The core content for Unit 1 is the criteria of credibility. These are five criteria to use when deciding whether or not we should believe a source of information. A substantial proportion of the exam requires the application of these criteria.

In addition to those five criteria, there are three further criteria to be used in assessing images as evidence. These are relatively less important–only a very few marks, if any, will be awarded for questions relating to these criteria–but they are worth knowing nevertheless.

The other key content is the particular methodology for resolving disputes that the exam will test you on. This involves identifying points of corroboration and conflict, assessing the balance and weight of evidence, and then assessing the quality of evidence on either side of the dispute and coming to a reasoned judgement.

Other than learning these concepts, preparation for the exam is mostly about practice. Critical Thinking is a practical subject, like learning to drive a car or to play a musical instrument. Studying the theory will only get you so far; to do well, you need to put the theory into practice on a regular basis.