The Impact of Creative Writing Activities in English Lessons on Students' Critical Thinking Skills

Abstract

This study examines the effects of creative writing activities on the development of critical thinking skills among high school students in English lessons. A total of 100 participants were involved, with 50 students engaging in creative writing practices—such as story composition, poetry analysis, and reflective journaling—while the remaining 50 followed a traditional English curriculum. Data were collected through pre- and post-tests measuring critical thinking skills, complemented by qualitative evidence from student journals, interviews, and classroom observations. The results revealed a substantial improvement in the experimental group, which demonstrated a 25% increase in critical thinking scores, compared with a modest 5% increase in the control group. Qualitative findings further indicated that creative writing strengthened students’ ability to consider alternative viewpoints, solve complex problems, and reflect on their thinking processes. Students also reported greater confidence in expressing ideas and a deeper awareness of the rationale behind their decisions. Overall, the study suggests that creative writing serves as an effective pedagogical approach for enhancing critical thinking and cognitive development. It highlights the broader educational value of creative writing beyond the English classroom and proposes directions for future research on its long-term impact.