Functions of Academic English 2 14. Being critical Critical writing isa key element in academic language. Asa writer, more specifically an academic writer, you are required to be critical of the sources you exploit. The word ‘critical’ however, may remind you of the verb ‘criticise, which has a rather negative connotation. In fact, providing a critique in an academic context can be both positive and negative, depending on your opinion and the arguments you provide to support your viewpoint. Essentially, being critical entails you do not automatically accept other writers’ claims without thoroughly evaluating the arguments and evidence they present. In order to be able to critically engage with their assertions, you need to be aware of the distinction between descriptive writing and critical writing. Descriptive writing is used to report what has previously been written on the subject matter; it describes the situation and the ideas as they are, without adding or modifying anything. So technically, you are merely giving information on the issue. The purpose of critical writing on the other hand is to analyse and dispute the information you have addressed in the descriptive writing stage through the use of multiple sources. Compare the following (fictional) texts: | A recent study has shown that the | Descriptivewriting: youprovideinformation | mental development of children is put | on the study you will be analysing. at risk when exposed to a considerable ‘amount of screen time. However, the study fails to consider | Critical writing: you evaluate the study by the benefits of exposing children to | stating your opinion whileat the same time television and other electronic media | including other sources. such as language development. Irving | (2013) has stated that “the advantages of watching videos in the target language outweigh the disadvantages.” Nevertheless, | would not go as far as claiming they outweigh the drawbacks as Walter (2016) confirms that too much screen time exerts harmful effects on the long term such as short-term memory and poor reading skills. Descriptive writing Critical writing introduce background information | outline importance and relevance state facts analyse and compare evidencereport evidence and research determine weaknesses, limitations and strengths mention other studies and sources | connect sources with each other give information assess, examine and dispute information listing and classifying information | establishing links and making reasoned judgements Phrases you can use when... > Raising questions and problems The question that prevails is whether. ‘The question that arises at this point is whether ... ‘The question that needs to be asked, therefore, Is... ‘The main issue with this concept is... ‘Acommon problem with this approach is .. ‘A major drawback / flaw of X is... Unfortunately, it does not take into account / explain / acknowledge ... ‘The main weakness of this approach is Few researchers have addressed the issue of .. The study fails to consider / address / take into account ... The author fails to identify / explain in full... The suggested solutions fail to demonstrate the conflictual / direct / causal relationship between ... The main disadvantage / drawback of X is. A significant shortcoming / weakness / flaw of this assertion i . ‘The author's argument relies solely on X..., which restricts / negatively affects / limits... Even though the author's claims seem plausible, they tend to ... Previous researchers have classified this approach as too simplistic. Previous research / studies merely focuses / focus on .. The researchers’ comprehension of X seems rather questionable because ... His explanation completely disregards the fact that... Another rather problematic point is that ... ‘An even greater problematic concept / issue / concernis.... There are, however, limitations to how far this interpretation can be taken. Itis difficult to agree with the author as... Functions of Academic EnglishFunctions of Academic English > Offering constructive criticism and addressing shortcomings Although this approach / claim / argument appears to be interesting, it fails / does not take into account The argument / claim / approach seems plausible to an extent, however, ... Although / even though the author's claims usually tend to be quite accurate, the inconsistencies in X cannot be denied. In this approach, X is Y, which seems accurate at first glance. However, this view does not take into account / minimises / disregards I tend to agree with the author, however, when it comes to X, itis difficult to fathom his reasoning as... agree with this argument up toa point, yet the study / approach in itself fails to specify ... Although this methodology isinteresting, it does notallow for / fails to consider Even though the global aspect of X has been thoroughly discussed before, its specific features have not been treated in much detail. ‘The methods that were used would have been more productive if. While ambitious in its attempts to situate / address / explain X, the paper has numerous problems that inhibit the success of its critical intervention. A sharper focus on X would produce a more persuasive piece. The paper / article / essay would benefit greatly if the author was more trenchant in advancing a critical argument. Despite its identified primary topic / hypothesis, the article / essay seems somewhat unfocused. > Offering positive criticism The author perfectly depicts... / This is a perfect depiction of ... In his seminal / ground-breaking / influential article, the author ... In this impressive / thorough / influential analysis, the author shows that . Words fail to capture how impressive the author's choice of words ultimately is. Itis remarkable how delicately chosen the author's numerous quotes / sources are. This article / review / analysis is brilliant beyond the insights it offers as... The article stands to make a valuable contribution to studies of X because ... The paper's engagement with the notion of X yields significant insights.> Introducing personal beli Clear support for my claim can be found... It is my contention (that)... It is my belief (that)... Weappears to me (that)... In my opinion,... I tend to disagree with... Note: Never use the phrase “according tome.” Instead, use the above-mentioned expressions. However, when you discuss someone else’s views, itis possible to say e.g. “according to Smith,..” Exercises — page 195 . Indicate whether the following sentences are descriptive (D) or critical (C). If the sentence is descriptive, add a critical statement while using your imagination. 1) Current research on colour blindness indicates that it can be avoided in the future through gene therapy. 2) When compared to the original substance, these two factors can be considered as ineffective and must be classified as minerals. 4) The featured relationship does not, however, providea realistic view on the matter. Functions of Academic EnglishFunctions of Academic English 5) Language development needs to be seen as.a necessity rather than a privilege. 6) A number of inherent methodologies have contributed to a great deal of controversy regarding the matter of philosophical strategies. 7) This article succeeds in tackling an incendiary subject head-on. 8) Thisisa work on religion, and ona religion that currently happens to be politically controversial. 9) Smith's research strategy has been acknowledged as a model of lucidity and balance. 10) The author accentuates the intrinsic responsibility that has been attributed to the first group of people. Fill in the gaps by choosing the appropriate words or phrases. prevails — clear support for my claim — common problem — glance — focuses — itations — according to ~ global aspect it is my contention — inhibit 1) Thereare indeed be taken. 2) A. ‘with this approach is the technicality of the concepts. 3) Although the of this issue has been discussed so far, the author fails to touch upon specificities. 4. ...can be found in the following passage. 5) The attached article merely . on general aspects. 6) The question that. is whether X is opposed to Y. to how far this interpretation can3. TY ssn the new programme. 8) that the arguments do not fully support the theory. 9) This theory seems accurate at first = 10) Admittedly, the paper has numerous problems that... the success of its critical intervention. Harvey, the colour scheme is not compatible with Critically respond to the following statements. 1) Fast food should be banned. 2) The issue of climate change is insignificant. 3) The use of cannabis should be legalised. 4) Social media is beneficial for students. 5) Laptops should not be allowed in classrooms. 6) Auniversity degree is not necessary to succeed. 7) The voting age must be lowered. 8) Science and religion are correlated. Functions of Acadamic English9) Medical care should be free. 4, Add shortcomings to the positive statements below. 2) Although this methodology is interestin 2) Itend to agree with the author,... 3) lagree with this claim up to a point,... 4) This approach seems plausible to an extent, .m 6) The author perfectly depicts English society of the 19805, nr 7) Even though this quote seems to be relevant, 8) Overall, the methods used are appropriate... Functions of Academic English 100