What Is Critical Analysis in CIPD?
What critical analysis means in CIPD assessments, how it differs from description, and practical ways to add the depth that Level 5 and Level 7 reward.
09 July 2026 · 6 min read
Tutors often write 'needs more critical analysis', but rarely explain what that looks like in practice. Understanding it is the difference between a referral and a strong pass at Level 5 and Level 7.
Description versus analysis
Description tells the reader what something is. Analysis examines why it matters, how it works, and what its strengths and limitations are. Critical analysis goes further still, questioning assumptions, comparing perspectives and weighing evidence before reaching a reasoned judgement.
What critical analysis looks like
- Comparing two models or approaches rather than describing one
- Weighing the strengths and limitations of an idea
- Questioning whether evidence is strong, relevant and current
- Considering the context, and whether something would work for this organisation
- Reaching a justified conclusion, supported by evidence
A quick test: after every point, ask 'so what?'. If your answer moves to consequences, comparison or judgement, you are analysing. If it just adds more description, you are not yet.
How to build it into your writing
Introduce a point, support it with evidence, then evaluate it: what does it mean, how does it compare, and what should the organisation do? At Level 7, add wider reading and consider competing viewpoints to show genuine critical engagement.
If your work keeps coming back as too descriptive, our draft review shows you exactly where to turn description into the analysis your level requires.
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