Critical Analysis Essay

English 3

Objective: Write a two-page (typed, double-spacedif you do not have computer access over
the break, you may legibly hand-write your final draft) paper evaluating a passage we read in
class (from either Half the Sky OR Product of Mexico).
In a critical analysis paper, you will make an argument about one of the pieces we have read.
THIS IS NOT A SUMMARY! You will have to use a paragraph summarizing the work, but no
more than one paragraph should be used to tell your reader the key concepts and points of the
passage. 1
Due: Monday, January 5th (A) Tuesday, January 6th (B)
You have two goals for this paper:
1) Identify and explain the argument that the author is making.
2) Provide your own argument about that argument.
Potential Points of Criticism:

Theoretical questions How does the author understand the situation? What is his/her
background? How would this influence their view of the situation?
Definitional questions Are all the concepts in the text clear? Does the author define a concept
vaguely to allow it to travel across different situations? If a concept can relate two seemingly
different situations, is the concept meaningful?
Evidence questions
o Does the authors evidence support their argument? Do they have enough specific
evidence to prove the more general point?
Does foreign aid really make a difference is breaking the cycle of poverty?
o Does the author underemphasize or ignore evidence that is contrary to their argument?
Is an argument compelling if it criticizes something and ignores the positive
aspects of it?
o Is the evidence credible? Can you identify a bias in the evidence?
Was the study/investigation done by a person or group affiliated with a political
action committee, an NGO concerned with a particular cause, or a for-profit
publication? How might a group affiliation or funding influence the outcome of
the investigation or research?
Other questions
o Is the authors argument consistent?
o Does the authors background have important implications for their argument?
o Do the specific language choices of the author betray a certain ideology of bias, or frame
the argument in a certain way?

Adapted from J.L. Beyer, Critically Analyzing an Academic Article or Book

Critical Analysis Essay

English 3

Structuring a Critical Analysis Paper

Most critical analysis papers begin with a short summary of the work and then dive in to
the argument. Since most of these paper assignments are short, it is important to be concise in
all parts of your analysis. Writing an outline (and following it!) is crucial to remain focused on
your argument and avoid summary or irrelevant descriptions. Following is a sample outline for
a critical analysis paper:
1. Introduction
a. Identify the work being criticized and introduce the main concepts
b. Present thesis argument about the work (see attached Tips for Writing Your Thesis
Statement for help)
c. Preview you argument what are the steps you will take to prove your argument?
2. Short summary of the work
a. Does not need to be comprehensive and include all details present only what the
reader needs to know to understand your argument
3. Your argument
a. Your argument will probably involve several points and pieces of evidence that prove
your point. For example, if your thesis is that the authors of Half the Sky effectively
achieve their goal of making their readers care about oppressed women around the
world by illustrating the experiences of survivors who embody family values that are
consistent with those of their intended audience, you might prove this by:
i. Explain in your own words in US culture of the family unit and the value of a
parents drive to protect their children.
ii. Identifying examples of people who have risked their safety and security to
protect their family members (Meena, Vivek, the man in the photo on page 5).
iii. Argue that the intended audience of the book is likely to feel sympathetic to
people who, despite terrible circumstances, fight to protect their children.
b. This should be the bulk of your paper. Your teacher wants to read your argument
about the piece, not a summary. (The teacher has already read it, so there is no need to
re-tell it!)
4. Conclusion
a. Reflect on how you have proven your argument
b. Point out the importance of your argument (beyond it being a requirement for this
class!)
c. Note potential avenues for additional research or analysis, or for further action on the
issue

Critical Analysis Essay

English 3

Turn-in Checklist
Along with your final draft, you must also turn in the following items, stapled behind your final draft. If
you cannot honestly check off all items on this list, do NOT turn in your paper!

Sentence Fragments Packet

Grammar Practice: Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb Agreement Practice
Grammar Practice: Dont Get Frazzled Over Fragments!
Reading questions for the piece you are analyzing
Rough Draft with evidence of revision and editing (mark up your rough draft as your revise and
proofread)
Self-score sheet
Final Draft