Educational Notes: Critical Thinking and Analysis Skills

Suggests

Proposes or hints at an idea without stating it directly

Notes / Observes

Mentions something or draws attention to a detail

Explains / Clarifies

Makes something clear or understandable

Downplays

Minimizes importance or significance

Affirms / Supports

States agreement or reinforces a point

Acknowledges

Admits or concedes a point; recognizes another perspective

Criticizes / Mocks

Shows disapproval or makes fun of a subject

Challenges / Confronts

Opposes, questions, or disputes an idea

Questions / Speculates

Raises inquiries or suggests possibilities

Praises / Highlights

Shows approval or emphasizes importance

Advocates / Argues

Persuades or supports a claim actively

Analyzes

Examines closely to explain meaning or purpose

Demonstrates / Shows

Provides examples or evidence to make a point clear

Explains / Illustrates

Clarifies using details, examples, or comparisons

Compares / Contrasts

Shows similarities or differences between ideas

Cites / Lists

Provides references or enumerates points

Begins / Opens

Starts a section or introduces a topic

Adds / Connects

Adds information or links ideas together

Shifts / Transitions

Moves to a new topic, idea, or perspective

Concludes / Ends

Finishes a section or wraps up an argument