Writing as a Thinking Tool

Writing facilitates a deeper connection with the material being studied. Beyond the typical storage and retrieval of data, critical thinking requires analysis, reflection, creativity, and careful reasoning.

Writing can assist with this by helping us review our own thoughts, reflect once again on the material, and repeat what was established before, ingraining the information into our brains even better. Free writing also sparks the curious and thoughtful parts of our brains, exercising our ability to think critically and improving our thinking as a whole.

Research suggests that writing can have an impact on creativity, according to a study comparing expert and non-expert writers.

Lotze et al. (2014) found that expert writers showed higher brain activity and performance on creative indices, suggesting a link between writing and creativity. It is unclear if experts become creative through writing or if they write because they are creative, but engaging in creative activities can potentially enhance creativity.

Expert writers show higher brain activity and performance on creative indices.

Unclear if writing leads to creativity or vice versa.

Writing expands our vocabulary . When we are challenged to express ideas more clearly or creatively, we push beyond the boundaries of our original vocabulary and explore new ways of communicating .

One study (Wolsey, 2010) suggests that when we are challenged to write about complex topics , our vocabulary and manner of expression improve, leading to a growth in our verbal skills. These insights support the idea that through writing, we can expand our vocabulary and become stronger communicators.

Research has shown that writing can have a positive impact on health, reducing stress and aiding in coping with trauma.

Expressive writing or journaling has been recommended as a way to work through complex thoughts and improve mood, providing relief from anxiety and physical symptoms.

• Writing can reduce stress and help cope with trauma.
• Expressive writing or journaling can improve mood and reduce anxiety.
• It can also lead to fewer adverse physical symptoms.