SAMPLE OUTLINE FOR CRITICAL ESSAY After the passage under analysis has been carefully studied, the critique can be drafted using this sample outline. • I. Background information to help your readers understand the nature of the work o A. Information about the work 1. Title 2. Author 3. Publication information 4. Statement of topic and purpose o B. Thesis statement indicating writers main reaction to the work • II. Summary or description of the work • III. Interpretation and/or evaluation o A. Discussion of the works organization o B. Discussion of the works style o C. Effectiveness o D. Discussion of the topics treatment o E. Discussion of appeal to a particular audience ________________________________________ Remember: Avoid introducing your ideas by stating I think or in my opinion. Keep the focus on the subject of your analysis, not on yourself. Identifying your opinions weakens them. Always introduce the work. Do not assume that because your reader knows what you are writing about, you do not need to mention the works title. Other questions to consider: Is there a controversy surrounding either the passage or the subject which it concerns? What about the subject matter is of current interest? What is the overall value of the passage? What are its strengths and weaknesses? Support your thesis with detailed evidence from the text examined. Do not forget to document quotes and paraphrases. Remember that the purpose of a critical analysis is not merely to inform, but also to evaluate the worth, utility, excellence, distinction, truth, validity, beauty, or goodness of something. Even though as a writer you set the standards, you should be open-minded, well informed, and fair. You can express your opinions, but you should also back them up with evidence. Your review should provide information, interpretation, and evaluation. The information will help your reader understand the nature of the work under analysis. The interpretation will explain the meaning of the work, therefore requiring your correct understanding of it. The evaluation will discuss your opinions of the work and present valid justification for them. Mariella Mallari
Posted on: Sat, 29 Mar 2014 10:16:23 +0000
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