Writing an answer to a question that requires evaluation is really a form of philosophical writing. You are aiming to sequence ideas with great clarity, and then show understanding of what a false or invalid argument consists of. This includes, therefore, the discipline known as ‘critical thinking’ but also a quality of character, moral courage, which allows us to run with an idea until it reaches its logical conclusion — which obviously should follow from what comes before. If we don’t like the conclusion then we need to think again. In this process, analysis and evaluation are interwoven at every stage, as this article seeks to demonstrate.
The strategy below is designed to help you practise your evaluative skills. However, to push even further, you need to go beyond formulas. The end of this ‘Exam Focus’ challenges you to master your evaluative abilities in some specific ways.
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