Have you ever received feedback suggesting you need to enhance your critical thinking skills? This book provides a foundation for academic success, and offers an introduction to complex topic. It explains in an easy-to-follow manner how to construct effective arguments.

Learn to:

• Identify other people's arguments and conclusions
• Interpret and produce your argument more effectively
• Read between the lines, see behind surfaces and identify false assumptions
• Apply critical thinking to assignments

Analyse, evaluate and apply information to create cohesive arguments

Have you ever received feedback suggesting you need to be more critical in your assignments? Written specifically for students, this friendly guide takes the intimidation out of the topic and provides hands-on, active instruction and exercises to help you apply critical thinking in your academic work to achieve higher grades.

• Have a think — grasp the science and sociology behind thinking and find out how to assess your thinking sills
• Put the pieces together — find out how critical thinking is like solving puzzles
• Your critical thinking toolbox — use mind maps, concept flow charts, dump lists, meta-thinking, virtues and vices and triangulation
• Put it to practice — apply critical thinking to reading, writing, speaking and listening
• Smoke and mirrors — separate fact from opinion, know a writer's (or speaker's) position and utilise sound source checking

Open the book and find:

• The who, where and when of thinking
• How to know your 'thinking habits'
• Why you should beware of being too critical
• The logic of real arguments
• How to be a rational animal
• Unsound argument tactics to avoid
• Lots of exercises to help you master your skills

Turbocharge your reasoning with Critical Thinking

Just what are the ingredients of a great argument? What is the secret to communicating your ideas clearly and persuasively? And how do you see through sloppy thinking and flim-flam? If you’ve ever asked any of these questions, then this book is for you!

These days, strong critical thinking skills provide a vital foundation for academic success, and Critical Thinking Skills For Dummies offers a clear and unintimidating introduction to what can otherwise be a pretty complex topic. Inside, you'll get hands-on, lively, and fun exercises that you can put to work today to improve your arguments and pin down key issues.

With this accessible and friendly guide, you'll get plain-English instruction on how to identify other people's assumptions, methodology, and conclusions, evaluate evidence, and interpret texts effectively. You'll also find tips and guidance on reading between the lines, assessing validity – and even advice on when not to apply logic too rigidly!

Critical Thinking Skills for Dummies:

• Provides tools and strategies from a range of disciplines great for developing your reflective thinking skills
• Offers expert guidance on sound reasoning and textual analysis
• Shows precisely how to use concept mapping and brainstorming to generate insights
• Demonstrates how critical thinking skills is a proven path to success as a student

Whether you're undertaking reviews, planning research projects or just keen to give your brain a workout, Critical Thinking Skills For Dummies equips you with everything you need to succeed.