Clear Writing Through Critical Thinking

Welcome! This course will help you think critically at each stage of the writing process. You’ll learn to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information. You’ll build logical and convincing arguments and avoid faulty logic. You’ll also learn problem-solving strategies that you can use back on the job.

Writing is thinking. Often you don't know what you think until you have written it down, and when you write well, you create a context in which others can think. This course teaches many critical-thinking strategies that will improve your writing.

You'll read instruction and examples, watch videos, complete activities, take quizzes, and measure your learning with pre- and post-assessments. Upon successful completion of this course, you'll receive certification for 1.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to do the following:

  • Understand and apply critical thinking in writing
  • Use the seven traits to evaluate and improve writing
  • Apply, analyze, evaluate, and create information
  • Think critically through each stage of the writing process
  • Build logical and persuasive arguments
  • Reason deductively and inductively
  • Create arguments that are consistent, complete, sound, and valid
  • Avoid faulty logic in documents you write
  • Evaluate documents you read, and recognize faulty logic
  • Think critically to analyze problems
  • Devise, evaluate, and implement solutions to problems
  • Think critically about material you write for others
  • Use critical thinking to help others improve their writing
  • Use critical thinking to enhance group discussions

Table of Contents

  • Using the Write for Business Guide
  • Taking a Pre-Assessment

Module 1: Understanding Writing and Critical Thinking

  • Understanding the Seven Traits of Writing
  • Understanding Critical Thinking
  • Applying
  • Analyzing
  • Evaluating
  • Creating
  • Lesson Wrap-Up
  • Quiz

Module 2: Writing Critically

  • Thinking Through the Process
  • Planning the Situation
  • Planning Your Main Point
  • Drafting a Three-Part Structure
  • Drafting to Organize Details
  • Revising with a Checklist
  • Editing with a Checklist
  • Lesson Wrap-Up
  • Quiz

Module 3: Arguing and Persuading

  • Constructing Logical Arguments
  • Reasoning Deductively
  • Reasoning Inductively
  • Appealing to Your Reader
  • Reaching Resistant Readers
  • Organizing to Persuade
  • Lesson Wrap-Up
  • Quiz

Module 4: Avoiding Faulty Logic

  • Spotting False Conclusions
  • Noting Misused Evidence
  • Spotting Distortions
  • Recognizing Sabotage
  • Using Socratic Questions
  • Evaluating Arguments
  • Lesson Wrap-Up
  • Quiz

Module 5: Problem Solving

  • Understanding Problem Solving
  • Defining the Problem
  • Brainstorming Solutions
  • Applying the Solution
  • Evaluating the Solution
  • Making Improvements
  • Lesson Wrap-Up
  • Quiz

Module 6: Critical Thinking in Writing

  • Writing for Your Supervisor
  • Reviewing Others’ Writing
  • Critical Thinking in Groups
  • Applying Your Learning
  • Taking a Post-Assessment

Purchasing Options:

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