Critical Essays
The last thing many majors want to do is write, much less write critical essays on some political or social concept or controversy he or she could give a rat’s a** for. But the requirements for a number of classes include the writing of critical essays, so rather than fight it, go with the most manageable process for accomplishing the assigned task.
That is, keep in mind a few essential steps and elements, and you should be able to fly. First, the basics of writing critical essays are the same for writers of most modes. Here are the modes that you might directly or indirectly be asked to write in—might be assigned the steps for or told to write an X essay using:
ANALYTIC-A classic style used in art, science, history, psychology,
education, and most other disciplines across the curriculum to explore
and investigate an idea, process, person, action, or attitude.
ARGUMENTATIVE-Used in more advanced English classes, in
philosophy, and in courses which include theory.
COMPARATIVE/CONTRASTIVE-Used in most courses where specific
analysis of like and unlike elements, characters, and ideas lend
themselves to comparison.
DEFINITIONAL-Written when we apply a more thorough study to a
topic, especially an abstract one.
DESCRIPTIVE-Used to more intensively, more concretely cover an
idea, item, or subject.
EVALUATIVE-Often confused with analytical, the evaluative essay
moves beyond the what and how to the how much...we put a value on
the topic here.
EXPLANATORY-Also called the expository essay (though I tend to
see all essays as expository, as exposing a truth about something).
With this type we further our own and our readers' understanding of
the subject.
PERSONAL-Also called the response essay, the personal style
essay is still well written (readable for an audience other than the
writer), but is more informal--containing narrative details that entertain.
RESEARCH-While most essay types will include references or will
quote authorities, the research essay is mostly informational, using
the findings--the stats and facts--we made investigating the findings
of others.
Now critical essays may fit better in or work better as one of the above modes, but all essays at the college level are really “critical” in nature. That is, if you look up critical in the dictionary or online, you will find that it does not necessarily mean negative or picky or bashing, but just means, from the Greek word, kritikus, “to discern”.
So what do you discern in critical essays? A given topic or issue (which is a controversial topic with sides), which you incorporate into a thesis and supporting ideas and details. Here is what you should have in a critical essay:
An engaging opener- hook, lure, interest your reader. Use a story, a fact, an extended definition, a quote, or a direct address…where appropriate. That is, use whatever fits best with the whole essay and whichever kind of into you are best at writing.
A thesis- here you state, or assert, your position. This is the overall opinion that adds up all your points…which follow the thesis as support.
Support- here you include statistics, narrative/non-fiction examples, statistics, authoritative (and respectable) quotes, analogies (relevant and apt), and other elements that help to “prove” your position. In the case of critical essays based on literature or other works of art, this will also include what is called textual evidence (passages from the work as you describe or directly or indirectly quote/cite them). In an argumentative paper, this section will also likely include the opponent’s side, concessions, and refutations.
Good closure – whereas in some critical essays the closer is the thesis, in many assignments you are taught to leave the thesis at the front of the essay and wrap up your writing in the conclusion. Don’t bring in new examples, but do leave the readers questioning their positions, challenged with ways to take action, or reminded of what your goal was to begin with.
The components of the critical essay, then, as they are in most modes and college coursework, are those that you would use later on, too, in your job or online, even!
Critical Essays related articles:
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is a progressive disease of the gastro-intestinal tract that is considered an autoimmune disorder. It’s related to ulcerative colitis in that they both involve heavy inflammation of the GI tract, but where ulcerative colitis always target... Crt Monitor
So, it’s 2006 and you’re still using a CRT monitor for your computer, hmm? Well, its okay, you’re not the only one. Even though there are newer technologies available today, CRT monitors are still the most popular form of video display for computers. B... Cure For A Hangover
Hangovers can completely ruin your day. A bad hangover can make suicide seem like a reasonable treatment. Dizziness, severe nausea, throbbing headache, fatigue, weakness, sensitivity to light and noise, and just overall polluted and unhealthy feelings a... Cure For Hair Loss
Are you in desperate search of a cure for hair loss? Many men across the world are going through a daily struggle with hair loss. The inevitable affliction sadly becomes a reality for many of us. Although most men do not prefer a bald scalp, some are taki... Cure For Morning Sickness
When you are pregnant you are looking forward to one of the most amazing events in your life; the birth of your baby. If you suffer from morning sickness though, that joy and anticipation is often replaced by a feeling of nausea and listlessness.
more Pocket Links articles:
Allergy Treatment
Do you wake up every morning with that irksome stuffed-up nose? Maybe your sinuses are itchy and your nose runs relentlessly. Could it be a year-round cold, or possible a fatal does of the flu? Naaa, I somehow doubt it. What you have is allergies. Now, th... Hard Disk Data Recovery
I recently had my hard drive crash. I don't mean that windows decided to be bitchy and make me reinstall itself – It's been a long time since I've been idiot enough to run Microsoft programs, thank you very much. I mean that my hard drive, spinning away q... Create Stickers
It didn't occur to me that you could create your own stickers until I saw it as an event at a kids party. They actually had a machine that would create stickers. They explained it to me. It was really simple, really. The only things you need to create sti... Wallace And Gromit The Curse Of The Were Rabbit
Wallace and Gromit the Curse of the Were Rabbit was one of the best movies I've seen all year. Many people may not be familiar with the show Wallace and Gromit, which the movie follows. It was a series of short, claymation pieces about Wallace, an amature... Book Agents
Finding book agents that will actually work hard for you to help you reach your goals can be a tough thing to pursue. Because of the many different types of literary agents out there, it is important to be careful when choosing one for yourself.
... |