Do you have a critical mind?

How to have your say and make it count

'This sucks' 'This rules'

Repeat, until you and everyone else is thoroughly bored. It's all very well to say you love or loathe a particular movie, book, or piece of art, but it's much better to be able to analyse why you feel that way. Plus, it will win you higher marks in essays and exams.

Here are some helpful hints:

Review

Just seen a movie? Write down five things you liked and five things you disliked about it. Now, put the piece of paper away. You'd be surprised how often your opinions change. You'd be even more surprised how often they stay the same.

Discuss

It's good to share your opinions on your favourite movies and music. Your friends may have an interesting opinion on something and might be able to point you towards something you have missed.

Research

Read the reviews in specialist magazines, books and websites. Journalists generally know their stuff and might suggest other material you will enjoy.

Take a chance

Try something new. Does classical music really suck? How do you know unless you actually hear some? Talk to someone who already knows about the subject (a teacher, friend or family) and get them to recommend a 'way in'. Don't be afraid to admit if you don't like something, but always remember that you made the effort.

Does it do what it says on the tin?

Always try and determine what the writer or performer wants to achieve. If a book is billed as a thriller, is it thrilling? How does the author create or maintain suspense? Is it by manipulating points-of-view so the reader knows the enemy agent is lying in wait for the hero? Or is it by using first-person narrative, like detective novelist Raymond Chandler, so we only know what the hero knows?

Does it grab you emotionally or impress you with its cleverness?

'The Fast and the Furious' has a banging soundtrack, fast cars, tough guys and doesn't pretend to answer profound questions on the mysteries of the universe. Stanley Kubrick's 'Paths of Glory', in its way, equally as action-packed, is a powerful drama on the futility of war.

Be yourself

Don't be ashamed to like the things you like, whatever people might say. It's a journey of discovery. With the strength to build on your knowledge and critical skills, it could take you anywhere, even creating your own material for others to enjoy.

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