I recently conducted some college writing workshops for a senior summer college prep program in Chicago. The students volunteered for the program, so I applauded their willingness to be proactive in their preparation for college. During my presentation, they answered my questions and even laughed at my clever jokes I stressed the importance of essay writing basics: Introduction/Thesis Statement, Supporting Paragraphs with Transitions, and Conclusion. When I discussed this basic structure coupled with the writing process: Freewriting/Brainstorming, Drafting, Revising, and Final Product, I didn’t get those “deer in a headlight” looks.

However, when I asked for definitions of critical thinking and synthesis, you could hear crickets in the room although it was mid-afternoon. Critical thinking is how you think beyond your frame of reference. It is how you prudently question what you read and make sense of it in various contexts. Synthesis is when you can take the relevant views and research of others/text and incorporate it properly into your writing. Students need to know that college English professors expect to see some knowledge of critical thinking and synthesis in their writing assignments. You don’t have to know it all, but be able to demonstrate that you at least understand the importance of thinking critically and the value in the expertise of others.

Happy Writing