Page 28 - Thinking Critically

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Appendix

Glossary

Argument: the identification of one or more claims supported by
logical reasoning and evidence which lead to a justified conclusion.
Claim: an idea or contention asserted in an argument.

Conclusion: the final position taken on a topic, based on the results
of a critical evaluation and reflection about the claims and evidence
presented.

Critical thinking: thinking based on logical reasoning and
questioning, which enables you to reflect on the strengths and
weaknesses of any evidence provided, draw logical conclusions and
contribute new ideas to a topic.
Evaluation: an assessment of the validity of an argument.

Evidence: data, facts, information, studies etc. used to support
claims, arguments and conclusions.

Implications: issues arising from a topic of study.
Inferences: ideas deduced from evaluating an argument.

Innovative: new and different ways in which a topic can be viewed
and investigated.
Interpretation: an explanation of the meaning of something.
Justified interpretation: one that provides a balanced argument and
refers to reliable evidence for the points made.
Qualification: concessions that may have to be made within an
argument that limit what someone might be able to claim.

Reasoning: the process of forming conclusions and inferences.
Stance: your position on a topic based on the evidence you have
evaluated.
Synthesise: draw together different strands of information making
logical connections between them.
Warrant: logical reasoning that connects the evidence to the claim.