The Thinking Habit

Asking Questions about the Media - Moses Humphries -    Every day, we scroll through social media, watch YouTube, or read articles online. But how often do we stop and ask, “Is this information reliable?” Media is powerful. It can shape our beliefs, feelings, and actions. That’s why asking the right questions is important. 1. Who Created This? Always start by asking, “Who made this message?” Was it a journalist, a company, or just a random account? Knowing the source helps you understand their purpose. Example: If a sports drink ad claims it makes athletes stronger, remember that the company aims to sell you the drink, not provide unbiased health advice. 2. What Is the Purpose? Media is made for a reason—sometimes to inform, sometimes to entertain, and sometimes to persuade. Ask, “Why does this exist?” Example: A TikTok video might seem funny, but it could also be promoting a product without you realizing it. 3. What Techniques Are Being Used? Consider how the me...

 - How to use the SIFT Method - 28/08/2025 - Moses Humphries - Today, we are surrounded by news, posts, and videos online. However, not everything we encounter is true. Some information may be misleading or even fake. That’s where the SIFT Method comes in. SIFT is a straightforward strategy that helps us determine if online information is trustworthy. The letters stand for Stop, Investigate, Find, and Trace. 1. Stop The first step is to pause before you share, like, or believe something. Ask yourself, “Do I know if this source is reliable?” Example: If you see a shocking headline on Instagram, don’t just repost it immediately. Stop and think before you react. 2. Investigate the Source Next, check who is behind the information. Look at the author, website, or account. Are they experts? Do they have a reason to be biased? Example: If a random TikTok account claims, “Scientists proved chocolate cures cancer,” check if the account belongs to a real scientist or a health org...

What is Critical Thinking? - Moses Humphries - In school, teachers often tell us to “think critically.” Bu t what does that mean? Critical thinking isn’t just about being negative or criticizing things. It’s about looking at information closely, questioning it, and making smart decisions based on evidence and logic. 1. Asking Questions Critical thinking starts with curiosity. Instead of accepting things right away, you ask questions like: “Why is this true?” or “What evidence supports this?” Example: If someone says, “Video games make students lazy,” a critical thinker would ask, “Do all video games cause laziness, or just some? Where is the proof?” 2. Gathering Evidence A critical thinker doesn’t rely only on opinions. They look for facts, data, and examples to support or challenge an idea. Example: Instead of saying, “My friend plays games and gets bad grades,” you’d look at research studies on video games and student performance. 3. Analyzing Perspectives Critical thin...

Writing Using the Toulmin Method - Moses Humphries- St5 Critical Thinking When we write essays or arguments, we often want to convince people that our ideas make sense. But how do we achieve this without sounding like we’re just sharing opinions? One effective way is to use the Toulmin Method, which provides a structure for building strong arguments. Created by philosopher Stephen Toulmin, it divides an argument into six parts. 1. Claim The claim is your main point, what you are trying to prove. For example: “School uniforms s hould be mandatory in all high schools.” That’s the statement you want your audience to accept. 2. Grounds The grounds are your evidence or reasons that support your claim. They answer the question: Why should I believe you? Example: “Uniforms reduce bullying because everyone is dressed the same, making it harder for students to judge each other based on clothes.” 3. Warrant The warrant explains the hidden connection between your grounds and claim. It clari...