an understanding of
the progress of research in clarifying a problem. A literature review

Organises and evaluates the literature pertaining to a particular issue

Seeks to identify patterns and trends within the research
Identifies research gaps and recommends new research areas

A literature review could include:

Title
An abstract
Introduction
Body: materials, methods and findings
Conclusion

Additional Information:

Liberty University: Literature Review Handout