Critical Analysis Essay

Critical Analysis Sample Outline

I.

Introduction

i. First sentence should contain the title of the work (in quotes) and author

with a restatement of author’s intent or claim (as you interpret it)

ii. Offer a brief summary of article (3-5 sentences)

iii. Thesis statement (topic and point). Thesis statement may include the

purpose of your essay (to analyze and evaluate the work)

II.

Body Paragraphs (shoot for 5-7 body paragraphs)

i. Opening sentence should introduce the author’s first main point

ii. Quote the author’s first main point word for word. Use quotation marks

and a parenthetical citation.

iii. If you feel this is a good point, elaborate on it. Explain to your reader

why you feel this is a valid point. Help them to understand the point

from your perspective. The goal is to explain the point to them and help

them gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the author’s

position. You may choose to share a story from personal experience that

explains why you are interpreting this point the way you are.

iv. If you feel the point is invalid or does not make sense, help your reader

understand why you feel this way. You may offer a counterpoint or share

a story from personal experience that explains why you are interpreting

this point the way you are.

v. Try not to begin or end your body paragraphs with a quotation. You want

the first and last word in each paragraph. Each paragraph, however,

should contain a direct quote from the article you are analyzing.

III.

Conclusion

i. Restate your thesis. Include title and author of work.

ii. Offer a summary of your findings

iii. Make a clear judgment about the overall effectiveness of the work

iv. You may choose to recommend or not recommend this work to your

reader.

v. End with a strong clincher sentence.