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Critical Writing

Opportunities to build your critical writing skills and use of argument.

Descriptive and Critical Writing

Descriptive writing merely describes information without any further comment, questions or evaluation. This table shows how to develop descriptive into more analytical and critical writing.
You can also click the text to see pop-up examples using the topic of energy efficiency, or download the whole page of examples (pdf).

In 2023, the UK government implemented new regulations to promote the use of renewable energy sources. The new solar panels are highly efficient, converting up to 22% of sunlight into electricity (Harachi, 2024). Barack (1890) pioneered the conversion of photovoltaic energy into electricity, then Chaparo et al, (1996) improved the efficiency of silicone solar panels with gallium additives. First, the government introduced subsidies for renewable energy projects, followed by the implementation of stricter emissions regulations (Meran, 2024). To install a solar panel system, begin by assessing your energy needs and then consult with a certified installer to determine the best setup for your location. The theory of energy transition posits that societies will gradually shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources as technology advances and environmental concerns grow (Desilva, 2020). Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect, where photons dislodge electrons in a semiconductor material. The study utilized a comparative analysis of energy consumption patterns across different countries to assess the impact of renewable energy adoption. The Paris Agreement was signed in 2015, marking a global commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions (Dewidar, 2020). A typical wind turbine consists of a visible steel or aluminium tower and carbon fibre rotor with three blades, and a fibreglass container that hides the electricity generating components. Countries can choose between various renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal (Kamerlin, 2023). In balancing an energy budget, energy sources that could be considered include solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and coal, gas, and the ways these are used for transport, heating, food production and IT. There is a direct link between increased renewable energy adoption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions (Marchant, 2019). So, renewable energy sources are derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly, such as sunlight, wind, and water flow. A 2023 policy shift was significant as it aimed to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. While wind energy is a clean and renewable source, its reliability can be compromised by inconsistent wind patterns (Harachi, 2024). Whereas pioneering research (Barack, 1890) showed the potential of solar renewables, advances in efficiency (Chaparo et al, 1996) stimulated their widespread adoption. The introduction of subsidies for renewable energy projects was not essential to the implementation of stricter emissions regulations but probably helped (Meran, 2024). If installing solar panels, using a certified installer will ensure you get both more energy from your system and also a better financial income. Renewable energy is particularly relevant in the context of global warming, as it offers a sustainable alternative to carbon-intensive fossil fuels (Desilva, 2020). Solar photovoltaic panels were recommended because the location receives high irradiance, but has low wind energy and a high freeze risk for solar thermal materials. An analysis of consumption across countries was used to assess the impact of renewable energy adoption, however a socio-cultural study might have revealed barriers to adoption. The timing of the 2015 Paris agreement coincided with growing international awareness of the impacts of climate change (Dewidar, 2020). While the rotor blades are essential for capturing wind energy, the generator and gearbox, are equally important for the function of generating energy. Solar energy is ideal for sunny regions, while wind energy is more suitable for areas with consistent wind patterns (Kamerlin, 2023). To achieve energy sustainability, it is crucial to first to promote energy efficiency, then to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and finally to invest in renewable energy infrastructure. Understanding the link between renewable energy adoption and economic growth can help policymakers design more effective energy policies (Marchant, 2019). In conclusion, transitioning to renewable energy is essential for achieving long-term environmental sustainability and economic resilience.
Example:
 

Descriptive writing

Critical Writing

States the findings / what happened

Identifies what was important about events or results.

Describes what something is like

Evaluates something (strengths and weaknesses)

Describes the story so far

Weighs up what was important in the story

States the order in which things happened

Makes reasoned judgments about causes or mechanisms

Describes how to do something

Discusses the merits and weaknesses of a way of doing something 

Describes a theory

Evidences why a theory might be appropriate or not

Explains how something works

Explores when something might work better or less well.

Describes the method used

Explains why an approach is suitable or not, or should be modified.

States when something occurred

Highlights why the timing is important, or what influenced events

States the different components

Weighs up the importance of components or factors

States options

Explains reasons for the selection or rejection of different options.

Lists details in any order

Structures information according to importance or other criteria. 

States links between items

Shows the relevance of links between pieces of information

Provides information

Explains how conclusions have been arrived at.

Adapted from Cottrell (2005) and the University of Plymouth (2010); Examples developed with help from Microsoft Copilot (2025).