What is it: Critical writing in contrast with descriptive writing is the part of academic writing which evaluates and analyses using other sources with the aim of developing an argument. Critical writing will contain evidence from other writers to support or refute. The most characteristic features of critical writing are:

• a clear and confident refusal to accept the conclusions of other writers without evaluating the arguments and evidence that they provide;
• a balanced presentation of reasons why the conclusions of other writers may be accepted or may need to be treated with caution; and
• a clear presentation of your own evidence and argument, leading to your conclusion; and a recognition of the limitations in your own evidence, argument, and conclusion.
  [source]

• University of Leicester - Writing resources

• UTS