It isn't enough just to find the right material for an assignment; degree level study requires you to think critically about what you read and apply your knowledge systematically and objectively. Critical thinking means that you don’t just accept what you read but you question it so that you come to understand the different perspectives and ideas related to the concepts that you are studying. In turn you then come to take your own viewpoint based on what you have read. In order to read critically, look for: Clarity; Accuracy; Precision; Relevance; Depth; Breadth; Logic; Significance and Fairness.
So critical thinking is all about asking questions and this ties in with the need for active reading and meaningful Note-making.
Below are some of the activities that critical thinking might involve. Think about the assignment you are doing and decide which might apply.
Adapted from www.canberra.edu.au
Other resources:
https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/uploads/production/document/path/1/1710/Critical_Thinking.pdf
https://www.ed.ac.uk/institute-academic-development/postgraduate/taught/learning-resources/critical