From Richard Paul's "Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking"

Questions Using the Elements of Thought

PURPOSE:

• What am I trying to accomplish?
• What is my central aim? My purpose?

INFORMATION:

• What information am I using in coming to that conclusion?
• What experience have I had to support this claim?

INFERENCES and CONCLUSIONS

• How did I reach this conclusion?
• Is there another way to interpret the information?

CONCEPTS

• What is the main idea here?
• Could I explain this idea?

Assumptions

• What am I taking for granted?
• What assumption has lead me to that conclusion?

IMPLICATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES

• If someone accepted my position, what would be the implications?  What am I implying?

POINTS OF VIEW

• From what point of view am I looking at this issue?
• Is there another point of view I should consider?

QUESTIONS

• What question am I raising?
• What question am I addressing?