Academic Writing, Critical Thinking & Argument Development

"Too descriptive" and "needs more critical analysis" are among the most common comments on university writing, and among the least helpful, because they rarely say what to do. This service turns those comments into concrete steps you can take in your own draft.

What it means

Critical thinking in writing means doing more than reporting what sources say. It means comparing them, asking why they agree or disagree, judging how strong the evidence is, and explaining what it means for your question. An argument is the position your whole text works to support, built step by step from claims, evidence and reasoning.

These expectations can feel new. Some education systems reward accurate summary of knowledge, while many universities in the UK, Germany and France reward a clearly defended position. Neither is wrong; they are different conventions. We help you learn the one your course expects.

Problems it addresses

• A thesis statement that restates the question rather than taking a position
• Paragraphs that present sources one after another without comment
• Evidence that is mentioned but not explained or connected to the claim
• Sections that could be shuffled without the reader noticing, because nothing builds on what came before
• Counterarguments that are missing, or mentioned and then ignored
• Hedging that is too weak ("it might perhaps be possible") or too strong ("this proves")
• Long, complex sentences that hide a good idea

When you might need it

• Your marked work keeps returning the same comments about description or depth.
• You understand your topic well but struggle to organise ideas on the page.
• You are moving into a system where essays reward argument more than summary.
• You learned the French dissertation format or the German Hausarbeit and want to check your reasoning works in an English-language essay.
• You want an outside reader before submitting an important essay.

How the guidance works

1. Share draft and feedback. Send your draft, the question, the marking criteria and any earlier tutor comments.
2. Agree scope and quote. We confirm what the feedback will focus on and how it will be delivered.
3. Receive argument-focused comments. We comment on your position, structure, paragraph logic and use of evidence, and ask questions where the analysis could go further.
4. Rewrite in your own voice. Every change is yours.
5. Discuss, if agreed. You can talk through the comments or check how a revised section responds to them.

What to prepare

• Your draft in an editable format, even if incomplete
• The essay question, brief and marking criteria
• Previous tutor feedback, especially recurring comments
• Your outline or plan, if you want it compared with the draft
• A note of what you think is weakest

What you receive

Depending on the scope agreed in your quote, this can include:

• written comments on your draft, marking where description could become analysis
• a list of questions to consider for each main paragraph, such as "why does this matter?" or "what would a critic say?"
• a feedback summary of your argument's main strengths and gaps, in order of priority
• notes on recurring language patterns that weaken clarity or hedging
• a discussion by message or call

Outside the scope

• Writing paragraphs, introductions or conclusions for you
• Supplying model answers to your question
• Changing the position you take or adding new arguments
• Adding sources or evidence
• Producing AI-generated text for you to use
• Guaranteeing a grade

Comments may show the kind of change that would help, but the words and decisions remain yours. See our academic integrity page.

An illustrative example

Frequently asked questions

Will you correct my grammar too?

We point out language where it makes your meaning unclear, because clarity is part of argument. A full line-by-line language edit is a separate editing service.

Can I send an essay that is only half finished?

Yes, and that is often the most useful time. Early feedback on argument saves you from polishing paragraphs you may later cut.

How can I practise on my own?

Read our critical thinking guide and argumentative essays guide, and use the writing self-assessment to check your next draft.