Tutors often say this, but what does it mean? And how do you achieve that 'critical' approach you need for the higher grades? This practical guide shows you how. It: - explains what 'getting critical' means and why you need a critical approach to your work - gives practical advice on getting critical in your research and reading - shows you what critical writing looks like and how to write critically This new edition has more on developing argument in essays, on reading strategies and detailed examples of student writing. Kate Williams manages the Upgrade Study Advice Service at Oxford Brookes University, UK. She is Series Editor of the Pocket Study Skills.