Which of the following is a step in critical thinking?

Making an initial statement is indeed a foundational step in critical thinking. It serves as the starting point for analysis and discussion, allowing one to articulate a hypothesis or point of view that can be examined further. This initial formulation lays the groundwork upon which evidence can be gathered, arguments can be evaluated, and conclusions can be drawn.

Moreover, creating an initial statement prompts further inquiry and guides the critical thinking process. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of what you are trying to analyze or solve before proceeding to deeper evaluation or reassessment. Other steps in critical thinking, such as reassessing the situation, avoiding assumptions, and focusing on facts, are indeed important but typically follow the formulation of an initial statement, as they build upon and refine that starting point.