If you are selected for the interview, you’ll be sent a critical thinking text beforehand.
Here is some general information on the task and guidelines on how to prepare for it.
Why is there a critical thinking task?
We recognise that UPCH students come from a variety of academic, educational and cultural backgrounds.
This is why the critical thinking task does not assess your knowledge of critical thinking. Instead, it’s used to identify candidates who can think critically.
We are looking for students who can intellectually engage with ideas, develop and support their arguments, and are able to be self-reflective in their learning. This approach to studying is vital to success on the UPCH.
What is the critical thinking task?
The critical thinking task consists of a short text, or text and images, to read and study before the interview and on which you’ll be asked questions during the interview.
You may also be asked questions that relate more generally to the text’s topic(s) or to your study skills.
The text or text and images will relate to an arts and humanities, philosophical, social, political, economic or environmental topic.
How can I prepare for the critical thinking task in the interview?
Once you’ve received the actual critical thinking text, you should make sure you have understood the content.
You should be able to:
- Understand the vocabulary used in the text.
- Paraphrase or summarise the text and its main arguments.
- Have a clear idea of the theme and the main points of the text and/or images.
- Identify any assumptions, biases, generalisations, flaws, or logical errors in the text and/or images.
But to think critically is to read actively! When you read the text you are sent, try to answer questions like:
- What’s the purpose of the text/image?
- What are the main arguments/ideas and are they convincing?
- What support is given for these arguments/ ideas?
- What conclusion(s) are drawn, and do you agree with them?
- What could be a good counter-argument?
- What examples would you use to support it?
- Is it well-written? How would you rewrite this text?
- What wider topics or issues does this text relate to in your view?
- Is this text or topic surprising to you? Do you find it challenging and in what regard?
Use the practice tasks below to see the type of text you may be sent to study and try to answer some of the preparation questions we’ve given. Try to answer them orally and if you can, record yourself.
- Practice task 1 (example text and preparation questions)
- Practice task 2 (example text and preparation questions)
- Practice task 3 (example text and images and preparation questions)
Other tips to prepare for the interview
The focus of the critical thinking task is on thought rather grammatical accuracy and vocabulary. However, correct expression and good vocabulary will help you get your ideas across better during the interview.
Here are some other tips designed to help you prepare for your interview:
- Make sure you feel rested, are in a comfortable environment, won't be disturbed and that you're unlikely to experience technical problems.
- Read and listen in English as much as you can (e.g., newspapers, books, radio, keep a diary/journal, write essays, podcasts, etc.).
- Take part in debates and discussions with friends, family and teachers to practise in advance.
- Train yourself in finding on-the-spot arguments to support your opinions and practise voicing them confidently to yourself and then to others.
- Use role-play and put yourself in your opponent’s mind frame: what would they say?
- Think about a topic from another person's point of view (like an economist or a philosopher). What would they say?
- Record yourself speaking and try to see where you could articulate your answers better.
- Learn more about critical thinking skills in general and do some exercises using this book: Critical Thinking Skills: Effective Analysis, Argument and Reflection, by Stella Cottrell (Palgrave Macmillan).