Assessment items

(i) Critical review of news articles
For the critical review of news articles, you will follow the guidelines below and submit a critique on a news story about an infectious disease issue. The story may be local or international, and should be dated within the past 12 months.
Criteria for Critical Reviews

• Appropriate nature of news article (Microbiological issue, current interest)
• Each critique point has been addressed
• Student has demonstrated understanding of the issues involved in the event reported
• Valid criticisms of the article have been made

Critical Thinking Checklist
1. Is the question at issue well stated? Is it clear and unbiased? Does the expression of the question do justice to the complexity of the matter at issue?
2. Does the writer cite relevant evidence, experiences and/or information essential to the issue?
3. Does the writer clarify key concepts when necessary?
4. Does the writer show a sensitivity to what he or she is assuming or taking for granted? (Insofar as those assumptions might reasonably be questioned)?
5. Does the writer develop a definite line of reasoning, explaining well how he/she is arriving at his/her conclusions?
6. Is the writer’s reasoning well-supported?