Steps for Writing an Critical Essay

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 518.

How to Write a Critical Essay

A critical essay is a piece of academic writing that is usually in the form of a classic composition: introduction, full body, and a summarizing conclusion. It provides interpretation and analysis of a set text. A critical essay must be written with an academic aim or purpose.

A text in the form of a book, film, piece of music, or play must be selected by the student. The text must be read a number of times. If the study concerns a film, play, or piece of music, it must be watched or listened to more than once.

Relevant material from which references can be drawn must be sought. Journals, books, articles and online material are suitable, as long as the references are scholarly, not popular.

Notes must be written about the text in question, and an argument must be constructed.

The body, in the form of three or more paragraphs, must be written first. Each paragraph must discuss one point that supports the argument.

A conclusion is written next, summing up the points, summarizing the argument, and giving a one-sentence closing.

The introduction is written last to make sure it presents the argument clearly. It must contain a strong thesis statement that also sums up the argument.

The finished essay must be read a number of times, corrected, edited and finally proofed for errors. Grammar, punctuation and syntax are important because they convey accurate meaning.