4 The difference between descriptive and critical writing
It is important that you understand the difference between descriptive writing and adopting a critical stance, and are able to show clear evidence of your understanding in your writing. Table 2 provides some examples of this.
| Descriptive writing | Critical/analytical writing |
| States what happened | Identifies the significance |
| States what something is like | Evaluates (judges the value of) strengths and weaknesses |
| Gives the story so far | Weighs one piece of information against another |
| States the order in which things happened | Makes reasoned judgements |
| Says how to do something | Argues a case according to evidence |
| Explains what a theory says | Shows why something is relevant or suitable |
| Explains how something works | Indicates why something will work (best) |
| Notes the method used | Indicates whether something is appropriate or suitable |
| Says when something occurred | Identifies why the timing is important |
| States the different components | Weighs up the importance of component parts |
| States options | Gives reason for the selection of each option |
| Lists details | Evaluates the relative significance of details |
| Lists in any order | Structures information in order (e.g. of importance) |
| States links between items | Shows the relevance of links between pieces of information |
| Gives information | Draws conclusions |
(Adapted from Cottrell, 1999)