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Module 1 - What is critical thinking and why is it important?

Basic skills and distinguishing information

Introduction

In the previous module, you learned how this course works. You also had the opportunity to try some simple mental warm-ups. You already know that this is not a test and that mistakes are okay. Now we will look at the first important topic: how we think about the information we read, hear or see. In the following module, you will learn to distinguish between:

  • what we know for sure,
  • and what we only think we know.

This is the basis of critical thinking.

What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking is the ability to think independently and logically, verify information, question assumptions, and draw conclusions based on evidence, not impressions.

Critical thinking means thinking about information slowly, consciously, independently. It means thinking logically, verifying information and drawing conclusions based on evidence, not impressions. A person who thinks critically:

  • reads or watches information carefully,
  • is aware of what was actually said and what is merely inferred,
  • verifies information and looks for evidence,
  • does not jump to conclusions.

Critical thinking is not about being clever. It is a skill that anyone can learn.

What is not critical thinking?

Critical thinking is not:

  • looking for mistakes at all costs,
  • criticising people or their opinions,
  • proving that you are right,
  • suspecting everything and everyone.

Thinking critically does not mean being negative. It means being attentive and cautious.

Facts x opinions x assumptions

When reading and watching information, we encounter three types of statements. These are facts, opinions and assumptions. Click to expand details:

✅ Fact
  • can be verified,
  • is the same for everyone,
  • regardless of who says it.

Example: "The European Union has 27 member states."

💬 An opinion
  • expresses a personal point of view,
  • it may differ from person to person,
  • it is not necessarily wrong, but it is not a fact.

Example: "The European Union is useful for all residents of member states."

❓ An assumption
  • is not certain,
  • it may often sound logical,
  • cannot be verified, or information is missing.

Example: "The European Union wants to ban something for everyone."

Assumptions are common – and that is normal. The problem arises when we treat assumptions as facts.

Why is it not enough to say "I understand the text"?

We often think: "I understand all the words, so I understand the text." But that is not enough. We can:

  • understand the words,
  • but misunderstand the meaning,
  • or infer something that is not actually mentioned there at all.

Critical thinking means asking:

  • What is actually written in the text?
  • What is not written in the text?
  • What is fact and what is just opinion or assumption?

Why is critical thinking important?

Critical thinking helps us to:

  • recognise false or misleading information,
  • verify information and sources,
  • distinguish facts from opinions,
  • not be easily manipulated,
  • argue logically,
  • not succumbing to emotions and prejudices,
  • make better decisions,
  • change your own opinion based on evidence,
  • feel more confident when reading news, posts, etc.

It's not about always being right. It's about knowing when we're not sure.

📌 Summary

  • Critical thinking is a skill, not a talent.
  • Not everything we read or hear is a fact.
  • Facts, opinions and assumptions are not the same thing.
  • Understanding words does not mean understanding meaning.

Practical exercises

Read the following texts and try to answer for yourself. Then click "Show solution" and check if you reasoned correctly.

✍️ Practical exercise 1: Decide which statement is a fact, an opinion or an assumption.

Text 1: "The European Union has issued new recommendations for consumer protection. The recommendations concern online shopping. The aim of these recommendations is to improve consumer awareness."

Choose one:

👀 Show solution

This is a fact. The text describes information that can be verified. It does not contain any evaluations or assumptions about intentions.

Text 2: "The European Union's recommendations are useful because they help people navigate online shopping better. Such measures make sense."

Choose one:

👀 Show solution

This is an opinion. The text evaluates the situation ("useful", "make sense"). It is a personal view, not a verifiable fact.

Text 3: "The European Union's recommendations are another step towards giving the Union greater control over people. In the future, it will decide how people should shop."

Choose one:

👀 Show solution

This is an assumption. The text claims to know the future intention, but does not provide any evidence. It is speculation, not certain information.

✍️ Practical exercise 2: Decide which statement is a fact, an opinion or an assumption.

Text 1: "I will definitely be ill after the vaccination."

Choose one:

👀 Show solution

This is an assumption. There is no evidence, it is a presumption.

Text 2: "Flu vaccinations are available free of charge for senior citizens."

Choose one:

👀 Show solution

This is a fact. This information can be verified.

Text 3: "Flu vaccinations are unnecessary."

Choose one:

👀 Show solution

This is an opinion. It is a personal assessment.

Naposledy změněno: středa, 29. dubna 2026, 21.50