English 1100 – Instructions for Critical Analysis #2 (R12)

Choose one the essays that we have read between June 11 to July 2 (Singer, Swift, Orwell, Kübler-Ross, Mitford, Gould) and write a concise critical analysis of the text.  Given your limited space, your analysis will have to focus on a particular feature of the text you select.  For instance, is there a particular passage that you would like to examine in detail, explaining its significance to the essay as a whole?  Do you wish to comment on how the writer puts forth certain claims or ideas (in terms of vocabulary, imagery, metaphor, irony, or his/her relationship with the implied audience)?  Is there a particular image, phrase, or idea that you wish to trace through the text in order to explain its function?   Is there something about the structure of the essay (the way the author has constructed the text) that is significant?

Make sure that you develop a clear thesis and use details and quotations from the text to support your arguments.  Do not waste a lot of space on a long, generalized introduction, but get straight to your point and then concentrate on staying on track, providing clear transitions and avoiding vagueness.

Helpful Hints:

-Avoid extensive summaries, editorials, and generalizations.  Base your argument on detailed analysis of specific passages.

-Move as quickly as possible to your specific claims and arguments.

-Don’t just make observations.  Make arguments that are supported by observations.

Formatting:

-You do not need a title page.

-You should include a list of Works Cited, but given that you are only dealing with one text, I don’t mind if you include the Works Cited (with correct formatting) at the end of your essay rather than:

-Please follow the formatting directions on pages 271-272 of your handbook under the heading, “Formatting an Essay”

–  ½  inch (1.25 cm) top margin; 1-inch (2.5 cm) bottom and side margins; double space throughout.

-Paragraphs should be indented ½ inch (1.25 cm)

REMEMBER the 3 major elements I’m considering in evaluating your paper:

• Content/Analysis: How well do you understand the content and/or structure of the text? Demonstrate that you’ve thought about the text, that you have an understanding of how the important pieces of the text are put together.
• Structure: How effectively do you put your essay together? Does your essay have a clear and consistent focus?
• Writing/Grammar: Sentence structure, spelling, punctuation.

REMEMBER the 3 essential things that an essay must have:

• Thesis: A central, unifying argument. Your thesis must be consistent, and it cannot be self-evident (or obvious).
• Organization: Putting your ideas together in a logical way.
• Evidence: Where are you getting your ideas and arguments from? Do you provide textual evidence to support your claims?