English - Critical Essay

Introduction

Opening Sentence: (One sentence on the essay topic – time, place, context: where is the issue/what is the issue/when is/did it occur? Be SPECIFIC. Avoid broad sweeping statements such as “The whole world faces a crisis…” OR “Since the dawn of time…”.)

Essential background information that the reader needs to get the CONTEXT/SIGNIFICANCE. Do NOT go into huge detail here. The body paragraphs are for detail and explanation. Guide the reader into your specific thesis focus.

Thesis: (Clearly state your argument with the position you are taking and the implications/because/so what/why this is significant. Avoid the use of personal pronouns. Do NOT phrase this as a question – it is the answer to your initial research question)

Body

(One point discussed per paragraph)

Key Point 1: (Topic sentence to introduce focus of paragraph. Do NOT include quotes or references in the topic sentences. The topic sentence should be YOUR words and allow the reader a snapshot of the main idea of the paragraph)

Explanatory Sentence: (Why is this important to the focus of the essay? Links to thesis)

Evidence: (Basic explanation, Examples, quotes, to support point, counter argument)

Linking Sentence: (States how the point in this paragraph can be further supported by the next key point or link it back to the thesis)

(One point discussed per paragraph)

Key Point 2: (Topic sentence to introduce focus of paragraph. Do NOT include quotes or references in the topic sentences. The topic sentence should be YOUR words and allow the reader a snapshot of the main idea of the paragraph.)

Explanatory Sentence: (Why is this important to the focus of the essay? Links to thesis)

Evidence: (Basic explanation, Examples, quotes, to support point, counter argument.)

Linking Sentence: (States how the point in this paragraph can be further supported by the next key point or link it back to the thesis.)

(One point discussed per paragraph)

Key Point 3: (Topic sentence to introduce focus of paragraph. Do NOT include quotes or references in the topic sentences. The topic sentence should be YOUR words and allow the reader a snapshot of the main idea of the paragraph.)

Explanatory Sentence: (Why is this important to the focus of the essay? Links to thesis)

Evidence: (Basic explanation, Examples, quotes, to support point, counter argument.)

Linking Sentence: (States how the point in this paragraph can be further supported by the next key point or link it back to the thesis.)

(What the essay was about – link to thesis. Remind the reader of the main argument)

Summary of Key Points. NO new information – you can restate a key point or use new words/paraphrase a main point but do no introduce new ideas:

Concluding Sentence: (Final stance on essay topic.)