Ultimate Guide on How to Write a Critical Essay.

Ultimate Guide on How to Write a Critical Essay.

 Have you read a script, literature, book, or movie and then written an essay about it? Well, a critical essay is what you just did. A critical essay entails scrutinizing or analyzing something. An example would be when you are tasked to read a novel for your literature class. A critical analysis essay would involve examining the book's themes, plots, and characters. If it is a scientific article, you must examine the methodology, results, and conclusion. When writing a critical essay, you need an open mind that is amenable to a different perspective. In so doing, you gain a deeper and better insight into the subject matter. In light of what I have mentioned above, I believe you are eager to learn how to write a critical essay. This blog will illuminate some of the pressing issues you wish to discover.

What is a Critical Essay?

A critical essay is an academic writing that scrutinizes, interprets, and evaluates text.

Characteristics of a Critical Essay.

Critical essays can be written over a wide array of academic subjects. The academic subjects can range from poetry, video games, films, novels, or visual art. Despite the varying subject matter, all critical essays share the following characteristics:

a) Central claim

A central claim is displayed at the beginning of the essay in what is referred to as the thesis statement. The central claim is then supported with evidence in each paragraph. The writer may include counterarguments to their arguments in a bid to explore the subject matter even further.

b) Evidence

Evidence that supports the central claim must be provided in each paragraph. In most cases, the evidence is in the form of textual support [descriptions, structure, imagery, dialogue] that further affirms the argument. Evidence from secondary sources contained in scholarly works can be provided to support the main argument.

c) Conclusion

You are expected to write a brief and elaborate conclusion after providing evidence of the central claim. The conclusion provides a synopsis of the trajectory of the essay's main argument.

d) Written in 3rd person [ make use of he, she, they, and it]

Critical essays are written in formal language and in 3rd person.

Steps of Writing an Exemplary Critical Essay.

 	
Analyze the source of the critical essay.
 	
Develop a thought trail. You have to discover the main claim from the primary and secondary sources.
 	
Develop a tentative thesis. The thesis entails a claim and evidence supporting it.
 	
Write an outline.
 	
Write a template for your critical essay.
 	
Edit and improve your essay.

Analyze the Source of the Critical Essay.

To write a critical essay, it is crucial to understand the subject matter under evaluation. Understanding the subject entails reading or watching if the text is a video. While reading or watching, writing short notes on the key points is advisable. You can use an essay marker to organize your thought trail and structure of the essay. It is also pivotal to highlight the instruments the author uses in relaying the message. For example, what themes are used? What are the stylistic devices mainly employed?

Develop a Thought Trail.

A thought trail will entail figuring out the main topic of the original text. You then proceed to find the central claim and evidence in support of it. Does the central claim correlate, or is it totally different from other works contained in secondary sources? You will develop many ideas from both primary and secondary sources. It is impossible to draw a complete blank even if you do not know the subject matter. It will take a lot of brainstorming to establish an organized thought trail. The most important aspect is gathering all the useful information you will reference in your critical essay.

Develop a Tentative Thesis.

After carefully arranging your thoughts about your primary source, you should write a thesis statement. The thesis statement displays the essay's main aim and states an arguable claim. A thesis statement contains two very integral parts, which are;

 	
A claim
 	
The supporting details to sustain it.

The characteristics of a claim include the following;

 	
It makes an assertion or takes a stance.
 	
It is founded on a generalization.
 	
It is not a fact.
 	
It is debatable
 	
It must be presented in the introduction of the essay.

Write an Outline.

An outline will help you organize information more effectively before writing a critical essay. An outline can be detailed or brief based on your preference. However, it is important to remember the more extensive your outline is, the more content you will have for your essay. At this point, you will have arguments and evidence to analyze in essay paragraphs.

Write a Template for Your Critical Essay.

Developing a template is the actual writing of the critical essay. It involves three parts: the introduction, the body of the critical essay, and the conclusion.

 	
Introduction of the critical essay.

You start by identifying the main topic from the original text. You then depict the relevance of the topic.

 	
Body of the essay.

The body is the most detailed part of the essay. It involves discussing each supporting detail in a separate, fully-developed paragraph. You should introduce each supporting detail with a topic sentence in every paragraph.

 	
Conclusion of the essay

It involves a synopsis of the main points and reiterates the most important insights of the critical essay.

Edit and Improve Your Essay.

Editing entails proofreading the critical template essay and correcting mistakes. Proofreading will help you make all the necessary amendments. You may ask a colleague or friend to read your critical essay to ensure a non-erroneous essay.

This blog aims to enlighten students on writing a critical essay. Step-wise, adherence to the main points offered in the previous blog will ensure success.

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