So, Critical Thinking?

Students may believe composition class is just another class that you need to trudge through and get the grade, then move on. Unfortunately, those who think like this will miss a wealth of knowledge that not only applies to writing, but also applies to everyday life. One very important lesson you are taught is to think critically. Now I know what your thinking, " Think critically? I'm already extremely critical especially about myself. I don't need to think more critically!" Well true, we are all critical to a certain extent, but that is not the critical I am talking about. In composition the word critically is used, as a term for investigate if you will. There millions of articles out there about every single subject, but if we do not investigate and take apart the articles we have read in our lives we will not be able to have a firm opinion that is rooted in knowledge. When you read an article, questions start popping up in your head, you have two choices to research those questions, or to just take the article you've read as gold and move on with your life.  Paige Johanson explains the importance of critical thinking in her article, "The Importance of Critical Thinking",

     "Unlike many high school English classes, an English composition class isn't about analyzing symbolism in fiction and poetry and learning proper grammar and sentence structure. It's about learning to think and express ideas clearly. In such a class, you will learn how to read carefully and closely and develop your own ideas based on such readings. Perhaps most importantly, you will learn how to convince readers of your point of view and how to acknowledge and respond to potential opposition."

Critical thinking is how this world grows and does not stay stagnant. We can question, research, write, and speak with others about things due to critical thinking. In composition you are taught to hone that skill, which opens the doors for so many opportunities personally and professionally. So instead of just trying to get a passing grade for composition, why not dive in head first?

Paige Johanson. May 2019. https://www.theclassroom.com, "Importance of English Courses"