New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

Which type of writing measures critical thinking and analytical skills?

1. Narrative writing

2. Analytic writing

3. Descriptive writing

4. Expository writing

The correct answer is: Analytic writing

Analytic writing is designed specifically to evaluate and express critical thinking and analytical skills. This form of writing requires the writer to examine, interpret, and evaluate information or ideas critically, often in relation to a specific question or topic. In analytic writing, individuals are expected to construct arguments, defend their positions with evidence, and explore the complexities of a subject matter, making connections between various concepts and ideas. In contrast, narrative writing focuses on storytelling and personal experiences, primarily aiming to engage readers through the plot or characters rather than through critical analysis. Descriptive writing emphasizes sensory details and imagery to convey a particular experience or scene rather than analyze it. Expository writing informs or explains a topic to the reader, providing clear and straightforward information but typically without engaging in the level of critique or analysis found in analytic writing. Therefore, analytic writing stands out as the genre that primarily measures critical thinking and analytical skills.