Writing a Critical Analysis THE INTRODUCTION - Friends University

[Pages:3]Writing a Critical Analysis

THE INTRODUCTION:

Include all of the following: 1. Name the work and author you are analyzing. 2. Provide the reader with and overview or summary of the story. 3. FOLLOW YOUR INTRODUCTION WITH A CLEAR THESIS STATEMENT! Include at least one of the following:

Present information on the author and his qualifications Present what you believe to be the author's purpose in writing the book Use a passage from the text that illustrates the point you want to make Discuss the theme or the problems dealt within the book Describe or imply what specific element you plan to examine

THE BODY OF THE CRITIQUE:

In the body of your paper, you must arrange the support in the most effective manner while maintaining your focus.

Always explain HOW your examples and details from the text fit your thesis. Provide "hooks" from one paragraph to the next. Refer to at least one or two elements of fiction as part of your analysis. Use specific quotes or details from the stories to develop and support your

thesis. Most of your essay should present a detailed analysis of the work or of the

major elements on which you have focused. Each step of your discussion should repeat the analytical process:

1. Describe--the specific element of the story or poem or play on which you plan to focus. Use your own words to introduce your point; then provide a quotation, paraphrase, or description from the work.

2. Analyze--that particular component. Show how the image works or what the character says or how the plot turns. This is the place for your supporting details.

3. Interpret--show the relationship of the example, images, scenes to help prove your main point or to help unfold the meaning you want to convey.

Repeat the three steps for each phase of the work you deal with: describe, analyze, interpret. Be sure to include quotations and examples from the work as evidence to support your ideas.

THE CONCLUSION:

As assessment is part of the critical process, you must arrive at a final judgement.

Your conclusion must grow out of evidence and ideas you've developed in your paper.

As a writer, this is not the time for you to interject irrelevant points or personal opinions. (I just didn't like this play because...)

If you feel like the work has been poorly executed, then your analysis should be demonstrate it.

Your conclusion should be strong and based on the argument you have presented.

If you feel like the work has been successful, your conclusions should be equally forceful.

Author ______________________ THESIS STATEMENT:

Title ___________________

? Describe specific element:

Paraphrase/Quote:

? Analysis begins:

Paraphrase/Quote:

? Interpretation:

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