How to Write a Critical Analysis

Writing a Critical Analysis

• Introduce what you are analyzing with all pertinent information about the work (do not forget the title!) and the author. You may want to begin with a brief summary.

• It can be helpful to insert somewhere early on in your analysis (probably in the introduction) a clear and explicit statement of the author’s argument. For example, “The author argues…”

• In the following sentences of your introduction hit all the main points. Then, in subsequent paragraphs, describe each of the author’s main supporting points/evidence as topic sentences and evaluate them.

• Support your evaluation with detailed evidence from the text. Do not forget to use proper citation for quotes and paraphrases.

• Keep in mind: A critical analysis is NOT from a summary. It will include a brief summary in the introduction, but should go beyond this. You are providing an informed critique of the material.

• Remember that the purpose of a critical analysis is to evaluate. What about this text is worthwhile, useful, important, significant, valid, or truthful?

Introduction
o Author’s name and poem title worked in naturally.
o Brief introduction to the text, the author, and/or the historical time period.
o THESIS STATEMENT is obvious, clearly written, and is the focus of the entire essay.
Body Paragraphs
o The topic of each paragraph is in the topic sentence.
o Quotes are used as support in each paragraph. They are worked in naturally, and are properly cited using parenthetical citations. (Use They Say, I Say)
o Each quote is explained. The explanation is tied back to the topic of the paragraph and the thesis of the essay.
Conclusion
o Restates thesis, and ties together body paragraphs.
o Leaves the reader with something to ponder.

Other questions to consider

• Does the subject matter have contemporary relevance?
• Is there a controversy surrounding the text?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the choice of topic, the methodology, the evidence, and the author’s conclusions?
Essay 2
Critical Analysis Essay

Prompt
Write a critical analysis. Choose a short story to read. You will choose which you would like to read and write about.

Audience
• Your classmates, Writing Center tutors, and me.
• Assume that your reader will not have significant, detailed knowledge of the text you are writing about.

Format and Length
• MLA
• Double spaced
• 2 pages
• Times New Roman
• 12 point

Due dates
• Draft 1 – February1
o Introduce and explain quotations
o Writing Center tutors will be in class to direct peer review
o Bring 5 copies of your paper to class
• Draft 2 – February 8

Writing Center
• You must meet with a tutor at the Writing Center

Evaluation
• Based on the 6+1 Trait® Writing Model of Instruction & Assessment (See attached rubric.)
o provides a common language for teachers and students to communicate about the characteristics of writing and establishes a clear vision of what good writing looks like.

*Be sure to use your writing handbook as necessary to follow MLA documentation.