Importance of critical thinking and writing

Description

Instructions:
1. Cover the source materials listed under Module #1 on Critical Thinking and Critical Writing.
2. Write one paper (i.e., a SINGLE, NON-PDF MICROSOFT WORD DOC FILE that is 2-pages maximum in total length (double-spaced only) with 12 font size in black or dark blue typescript color) and submit in a SINGLE FILE.
Your SINGLE paper (only one file) should respond to the 2 guide questions posted with the assignment. Since your entire paper is restricted to 2 pages double-space maximum, it is probably best to use 1 page to respond to each guide question and ensure that you begin each of your two responses with a re-statement of the particular guide question in SINGLE-SPACE format.To reiterate, submit only a SINGLE, NON-PDF MICROSOFT WORD DOC FILE with your responses to the 2 guide questions. DO NOT SUBMIT SEPARATE FILES FOR YOUR RESPONSES TO THE 2 GUIDE QUESTIONS!
While a certain number of citations are not required in these short critiques, should you need to use citations, present your citations in MLA format as footnotes (i.e., at the bottom of the page where the information to which the citation refers is located–not endnotes which appear at the end of the paper).
The due date for submission is 11:59 pm on September 10 (Thursday).
*Important Note: Papers not submitted by the due date and time will no longer be accepted.
Remember to follow paper submission etiquette, i.e., mandatory typed, double-spaced, 12 font and no more than 1″ margins around the page. Ensure as well that you indicate the title of the assignment, which is Critique #1: On the Importance of Critical Thinking and Critical Writing in the Social Sciences. See useful guidelines in the “Format for Writing Critical Papers” for writing your critiques which is the next to the last section in your course syllabus.
Submit your paper in the following manner:
Submit your paper by the stated due date and time via file upload at the relevant “Assignments” tab.
Respond to the following 2 questions:
1. In your own words, define critical thinking and then explain how to do it in a step by step manner. Provide comment regarding the importance of each step in the critical thinking process, particularly as related to the social sciences.
2. Why do you think critical thinking skills are important? Elaborate and then explain how you think critical thinking and critical writing skills can best be taught.