You may need to read the text more than once, especially if it is dense or complicated. As you read the text, consider what about it is important, worthwhile, useful, relevant, controversial, or valid. [3] X Expert Source Jake AdamsAcademic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
It might be easier to find the thesis in an academic article than in a creative work, movie, or painting. If you’re critiquing a work of fiction or creative nonfiction, in either written form or film form, identify one of the main themes of the story instead. For a painting, identify what the painter may be trying to get across with their work of art.
In an academic article, identify the topic sentences of each paragraph or section. For works of fiction or paintings, look for scenes and imagery that seem to support the thesis.
If the text was a film or work of art, write a brief 1 to 2 paragraph synopsis of the film or description of the painting.
For example, if the text made you angry, what was it about the text that made you angry? If you found yourself laughing at the text, what about it was laughable?
For example, if the author is an outspoken proponent of healthcare reform, then this would likely explain any bias in an argumentative essay on universal healthcare. The author’s background may also include credentials, such as a doctorate or medical degree. This is part of the ethos of the text since having credentials may help to bolster an author’s credibility.
For example, if the author’s explanation of greenhouse gasses is long, full of jargon, and confusing, then you might focus on this as part of your critique.
For example, if the author has used a website that is known for being biased in favor of their argument, then this would weaken their position. However, if the author used sources that were fair and unbiased, then this would strengthen their position. Not all texts will incorporate evidence. For example, if you’re doing a critical analysis of a film or work of art, it probably won’t include secondary sources.
For example, in the first sentence of your essay, provide the basic information on the text. Then, describe text’s argument in about 1 to 2 sentences.
For example, you might write, “Darcy Gibbons’ essay on the environmental impact of consumerism provides a thorough and valuable overview of the problem. ” Or, you might write, “Shannon Duperty’s mixed media painting, “Dove on Heroin,” falls short of its attempt at edgy political commentary. ”
Keep in mind that the summary paragraph is the only place in your essay where you may include summary. The rest of the essay should provide analysis of the essay.
Organization. How did the author organize their argument? Was this a good strategy or not? Why? Style. What style did the author use to get their point across? How did the style hurt or help their argument? Effectiveness. In general, was the text effective at getting its point across? Why or why not? Fairness or bias. Did the author demonstrate a fair or biased perspective on their topic? How could you tell? Appeal to a specific audience. Did the author seem to have a specific audience in mind? If so, who were they and how well did the author meet their needs?[18] X Research source
For example, you might conclude by talking about how the author made a good effort in some regards, but ultimately their argument was ineffective, and then explain why in 2 to 3 sentences.
