what does critically analyse mean in an essay

Critical Analysis

A critical analysis involves analysis and judgment. like a film review, that both deconstructs a film and tells us whether we should see it., what is critical analysis.

Critical analysis is a type of analysis. An important distinction between a typical analysis and a critical analysis is that critical analysis requires you to take a stance on the thing you're analyzing—you present an argument, backed by the analysis you’ve done, to judge (or recommend, or critique) the work.

For example, if you're analyzing a film's theme, you might examine certain scenes and snippets of dialogue to explain how they further the film's message.

A critical analysis goes one step further—you'll also makes a judgement about that them, about whether it's "good" or "ethical," "well-developed" or "effective." You might say something about the impact it should have or whether audiences should see the film or skip it.

• Analysis = Examine a "thing" to understand how it functions.
• Critical Analysis = Examine a thing to understand how it functions and make a judgement about its impact or value.

So Where Do I Start?

One common place to start is to examine your subject closely—say, a book, an artwork, or a play—and decide what effect it has on you or on other people who experience it.

• Does it give you a certain feeling?
• Does it offer you information?
• Does it send a message?
• Does it try to persuade you to do something?
• Is it moral?
• Is it unethical?
• Is it beautiful and well-constructed?
• Is it worthwhile?
• What consequence might it have on its peers? On consumers? Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Any one of these questions can help you formulate your critical claim, the thesis you'll ultimately try to argue.

• Example: "Schindler's List is a good film because it offers a profound and terrifying reminder of the dangers of complacency and racism."

Reminder: criticism can be subjective, especially when it involves your perception and interpretation. Not everyone agrees with every film critic, and that's okay. A critical analysis gives us a window into how you consume, experience, perceive, and value whatever it is you're analyzing, which then, hopefully, elevates our appreciation and understanding of the thing itself.

Reminder about Analysis

Since any critical analysis is an argument, it’s important to explain how and why you got to your conclusions. This is where analysis comes in.

Analysis is the process of breaking something into its parts and examining them to understand their function. For instance, for the thesis of a critical analysis on a film, you might say, “this film effectively portrayed the boredom of office life with its use of bleak gray colors, droning soundtrack, and dryly funny dialogue.”

Here, the colors, soundtrack, and dialogue are all parts of the film, and you’re making a claim about the effect they have. In the rest of the paper you’ll describe and explain this effect, using evidence from the film to make your connections. This requires you to clearly explain how and why bleak colors or a droning soundtrack actually do, in fact, portray the boredom of office life. If not, you're simply making claims and hoping your audience trusts you. Without analysis, you have no evidence.

To recap, critically analyzing something means identifying its value or impact, then breaking down its components to explain how and why those components contribute to value or impact you identified.

Doing so will allow you to better understand that specific thing, and allow you to contribute meaningfully to the conversation surrounding the thing itself.

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Short Review on Analysis

Longer Dive into Analysis

Are you ready to chat with us about critical analysis? Consider these questions to help you in your consultation:

• Have I clearly identified a “whole”?
• Have I clearly outlined the “parts” that make up the whole?
• Have I clearly explained how each part “functions” in connection to the whole? Does my writing clearly show why that part matters, and

Check out these additional Resources!

• This YouTube video on critical analysis assignments

Essays: task words

Written Assignments

Explore what different task words mean and how they apply to your assignments

You'll need to understand what your assignments are asking you to do throughout your studies. Your assessments use 'task words' that explain what you need to do in your work.  

Task words are the words or phrases in a brief that tell you what to do. Common examples of task words are 'discuss', 'evaluate', 'compare and contrast', and 'critically analyse'. These words are used in assessment marking criteria and will showcase how well you've answered the question.

None of these words have a fixed meaning. Your lecturers may have specific definitions for your subject or task so you should make sure you have a good idea of what these terms mean in your field. You can check this by speaking to your lecturer, checking your course handbook and reading your marking criteria carefully.

Task words and descriptions

• Account for : Similar to ‘explain’ but with a heavier focus on reasons why something is or is not the way it is.
• Analyse : This term has the widest range of meanings according to the subject. Make a justified selection of some of the essential features of an artefact, idea or issue. Examine how these relate to each other and to other ideas, in order to help better understand the topic. See ideas and problems in different ways, and provide evidence for those ways of seeing them. 
• Assess : This has very different meanings in different disciplines. Measure or evaluate one or more aspect of something (for example, the effectiveness, significance or 'truth' of something). Show in detail the outcomes of these evaluations.
• Compare : Show how two or more things are similar.
• Compare and contrast : Show similarities and differences between two or more things.
• Contrast : Show how two or more things are different.
• Critically analyse : As with analysis, but questioning and testing the strength of your and others’ analyses from different perspectives. This often means using the process of analysis to make the whole essay an objective, reasoned argument for your overall case or position.
• Critically assess : As with “assess”, but emphasising your judgments made about arguments by others, and about what you are assessing from different perspectives. This often means making the whole essay a reasoned argument for your overall case, based on your judgments.
• Critically evaluate : As with 'evaluate', but showing how judgments vary from different perspectives and how some judgments are stronger than others. This often means creating an objective, reasoned argument for your overall case, based on the evaluation from different perspectives.
• Define : Present a precise meaning. 
• Describe : Say what something is like. Give its relevant qualities. Depending on the nature of the task, descriptions may need to be brief or the may need to be very detailed.
• Discuss : Provide details about and evidence for or against two or more different views or ideas, often with reference to a statement in the title. Discussion often includes explaining which views or ideas seem stronger.
• Examine : Look closely at something. Think and write about the detail, and question it where appropriate.
• Explain : Give enough description or information to make something clear or easy to understand.
• Explore : Consider an idea or topic broadly, searching out related and/or particularly relevant, interesting or debatable points.
• Evaluate : Similar to “assess”, this often has more emphasis on an overall judgement of something, explaining the extent to which it is, for example, effective, useful, or true. Evaluation is therefore sometimes more subjective and contestable than some kinds of pure assessment.
• Identify : Show that you have recognised one or more key or significant piece of evidence, thing, idea, problem, fact, theory, or example.
• Illustrate : Give selected examples of something to help describe or explain it, or use diagrams or other visual aids to help describe or explain something.
• Justify : Explain the reasons, usually “good” reasons, for something being done or believed, considering different possible views and ideas.
• Outline : Provide the main points or ideas, normally without going into detail.
• Summarise : This is similar to 'outline'. State, or re-state, the most important parts of something so that it is represented 'in miniature'. It should be concise and precise.
• State : Express briefly and clearly. 

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How to Write a Critical Essay

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• B.A., American Studies, Yale University

A critical essay is a form of academic writing that analyzes, interprets, and/or evaluates a text. In a critical essay, an author makes a claim about how particular ideas or themes are conveyed in a text, then supports that claim with evidence from primary and/or secondary sources.

In casual conversation, we often associate the word "critical" with a negative perspective. However, in the context of a critical essay, the word "critical" simply means discerning and analytical. Critical essays analyze and evaluate the meaning and significance of a text, rather than making a judgment about its content or quality.

What Makes an Essay "Critical"? 

Imagine you've just watched the movie "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." If you were chatting with friends in the movie theater lobby, you might say something like, "Charlie was so lucky to find a Golden Ticket. That ticket changed his life." A friend might reply, "Yeah, but Willy Wonka shouldn't have let those raucous kids into his chocolate factory in the first place. They caused a big mess."

These comments make for an enjoyable conversation, but they do not belong in a critical essay. Why? Because they respond to (and pass judgment on) the raw content of the movie, rather than analyzing its themes or how the director conveyed those themes.

On the other hand, a critical essay about "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" might take the following topic as its thesis: "In 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,' director Mel Stuart intertwines money and morality through his depiction of children: the angelic appearance of Charlie Bucket, a good-hearted boy of modest means, is sharply contrasted against the physically grotesque portrayal of the wealthy, and thus immoral, children."

This thesis includes a claim about the themes of the film, what the director seems to be saying about those themes, and what techniques the director employs in order to communicate his message. In addition, this thesis is both supportable  and  disputable using evidence from the film itself, which means it's a strong central argument for a critical essay .

Characteristics of a Critical Essay

Critical essays are written across many academic disciplines and can have wide-ranging textual subjects: films, novels, poetry, video games, visual art, and more. However, despite their diverse subject matter, all critical essays share the following characteristics.

• Central claim . All critical essays contain a central claim about the text. This argument is typically expressed at the beginning of the essay in a thesis statement , then supported with evidence in each body paragraph. Some critical essays bolster their argument even further by including potential counterarguments, then using evidence to dispute them.
• Evidence . The central claim of a critical essay must be supported by evidence. In many critical essays, most of the evidence comes in the form of textual support: particular details from the text (dialogue, descriptions, word choice, structure, imagery, et cetera) that bolster the argument. Critical essays may also include evidence from secondary sources, often scholarly works that support or strengthen the main argument.
• Conclusion . After making a claim and supporting it with evidence, critical essays offer a succinct conclusion. The conclusion summarizes the trajectory of the essay's argument and emphasizes the essays' most important insights.

Tips for Writing a Critical Essay

Writing a critical essay requires rigorous analysis and a meticulous argument-building process. If you're struggling with a critical essay assignment, these tips will help you get started.

• Practice active reading strategies . These strategies for staying focused and retaining information will help you identify specific details in the text that will serve as evidence for your main argument. Active reading is an essential skill, especially if you're writing a critical essay for a literature class.
• Read example essays . If you're unfamiliar with critical essays as a form, writing one is going to be extremely challenging. Before you dive into the writing process, read a variety of published critical essays, paying careful attention to their structure and writing style. (As always, remember that paraphrasing an author's ideas without proper attribution is a form of plagiarism .)
• Resist the urge to summarize . Critical essays should consist of your own analysis and interpretation of a text, not a summary of the text in general. If you find yourself writing lengthy plot or character descriptions, pause and consider whether these summaries are in the service of your main argument or whether they are simply taking up space.
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Academic Writing

• Understanding Scholarly Text

Critical Analysis Diagram (text only to the right of the image)

Elements of the critical analysis, useful link: reading & writing critically.

• Literature Review
• Research Paper
• Position Paper

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A. Introduction - The introduction moves from general to specific. This is where you are:

open with a short orientation (introduce the topic area(s) with a general, broad opening sentence (or two);

answer the question with a thesis statement; and 

provide a summary or 'road map' of your essay (keep it brief, but mention all the main ideas).

B. Body - The body of the essay consists of paragraphs. Each is a building block in the construction of your argument. The body is where you:

• answer the question by developing a discussion.
• show your knowledge and grasp of material you have read.
• offer exposition and evidence to develop your argument.
• use relevant examples and authoritative quotes.

If your question has more than one part, structure the body into section that deal with each part of the question.

3. Conclusion - The conclusion moves from specific to general. It should:

• restate your answer to the question;
• re-summarize the main points and;
• include a final, broad statement (about possible implication, future directions for research, to qualify the conclusion, etc.)

However, NEVER introduce new information or idea in the conclusion - its purpose is to round off your essay by summing up.

Because each section of a critical analysis builds on the section before it and supports the section to follow, the structure of this genre is usually fairly standard.  The introduction and summary set the stage and the analysis communicates the critic's views which are then summarized and restated in the conclusion. 

-- Text taken from The University of New South Wales. "Essay Writing: the Basics." Retrieved 17 August, 2012 from http://www.lc.unsw.edu.au/onlib/essay3.html.

Writing critically requires an author to engage on an analytical level with a written work, whether it is an article, a book, or a portion of a book.  In other words, to write critically is to present and explain an idea that one has had about someone else’s written work.  A critical analysis may  include supportive references like you would find in a research paper, but will generally have a much stronger emphasis on its author’s interpretation than you would find in an objective research paper. 

Introduction – will include general information about the work being analyzed and a statement of the critical writer’s viewpoint or evaluation of the larger work. 

Summarization – the thematic/background information that a reader will need to understand the critic’s analysis and the key point from the original work that is being addressed. 

Critical Analysis – a review of the original author’s argument within the critical context of the analysis, with supporting evidence from the original text.

Conclusion – a restatement of the critic’s thesis and the key points of the analysis.

Although the page linked below focuses on writing critically, it also features information on reading critically, an invaluable skill in identfying different types of academic writing. 

• Writing a Critical Analysis (Critique) A guide to reading and writing critically. Document prepared by the Academic Skills Center of the Shoreline Community College.
• << Previous: Understanding Scholarly Text
• Next: Literature Review >>
• Last Updated: Aug 15, 2023 4:05 PM
• URL: https://bowiestate.libguides.com/academicwriting

Critical Analysis and Essay Formatting: How to Structure Your Thinking

This blog will outline the nine steps you should follow when using critical analysis in either an academic essay or any other type of analytical writing. The value of critical analysis extends beyond essay writing. It’s a skill that enhances all written work, from in-depth research papers to creative stories and even business proposals. It allows us to break down complex ideas, evaluate their merits and drawbacks, and then build strong, logical conclusions. This rigorous approach to thinking and writing brings clarity and richness to our arguments, leading to more persuasive and insightful communication – limiting bias. The skills you gain from writing critical analysis essays, such as reading with a discerning eye, constructing clear arguments, supporting claims with evidence, and refining through revision, are versatile and invaluable. They not only elevate academic writing but also enrich literature and strengthen professional documents. 

1. Comprehensive Reading

The first step towards a successful critical analysis essay is in-depth engagement with the text you’ll analyse. If you are working with a single text, that means understanding the author’s point of view to form the foundation of your essay. Take your time and delve into the text to explore its deeper meanings and intentions. Critical analysis is best performed in conjunction with a wide scope of literature containing different points of view to ensure a thorough and unbiased understanding of the topic at hand. 

2. Formulating a Clear Thesis

Your thesis statement serves as the core of your essay — it should argue a particular perspective about the author’s approach and use of literary devices. Make sure this statement is strong and arguable, offering an insight that you’ll further develop and prove with evidence from the text. For other types of writing where a thesis is not required – having concise summary sentence in your writing will still help guide the development of strong arguments and keep the writing focused. You can adjust your thesis to be more accurate after the body paragraphs have been written – if you approach it with an open mind, your research will often take you in unexpected directions which require tweaking. 

3. Structuring the Essay’s Body

The body of your essay should unpack your thesis in distinct paragraphs, each focusing on a separate aspect of your argument. We have reached the “Tell them” section of this writing journey.  Whether they provide background information, explore specific details, or discuss alternate interpretations, all paragraphs should contribute towards affirming your thesis. It is important to build your arguments with a critical guise – do not be afraid to challenge even established author’s assertions. Organize your paragraphs logically for a seamless reading experience – you can play around with paragraph ordering to see what feels best, removing any sections which are not compelling arguments or irrelevant to the writing’s purpose. 

4. Creating Effective Topic Sentences

Each paragraph within the body of your essay should begin with a concise topic sentence. This sentence previews the paragraph’s content and ties it back to your overarching thesis, maintaining a clear link between the two and ensuring coherence in your argument.

5. Using Evidence to Support Your Claims

Support your claims with solid evidence from the text to make your essay more convincing. Examples, quotations, and references to the source material can all serve as proof of your argument, adding weight to your analysis and strengthening your reader’s confidence in your conclusions. Ensure your citation style is accurate and consistent throughout your essay. Click here to check out our citations guide for in depth guidance on citation quality, frequency and formatting.

6. Developing a Strong Introduction

That’s right, only now that your essay is finished is it time to begin writing your Grab your reader’s attention right from the start with an engaging introduction. “Tell them what you are going to tell them”. Begin with an interesting hook, like a relevant question, a statistic or a bold claim. If you are writing an essay specific to one text or author, you can introduce the text you’ll analyze, including the author’s name and the title. Round off your introduction by clearly stating your thesis, setting the stage for your analysis.

7. Wrapping up with a Conclusion

Your essay should end with a clear and compelling conclusion that summarises your argument and reaffirms your thesis – “Tell them what you told them, why its significant and what’s next”. This is not the place to introduce new information—instead, use your conclusion to consolidate your analysis, leaving the reader with your most critical insights.

8. Thorough Revision

Once you’ve completed your draft, take some time away from it before starting the revision process. Re-read your essay critically, asking yourself whether your interpretations are unbiased, your evidence is strong, and your writing is clear. Sometimes reading out loud can help identify clunky or run on sentences. Revising multiple times can help you refine your essay to a polished final draft.

9. The Final Draft

After a careful self-review, make necessary changes to your essay. This is the stage where your rough draft transforms into a polished academic essay. Do not hesitate to seek external feedback from peers or a mentor — they might offer fresh insights and helpful suggestions to improve your essay further.

By following these steps, you can strengthen your critical analysis skills and write essays that are not only academically sound but also engaging and insightful. Remember that the key to a strong critical analysis essay lies in a deep understanding of multiple perspectives of an issue, a compelling argument, and dedication to revision and improvement.

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Analytical Essay Guide

Critical Analysis Essay Writing

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

Critical Analysis Essay: Expert Guide to Craft a Brilliant Essay

By: Dorothy M.

Reviewed By: Chris H.

Published on: Dec 10, 2019

High school and college students are always drowned in different types of essays throughout their academic life.

A critical analysis essay is another type of academic and analytical essay that requires analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of a piece of literature.

In a critical analysis essay, the term critical refers to analysis and discerning. Here a student analyzes the deeper meaning of the text, its positive and negative points, movie, a painting or other media forms. Instead of focusing on its quality or mood, it focuses on its deeper meaning.

In this detailed guide, we will cover all the necessary aspects about presenting your personal opinion, supporting your thesis, and writing a critical analysis essay.

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What is a Critical Analysis Essay?

A critical analysis essay is an analysis performed on a literary work of art such as an article, book, movie, painting, etc. The purpose of a critical analysis essay is to discuss how a particular idea or theme has been represented or conveyed in the work under analysis.

After critical reading, the writer makes a claim about these ideas and then supports this claim with the help of authentic evidence. We often associate the word “critical” with something negative, however, this isn’t the case.

Let’s say you have finished watching a movie with your friends. You just watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and you pass a comment about how Charlie got lucky when he found the golden ticket. Or, how Willy Wonka shouldn’t have let those misbehaved kids into his factory.

These two comments show a type of judgment, however, when writing a critical analysis essay, your job is to analyze various elements, not to pass judgment. If you were to write a critical analysis essay about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory then your focus should be on something like:

“In Charlie and the Chocolate factory, the director tried to portray the connection between wealth and morality. It compares the innocent and kindhearted kid like Charlie with a modest lifestyle with wealthy and wicked kids.”

Here it can be seen that we have made a claim about the theme that the movie represents. And what the director is trying to convey through this theme and the techniques used to deliver his message. Thus, you can identify the author’s thesis and defend it with evidence from the movie, making it a good thesis statement to write a critical analysis essay.

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Critical Analysis Essay Characteristics

At this stage, we hope that you are clear about the definition of a critical analysis essay and what it is all about. We discussed earlier that you can write your essays on different subject matters ranging from films, visual arts to poetry.

A critical analysis essay is somewhat similar to a literary analysis essay. Both of these essay types involve analyzing a piece of literature. A detailed literary analysis essay guide will help you write a good essay in less time.

A critical analysis essay has the following characteristics.

A Central Claim

Every critical analysis essay makes a claim about the text under analysis. It is typically stated at the start of your essay in the thesis statement. The entire essay is based on it, as you try to defend your claim or argument using evidence in each body paragraph.

In some cases, you can strengthen your argument by presenting a counterargument and use evidence to prove how it is wrong.

Supporting Evidence

Strong and authentic evidence is needed in order to prove and defend your claim. This evidence can be found within the piece you are writing about. If you are writing on a novel, then it can be a dialogue, imagery, choice of words, etc. Read the source carefully and collect relevant contextual evidence for your essay.

Another important element of a critical analysis essay is that it provides a precise summary after making a claim and supporting it.

Critical Analysis Essay Outline and Structure

Similar to other types of essays, a critical analysis essay also follows a proper structure or outline. A critical analysis essay structure comprises an introductory paragraph, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

Learn how to write a critical essay with this step-by-step assistance.

Introduction

The introductory paragraph is the opportunity to educate and inform your reader about your essay topic. Start with a hook sentence to attract the reader’s attention, making them want to read more. Highlight the key ideas of your topic and end it with a strong, arguable, and informative thesis statement.

Irrespective of the type of paper, the most important part of an introduction is the opening lines or the hook. Here is a complete blog on hook examples to enhance your understanding.

Body Paragraph

A good critical analysis essay body covers all the ideas and claims discussed in the introductory paragraph. Here you present your point of view about the work under analysis while using evidence such as quotes and examples, etc.

Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that will summarize the main idea being discussed. Don’t highlight more than one idea in a single paragraph. These topic sentences will highlight the main idea of the paragraph.

Remember that your goal is to analyze, evaluate and inform your audience about the topic at hand. And this is where it all must take place.

When evaluating any literary piece, keep in mind the following points:

• The overall style.
• Whether it was effective or not?
• What was the author's aim?
• What did he try to achieve?
• The key features and author’s thesis.
• Who was the author's target audience?

Concluding Paragraph

This is the last stage of the writing process. Use this to remove any ambiguity the reader might have by summarizing the main points and ideas. It is a separate paragraph that restates the main themes in an easy-to-understand way.

Critical Analysis Essay Template

We have discussed and explained the entire outline for a critical analysis essay in this blog. Still, for your ease and to give you something handy, we have added a downloadable essay template below.

CRITICAL ESSAY TEMPLATE

Critical Analysis Essay Examples

Want to learn something real quick and easy? Learn from examples. Following are some critical analysis examples that will assist you in understanding the different essay sections and ways of adding the right and credible content.

ME TALK PRETTY ONE DAY CRITICAL ANALYSIS ESSAY

HAMLET CRITICAL ANALYSIS ESSAY

Critical Analysis Essay Topics

If your professor has given you the freedom to choose your desired topic, then these topics will prove useful.

• Analyze and discuss how a particular character evolved over time in your favorite novel.
• Examine the setting in Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.
• Write about the background of your favorite author and analyze how it affects his/her writing style.
• Analyze the use of irony in a short play.
• Analyze the climax of Hamlet.
• Analyze and examine an important dialogue of a movie.
• Critically analyze the mood of a play and how the author has created that mood.
• Analyze the worst movie you have ever watched. And discuss what makes it this bad.
• Evaluate a movie based on real-life or a novel.
• Examine imagery in a poem.

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Get Professional Writing Help

We hope that this guide was helpful in making critical analysis essays easier to understand. However, if you lack good writing skills, or don’t have the time to finish your task the option to seek expert help is always available.

5StarEssays.com is home to the top professional writers that are experts at providing you with a top-notch academic article, paper, and academic essay, plus some helpful writing tips to write your critical analysis paper.

Don’t waste your time and money and get your essays written by a professional essay writing service . Place your order with 5StarEssays.com today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you start a critical analysis essay.

You should begin your critical essay with a hook and an attention grabber. A hook will help you to engage your readers and make them stay with your essay till the end.

How many paragraphs is a critical essay?

Your critical essay must contain at least five paragraphs. The number of paragraphs depends on the scope of the essay and could be more than five also.

Can critical essays be in the first person?

No, critical essays could and ‘should’ not be in the first person. Since you are evaluating someone else’s work and the observations should be unbiased, using the first person is not appropriate.

Economics, Thesis

Dorothy M. is an experienced freelance writer with over five years of experience in the field. She has a wide client base, and her customers keep returning to her because of her great personalized writing. Dorothy takes care to understand her clients' needs and writes content that engages them and impresses their instructors or readers.

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How to Write a Critical Analysis

Last Updated: March 27, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,460,619 times.

Reading Critically

• You may need to read the text more than once, especially if it is dense or complicated.

• 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.

Analyzing the Text

• 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.

Tip : Keep in mind that you can also have a positive critique of the text if you think it was effective. For example, if the author’s description of greenhouse gasses was written in simple, easy to understand language, you might note this as part of your analysis.

• 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.

Drafting the Analysis

• 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?

Tip : Check with your teacher for details on how to cite sources. They may want you to use a specific citation style, such as MLA, Chicago, or APA.

• 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.

Sample Analyses

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
• ↑ https://www.tru.ca/__shared/assets/Critical_Analysis_Template30565.pdf
• ↑ https://depts.washington.edu/pswrite/Handouts/CriticalAnalysisPapers.pdf
• ↑ https://content.nroc.org/DevelopmentalEnglish/unit09/Foundations/creating-a-thesis-and-an-outline-for-a-critical-analysis-essay.html
• ↑ https://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/ending-essay-conclusions

About This Article

To write a critical analysis, first introduce the work you’re analyzing, including information about the work’s author and their purpose in writing it. As part of the introduction, briefly state your overall evaluation of the work. Then, summarize the author’s key points before you use the bulk of your paper to provide your full critique of the work. Try to put each point you want to make in a separate paragraph for clarity. Finally, write a concluding paragraph that restates your opinion of the work and offers any suggestions for improvement. To learn how to balance positive and negative comments in your critical analysis, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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What is Critical Analysis/Evaluation?

The ability to critically evaluate (sometimes called critically analyse or review) is an essential skill at university and the workplace, and life in general. So what does ‘critical analysis’ or ‘critical evaluation’ involve?

W hat does ANALYSIS m ean?

‘To show the essence of something by breaking it down into its component parts, examining each part in detail and explaining issues’. It also means:

Making connections (between theory and practise/data); and

Seeing relationships between information.

What does CRITICISE/CRITIQUE mean?

To give your opinion on something (for example, what has been done/has been written/an approach); and

To support your opinion with evidence.

Note: Critiquing is NOT simply stating that something is “bad”.

What does EVALUATE mean?

Weigh up strengths and weaknesses.

Appraise the worth of something - test assumptions - judge the worth of an argument or position.

Here are some examples of evaluative questions:

is …correct/incorrect? Why?

is …effective/ineffective? Why?

is …logical/illogical? Why?

is …valid/invalid? Why

what are strengths/weaknesses of ...? WHY?

how useful/useless is ...? WHY?

what are the benefits of ...? WHY?

how appropriate/inappropriate is …? WHY?

what problems are there with …? WHY?

how adequate/inadequate was ...? WHY?

Supporting your judgments

When you write your assignment, make sure that you don’t simply describe what you are evaluating. You will get more marks for analysis , that is, clearly providing your judgement, and supporting it. Take one issue (component) at a time . Describe what you are analysing or evaluating, evaluate it and support your claims with scholarly research.

In Summary:

To critically analyse or evaluate means to: (i) break something down into its component parts; (ii) provide your opinion on each part by asking the right type of analytical questions; and (iii) support your opinions with evidence.

Links to further resources:

Critical Thinking

The Foundation for Critical Thinking

How to write a successful critical analysis

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How to write critically

What is critical writing.

Critical writing involves:

• analysing information to understand a problem or topic from more than one perspective;
• making logical connections between ideas;
• offering your own perspective on the topic based on your evaluation of the available evidence

How is critical writing different from descriptive writing?

Example paragraphs.

The following examples compare a paragraph using only descriptive writing with the same paragraph rewritten to include the writer’s critical analysis of the topic.

Descriptive Writing There is a large amount of research that examines intercultural communication via social media . Smith (2016, p. 75) states that digital platforms such as Facebook and Twitter help distribute knowledge between people and cultures. Cosgrove  (2018) found that people who regularly used social media were more likely to engage in activities from other cultures. Harrison (2017, p. 9) believes that technology has increased the capacity for people to communicate across cultures. Furthermore, Harrison states that social media does not foster in-depth relationships between people and communities from different cultures. Moreover, Markson (2018, p. 18) argues that digital communication platforms “erode the fundamental principles of cross-cultural engagement” by reducing important and complex aspects of culture to “ instant images … for immediate gratification rather than deep understanding."

Critical Writing Research indicates that while digital communication has enhanced the capacity of people to connect across cultures, there are limitations regarding how this communication translates to genuine connection . Smith (2016, p. 75) suggests that digital platforms such as Facebook and Twitter not only benefit users in terms of social connectivity, but also help distribute knowledge between people and cultures. Similarly, Cosgrove (2018) found that people who regularly used social media were more likely to engage in activities from other cultures. While Harrison (2017, p. 9) agrees that technology has increased the capacity for people to communicate across cultures, he raises concerns that such forms of communication fail to “foster in-depth relationships” between people and communities from different cultures, because strong connections require situations to be experienced together. Markson (2018, p. 18) likewise warns that digital communication platforms “erode the fundamental principles of cross-cultural engagement” by reducing important and complex aspects of culture to “instant images … for immediate gratification rather than deep understanding.” It is this superficial nature of social media that prevents it from being a truly useful tool for enhancing cross-cultural connection. Further research is required to examine how social media might more effectively encourage meaningful intercultural connections.

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The Critical Turkey

Essay Writing Hacks for the Social Sciences

What does ‘critical’ mean in social science writing, and how can I be critical in my essay?

Studying any social or political science, you will inevitably come across the idea of a critical analysis, a critical approach, critical thinking, a critical awareness, or simply critique. Indeed, the title of this website is a play on it. But while the concept of critical seems to be omnipresent in the social sciences, there is not always much of an explanation of what it actually means. This blogpost attempts such an explanation, and makes suggestions for how to integrate critical-related skills into your essay writing practice. I suggest two components for this, a common-sense-plus element, and a social-science-proper component.

Common-Sense-Plus

In everyday common-sense language ‘critical’ usually means that we question someone’s statement or opinion, and are, well, critical of it. We point out the weaknesses in an argument, probe its validity, and generally don’t trust anything anyone says. Sounds mean, but for a critical analysis, this is actually a good starting point. And if we do this systematically (the ‘plus’ of this component), it can greatly enhance our writing. The point here is not so much to disagree with what’s being said (as maybe a common sense understanding of ‘critical’ might lead you to believe), the point is to examine an argument, to look at the different sides of it, and then come to an informed conclusion , one that either agrees or disagrees (or indeed agrees to some extent, but not entirely). The critical element here lies in the process of how you engage with the argument, not in the end result of whether you agree or not.

Critical engagement starts with critical reading. The point here is to not just passively take in and absorb and accept whatever someone is telling you (this would be uncritical reading), but to enter into an active internal dialogue with the text. There are some techniques you can use, such as identifying and reflecting on the main argument(s) of the text, checking what kind of evidence these arguments are built on, and asking yourself whether you find them convincing, agree or disagree, why, and to what extent. It can also be useful to think about the context in which the author was writing, and what might have been their motives, both in a historical sense, and in the context of whatever scholarly discussion they were taking part in. There are plenty of online sources that can help you with the details of such techniques, such as here , here and here . The decisive point, however, is that over time you develop a kind of filter through which you read, and ideally this becomes something of an autopilot for navigating the readings.

This comes easier to some than to others, and it is worth noting that previous education experiences play a big role in this. In some educational traditions, students are encouraged from an early age to think critically, while in others, questioning the authority of the book or of the teacher are strictly discouraged. If the latter applies to your experience, it might just take a little longer to internalise these practices.

The next step in this common-sense-plus approach is to not just treat different readings individually and in isolation, but to contextualise them with other literature. Quite often, it is only through looking at different interpretations of the same phenomenon that the weaknesses or the limitations of one perspective become apparent. What looks like investment in a community that creates jobs and lifts the economy to one person can look like gentrification from a different perspective.

This should then also be reflected in how you present these discussions in your essay, in that you don’t just rely on one source at a time, but bring it into conversation with others, integrating and evaluating the different interpretations that exist, as you go along.

A last point of being critical in the common-sense-plus sense is to be aware of, and critically examine, the trustworthiness of your sources. I have written about the peer-review process, and the use of academic versus non-academic sources in this blogpost . It’s important what kinds of sources you use, and how you present them.

Social-Science-Proper

The second element of critique is where the social sciences come into their own. When you read a paper that claims to follow a ‘critical approach’, employ a ‘critical perspective’ or ‘critical theory’, this is usually what they mean. If your essay question is asking you to ‘critically examine’ or ‘critically evaluate’ a topic, this is potentially also what is meant (although it could also be a reference to the common-sence-plus variant; worth checking with your teacher).

This social-science-proper understanding of ‘critical’ is about examining what kinds of power dynamics, hierarchies and interests are connected to a specific social phenomenon. What produced the phenomenon and keeps it in place? And how does the phenomenon itself then (re-)produce hierarchies and power structures? In other words, the phenomenon you are looking at can be either (or both) the dependent or independent variable of your analysis. This can range from big topics such as how the economy is organised into a capitalist system or how modern societies somehow ended up being divided into what we know today as modern nation states. Or it can be applied to smaller issues, such as social norms regarding body hair (and its very gendered nature), or the lack of seating options in many urban spaces (hint: in spaces that are designated as ‘commercial’, if you have to sit, you are expected to do so in a cafe, consume, and create revenue). Whatever you look at, a critical analysis always asks the power questions, and connects these examples to existing hierarchies along the lines of, for example, class, race and gender, how these hierarchies produce these outcomes, and how these outcomes then reproduce these hierarchies.

Other prominent examples include looking at the role colonial histories play for contemporary racism, and showing how these histories with all its implications still form the foundations of societies today (in other words, identifying racism as a structural feature of modern societies, not just as situational events, as critical race theory has done); or examining the use of language in political speech or in newspaper discourses, and the way it transports and embeds certain assumptions into our thinking that in turn give legitimacy to existing power structures (as critical discourse analysis does).

If you know your classical theories, you will not be surprised to hear that a lot of today’s critical approaches build on traditions established by Marx and Engels, in particular in their German Ideology. In their big-picture analysis, the ideology of a particular society (and by that they meant anything from religion to philosophy to science, down to specific ideas we have about how to lead our lives, social norms etc.) was determined by the power structures of society, and by the social class dominating it. The ruling ideas, as their famous quote goes, are the ideas of the ruling classes. You do not need to be a Marxist, however, to engage in critical analysis. You just need to apply a similar focus.

More often than not, such a focus makes for powerful analysis indeed! If you’ve ever had one of those lightbulb moments while studying sociology (or any other critical social science discipline), where suddenly a new perspective opened up and everything made sense, chances are that this was because someone applied a critical perspective. It’s a true engine of insight, and can make you question everything you learned at school. Maybe I’m slightly exaggerating here. Only slightly though.

Final Thoughts

What is your experience with critical approaches? If you have employed them in your essay writing, did they help you understand the essay topic better? If you’re on the teaching side of things, how do you explain critical engagement to students? Or what other explanations have you found useful? Do let me know in the comments below.

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Critically Analyzing Information Sources: Critical Appraisal and Analysis

• Critical Appraisal and Analysis

Initial Appraisal : Reviewing the source

• What are the author's credentials--institutional affiliation (where he or she works), educational background, past writings, or experience? Is the book or article written on a topic in the author's area of expertise? You can use the various Who's Who publications for the U.S. and other countries and for specific subjects and the biographical information located in the publication itself to help determine the author's affiliation and credentials.
• Has your instructor mentioned this author? Have you seen the author's name cited in other sources or bibliographies? Respected authors are cited frequently by other scholars. For this reason, always note those names that appear in many different sources.
• Is the author associated with a reputable institution or organization? What are the basic values or goals of the organization or institution?

B. Date of Publication

• When was the source published? This date is often located on the face of the title page below the name of the publisher. If it is not there, look for the copyright date on the reverse of the title page. On Web pages, the date of the last revision is usually at the bottom of the home page, sometimes every page.
• Is the source current or out-of-date for your topic? Topic areas of continuing and rapid development, such as the sciences, demand more current information. On the other hand, topics in the humanities often require material that was written many years ago. At the other extreme, some news sources on the Web now note the hour and minute that articles are posted on their site.

C. Edition or Revision

Is this a first edition of this publication or not? Further editions indicate a source has been revised and updated to reflect changes in knowledge, include omissions, and harmonize with its intended reader's needs. Also, many printings or editions may indicate that the work has become a standard source in the area and is reliable. If you are using a Web source, do the pages indicate revision dates?

D. Publisher

Note the publisher. If the source is published by a university press, it is likely to be scholarly. Although the fact that the publisher is reputable does not necessarily guarantee quality, it does show that the publisher may have high regard for the source being published.

E. Title of Journal

Is this a scholarly or a popular journal? This distinction is important because it indicates different levels of complexity in conveying ideas. If you need help in determining the type of journal, see Distinguishing Scholarly from Non-Scholarly Periodicals . Or you may wish to check your journal title in the latest edition of Katz's Magazines for Libraries (Olin Reference Z 6941 .K21, shelved at the reference desk) for a brief evaluative description.

Critical Analysis of the Content

Having made an initial appraisal, you should now examine the body of the source. Read the preface to determine the author's intentions for the book. Scan the table of contents and the index to get a broad overview of the material it covers. Note whether bibliographies are included. Read the chapters that specifically address your topic. Reading the article abstract and scanning the table of contents of a journal or magazine issue is also useful. As with books, the presence and quality of a bibliography at the end of the article may reflect the care with which the authors have prepared their work.

A. Intended Audience

What type of audience is the author addressing? Is the publication aimed at a specialized or a general audience? Is this source too elementary, too technical, too advanced, or just right for your needs?

B. Objective Reasoning

• Is the information covered fact, opinion, or propaganda? It is not always easy to separate fact from opinion. Facts can usually be verified; opinions, though they may be based on factual information, evolve from the interpretation of facts. Skilled writers can make you think their interpretations are facts.
• Does the information appear to be valid and well-researched, or is it questionable and unsupported by evidence? Assumptions should be reasonable. Note errors or omissions.
• Are the ideas and arguments advanced more or less in line with other works you have read on the same topic? The more radically an author departs from the views of others in the same field, the more carefully and critically you should scrutinize his or her ideas.
• Is the author's point of view objective and impartial? Is the language free of emotion-arousing words and bias?

C. Coverage

• Does the work update other sources, substantiate other materials you have read, or add new information? Does it extensively or marginally cover your topic? You should explore enough sources to obtain a variety of viewpoints.
• Is the material primary or secondary in nature? Primary sources are the raw material of the research process. Secondary sources are based on primary sources. For example, if you were researching Konrad Adenauer's role in rebuilding West Germany after World War II, Adenauer's own writings would be one of many primary sources available on this topic. Others might include relevant government documents and contemporary German newspaper articles. Scholars use this primary material to help generate historical interpretations--a secondary source. Books, encyclopedia articles, and scholarly journal articles about Adenauer's role are considered secondary sources. In the sciences, journal articles and conference proceedings written by experimenters reporting the results of their research are primary documents. Choose both primary and secondary sources when you have the opportunity.

D. Writing Style

Is the publication organized logically? Are the main points clearly presented? Do you find the text easy to read, or is it stilted or choppy? Is the author's argument repetitive?

E. Evaluative Reviews

• Locate critical reviews of books in a reviewing source , such as the Articles & Full Text , Book Review Index , Book Review Digest, and ProQuest Research Library . Is the review positive? Is the book under review considered a valuable contribution to the field? Does the reviewer mention other books that might be better? If so, locate these sources for more information on your topic.
• Do the various reviewers agree on the value or attributes of the book or has it aroused controversy among the critics?
• For Web sites, consider consulting this evaluation source from UC Berkeley .

Permissions Information

If you wish to use or adapt any or all of the content of this Guide go to Cornell Library's Research Guides Use Conditions to review our use permissions and our Creative Commons license.

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Developing Deeper Analysis & Insights

Analysis is a central writing skill in academic writing. Essentially, analysis is what writers do with evidence to make meaning of it. While there are specific disciplinary types of analysis (e.g., rhetorical, discourse, close reading, etc.), most analysis involves zooming into evidence to understand how the specific parts work and how their specific function might relate to a larger whole. That is, we usually need to zoom into the details and then reflect on the larger picture. In this writing guide, we cover analysis basics briefly and then offer some strategies for deepening your analysis. Deepening your analysis means pushing your thinking further, developing a more insightful and interesting answer to the “so what?” question, and elevating your writing.

Analysis Basics

Questions to Ask of the Text:

• Is the evidence fully explained and contextualized? Where in the text/story does this evidence come from (briefly)? What do you think the literal meaning of the quote/evidence is and why? Why did you select this particular evidence?
• Are you selecting a long enough quote to work with and analyze? While over-quoting can be a problem, so too can under-quoting.
• Do you connect each piece of evidence explicitly to the claim or focus of the paper?

Strategies & Explanation

• Sometimes turning the focus of the paper into a question can really help someone to figure out how to work with evidence. All evidence should answer the question--the work of analysis is explaining how it answers the question.
• The goal of evidence in analytical writing is not just to prove that X exists or is true, but rather to show something interesting about it--to push ideas forward, to offer insights about a quote. To do this, sometimes having a full sentence for a quote helps--if a writer is only using single-word quotes, for example, they may struggle to make meaning out of it.

Deepening Analysis

Not all of these strategies work every time, but usually employing one of them is enough to really help elevate the ideas and intellectual work of a paper:

• Bring the very best point in each paragraph into the topic sentence. Often these sentences are at the very end of a paragraph in a solid draft. When you bring it to the front of the paragraph, you then need to read the paragraph with the new topic sentence and reflect on: what else can we say about this evidence? What else can it show us about your claim?
• Complicate the point by adding contrasting information, a different perspective, or by naming something that doesn’t fit. Often we’re taught that evidence needs to prove our thesis. But, richer ideas emerge from conflict, from difference, from complications. In a compare and contrast essay, this point is very easy to see--we get somewhere further when we consider how two things are different. In an analysis of a single text, we might look at a single piece of evidence and consider: how could this choice the writer made here be different? What other choices could the writer have made and why didn’t they? Sometimes naming what isn’t in the text can help emphasize the importance of a particular choice.
• Shift the focus question of the essay and ask the new question of each piece of evidence. For example, a student is looking at examples of language discrimination (their evidence) in order to make an argument that answers the question: what is language discrimination? Questions that are definitional (what is X? How does Y work? What is the problem here?) can make deeper analysis challenging. It’s tempting to simply say the equivalent of “Here is another example of language discrimination.” However, a strategy to help with this is to shift the question a little bit. So perhaps the paragraphs start by naming different instances of language discrimination, but the analysis then tackles questions like: what are the effects of language discrimination? Why is language discrimination so problematic in these cases? Who perpetuates language discrimination and how? In a paper like this, it’s unlikely you can answer all of those questions--but, selecting ONE shifted version of a question that each paragraph can answer, too, helps deepen the analysis and keeps the essay focused.
• Examine perspective--both the writer’s and those of others involved with the issue. You might reflect on your own perspectives as a unique audience/reader. For example, what is illuminated when you read this essay as an engineer? As a person of color? As a first-generation student at Cornell? As an economically privileged person? As a deeply religious Christian? In order to add perspective into the analysis, the writer has to name these perspectives with phrases like: As a religious undergraduate student, I understand X to mean… And then, try to explain how the specificity of your perspective illuminates a different reading or understanding of a term, point, or evidence. You can do this same move by reflecting on who the intended audience of a text is versus who else might be reading it--how does it affect different audiences differently? Might that be relevant to the analysis?
• Qualify claims and/or acknowledge limitations. Before college level writing and often in the media, there is a belief that qualifications and/or acknowledging the limitations of a point adds weakness to an argument. However, this actually adds depth, honesty, and nuance to ideas. It allows you to develop more thoughtful and more accurate ideas. The questions to ask to help foster this include: Is this always true? When is it not true? What else might complicate what you’ve said? Can we add nuance to this idea to make it more accurate? Qualifications involve words like: sometimes, may effect, often, in some cases, etc. These terms are not weak or to be avoided, they actually add accuracy and nuance.

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Understanding instruction words in academic essay titles

Posted in: essay-writing

Instruction or command words indicate what your tutor wants you to do in your written assignment. It's vital that you understand exactly what these instruction words mean so you can answer all parts of the essay question and provide a complete response.

Here's a list of some of the most common instruction/command words you'll see in essay questions (and examination questions as well), together with an explanation of what they mean.

Describe: Give a detailed account of…

Outline: Give the main features/general principles; don't include minor details.

Explain, account for, interpret: Describe the facts but also give causes and reasons for them. Depending on the context, these words may also suggest that you need to make the possible implications clear as well. For example: 'Explain X and its importance for Y'.

Comment on, criticise, evaluate, critically evaluate, assess: Judge the value of something. But first, analyse, describe and explain. Then go through the arguments for and against, laying out the arguments neutrally until the section where you make your judgement clear. Judgements should be backed by reasons and evidence.

Discuss, consider: The least specific of the instruction words. Decide, first of all, what the main issues are. Then follow the same procedures for Comment on, Criticise, Evaluate, Critically Evaluate and Assess.

Analyse: Break down into component parts. Examine critically or closely.

How far, how true, to what extent: These suggest there are various views on and various aspects to the subject. Outline some of them, evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, explore alternatives and then give your judgement.

Justify: Explain, with evidence, why something is the case, answering the main objections to your view as you go along.

Refute: Give evidence to prove why something is not the case.

Compare, contrast, distinguish, differentiate, relate: All require that you discuss how things are related to each other.  Compare suggests you concentrate on similarities, which may lead to a stated preference, the justification of which should be made clear. These words suggest that two situations or ideas can be compared in a number of different ways, or from a variety of viewpoints. Contrast suggests you concentrate on differences.

Define: Write down the precise meaning of a word or phrase. Sometimes several co-existing definitions may be used and, possibly, evaluated.

Illustrate: Make clear and explicit; usually requires the use of carefully chosen examples.

State: Give a concise, clear explanation or account of…

Summarise: Give a concise, clear explanation or account of… presenting the main factors and excluding minor detail or examples (see also Outline).

Trace: Outline or follow the development of something from its initiation or point of origin.

Devise: Think up, work out a plan, solve a problem etc.

Apply (to): Put something to use, show how something can be used in a particular situation.

Identify: Put a name to, list something.

Indicate: Point out. This does not usually involve giving too much detail.

List: Make a list of a number of things. This usually involves simply remembering or finding out a number of things and putting them down one after the other.

Plan: Think about how something is to be done, made, organised, etc.

Report on: Describe what you have seen or done.

Review: Write a report on something.

Specify: Give the details of something.

Work out: Find a solution to a problem.

Adapted from: Coles, M. (1995), A Student’s Guide to Coursework Writing,   University of Stirling, Stirling 

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So wonderful can anyone get the information

Thanks Josphat!

This is a life saver, do you have a youtube channel where you talk about all this stuff? If so I would love to know about it 🙂 Rachelle

Thanks for your comment. We don't have a YouTube channel but stay tuned for more posts. You will also find additional self-directed learning resources in MySkills .

Quite helpful. I would definitely check this before my next essay.

Thank you, Dan.

Very helpful now I understand how construct my assignments and how to answer exam questions

I have understood it clearly;)

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Very helpful. Listed most of the words that might be misunderstood by foreign students. Now I know why my score of writing IELTS test is always 6, I even didn't get the point of what I was supposed to write!

I have already read all of this. And it gave me a brief instruction.

There are varied instruction words in essay questions. It's a good chance for me to have a overview of these main command words because I could response to requirements of questions precisely and without the risk of wandering off the topic.

When i encounter with an essay title with these instruction words above,I should understand exactly what these words mean so that i could know what my tutor would like me to do in the assignments.Also,these words may help me make an outline and read academic articles with percific purposes.

These words are accurate and appropriate. It is really helpful for me to response some assignment questions and I can know the orientation of my answers . I can also use these words to make an outline of my essay. However, in my view, for some instruction words which are confusing and hard to understand, it is better to give an example to help us understand.

It's the first time for me to recognise these instruction words , some of them are really similar with each other.

it is very helpful to my future study. it will be better to have some examples with it.

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How to Critically Discuss in An Essay

Published by Carmen Troy at September 19th, 2023 , Revised On January 5, 2024

Writing an essay often involves more than just relaying information or expressing an opinion. For many academic and professional purposes, you are required to critically discuss topics, demonstrate an understanding of various perspectives and showcase your analytical skills. 

So, what does it mean to critically discuss something in an essay? And more importantly, how can you do it effectively?

What is Critical Discussion?

Before diving into the how-to, grasping what critical discussion entails is essential. Essay writing help often emphasises the importance of this step. Critical discussion requires a deeper level of analysis where you explain a topic and evaluate and dissect its various facets.

Imagine an object in the middle of a room, with observers standing at different points around it. Each person sees the object from a unique angle. Similarly, when you critically discuss a topic, you are trying to view it from multiple angles, considering various perspectives and arguments and avoiding biases where certain perspectives might be overlooked.

How to Critically Discuss

Consider the following steps to critically discuss an essay. 

Start with Thorough Research

To critically discuss a topic, you need to understand its nuances. This requires in-depth research:

• Diverse Sources: Instead of relying on a single type of source, such as books, expand your horizons. Use academic journals, reputable news articles, podcasts, interviews, and more. Essay services can be an invaluable tool in this stage for collating resources.
• Contrasting Opinions: Deliberately seek out sources that disagree with each other. This will provide a more holistic view of the topic and help you understand the key debates in the field. 

Organise your Thoughts

Begin by brainstorming. Jot down the key points, arguments, counterarguments, and evidence you have gathered. Categorise them and try to identify connections or patterns.

Structure your Essay for Critical Discussion

Critical discussion typically follows this essay structure :

• Introduction of an Essay : Introduce the topic and highlight its significance. Outline the main points you intend to discuss, backed up by scholarly source references.
• Main Body: This is where the meat of your critical discussion will lie and where techniques like the rhetorical analysis of an essay can be invaluable.
• Present Different Angles: Every paragraph should tackle a unique perspective or argument. Discuss its strengths and weaknesses. If you are discussing a controversial topic, you might delve into the argumentative essay.
• Use Evidence: Always back up your statements with evidence. Quotations, statistics, and examples can bolster your claims.
• Contrast and Compare: Highlight how different perspectives agree or differ from one another. This comparative approach will enrich your analysis.
• Conclusion: Summarise the main points discussed and reiterate their significance. You might also want to mention areas for further research or exploration.

Question Everything

When critically discussing, you are essentially playing the devil’s advocate. Some questions to pose include:

• What are the underlying assumptions here?
• How might someone oppose this perspective?
• Are there any weaknesses or limitations?
• What real-world implications does this have?

Avoid Bias and Stay Objective

While it is challenging to be entirely free from biases, strive for objectivity. Remember, a critical discussion is not about what you believe; it’s about presenting a rounded view of the topic.

Write with Clarity

Complex topics demand clear writing. Avoid jargon unless it is essential, and ensure your sentences are concise and straightforward. Each paragraph should have a clear focus, and the flow from one paragraph to another should be logical.

Incorporate Feedback

Once you have written your essay, share it with peers, mentors, or tutors. Their feedback will provide fresh perspectives and highlight areas requiring more clarity or depth.

Revise and Refine

Like any essay, the first draft might not be perfect. Dedicate time to revising your work, refining your arguments, and ensuring the essay flows smoothly.

Conclude with Forward-Thinking

A hallmark of an excellent critical discussion is leaving the reader with something to ponder. Highlight areas where research is still ongoing, or propose questions that have not been addressed adequately.

What Critical Discussion is Not

Critical discussion is essential for deepening understanding, stimulating creative thought, and promoting a collaborative environment. However, certain behaviors and attitudes are not conducive to critical discussion. Here is what critical discussion is not:

Ad Hominem Attacks

A critical discussion does not involve attacking a person’s character, motives, or other personal attributes. The focus should be on the content of the argument, not on the person making it.

Appeal to Emotion

While emotions can be involved, a critical discussion should not be based solely on emotional appeals, nor should it be used to manipulate participants.

Straw Man Fallacy

Misrepresenting or oversimplifying an opponent’s argument to make it easier to attack is not genuine discussion.

Dodging questions, changing the topic abruptly, or not addressing the central issues is not a part of critical discussion.

Closed-mindedness

A true critical discussion requires participants to be open to new ideas and willing to change their minds if presented with compelling evidence.

Talking Over Others

Dominating the conversation, interrupting, or not allowing others to speak does not foster a healthy discussion.

Confirmation Bias

Only seeking out or acknowledging information that confirms one’s pre-existing beliefs is not the essence of critical discussion.

Appeal to Authority

Simply stating that an authority figure believes something does not make it true or end the discussion.

Overgeneralisations

Making broad statements without sufficient evidence or specifics undermines a constructive dialogue.

False Dichotomies

Presenting issues as if there are only two sides or solutions when there might be a spectrum of possibilities, in reality, is not conducive to critical exploration.

Circular Arguments

Arguing a point by merely restating it in different words does not add depth or clarity to a discussion.

Unwillingness to Listen

Entering a discussion with the intent to lecture rather than also to listen, learn, and potentially adjust your views stifles genuine discourse.

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Critical Discussion Example

let’s set up a scenario for a critical discussion:

Topic: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

Participants: Alex and Jamie

Alex: I have read a lot of articles recently that suggest social media has a negative impact on the mental health of users, particularly young people. There’s a correlation between increased social media use and increased rates of depression, anxiety, and loneliness.

Jamie: That is a valid point, Alex. There have been studies that suggest that. However, correlation does not imply causation. People who are already feeling lonely or depressed may be simply more likely to spend time on social media. How do we know that social media is the cause and not just a symptom?

Alex: That is a fair point. Some studies have shown that excessive use of social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy, especially when people compare their lives to others. The constant barrage of highlight reels from other people’s lives can make users feel like they’re not doing enough or not leading fulfilling lives.

Jamie: True, comparison can be detrimental. But social media also has its benefits. It is a way for people to connect, especially those who might feel isolated in their real lives. For some, it offers a community and a sense of belonging. Shouldn’t we consider these positive aspects as well?

Alex: Absolutely, I agree that social media can provide vital connections for many. But there is also the element of screen time. Being constantly connected can disrupt sleep patterns and reduce face-to-face social interactions, which are crucial for emotional and social development.

Jamie: Yes, moderation is key. Users need to be self-aware and ensure that their online interactions enhance their lives rather than detract from them. Healthy social media use education might be more beneficial than demonising the platforms.

This is a simplified example, but it highlights some features of critical discussion, similar to what you would find in a discursive essay :

• Respectful Exchange: Both participants listened to each other’s viewpoints.
• Exploration of Ideas: The participants delved into the complexities of the issue.
• Use of Evidence: Alex and Jamie provided reasons and evidence for their perspectives.
• Open-Mindedness: Both were open to adjusting their views or considering the other’s viewpoint.

Seeking Understanding: Instead of trying to “win” the argument, they aimed for a clearer understanding of the topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does critically discuss mean.

“Critically discuss” means analysing and evaluating a topic or argument thoroughly, considering its strengths and weaknesses. It involves a detailed assessment rather than a mere description, often requiring one to question assumptions, recognise biases, and provide evidence to support the analysis. It is a deep, balanced examination of a subject.

How to answer a critically discuss question?

To answer a “critically discuss” question:

• Introduce the topic briefly.
• Present key arguments or points.
• Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of each.
• Use evidence to support your analysis.
• Consider alternative viewpoints.
• Conclude with a balanced assessment.
• Ensure clarity, coherence, and proper referencing throughout.

How to critically discuss a theory?

To critically discuss a theory:

• Outline the theory’s main propositions.
• Examine its historical and academic context.
• Evaluate its strengths and weaknesses.
• Compare with alternative theories.
• Highlight empirical evidence supporting or refuting it.
• Analyse underlying assumptions.
• Conclude with a balanced perspective, acknowledging its relevance and limitations.

How to critically discuss a topic?

To critically discuss a topic:

• Introduce the topic succinctly.
• Present key facts or arguments.
• Analyse strengths and limitations.
• Reference relevant evidence or research.
• Consider opposing views or counterarguments.
• Assess the implications or significance.
• Conclude with an informed perspective, reflecting a comprehensive understanding.

How to critically discuss in psychology?

• Introduce the psychological concept/theory.
• Detail its historical development and key proponents.
• Evaluate empirical evidence supporting and opposing it.
• Examine methodological strengths and limitations.
• Compare with alternative theories or explanations.
• Discuss real-world implications or applications.
• Conclude, reflecting on its overall validity and relevance.

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Princeton Correspondents on Undergraduate Research

In Between the Lines: A Guide to Reading Critically

I often find that Princeton professors assume that we all know how to “read critically.” It’s a phrase often included in essay prompts, and a skill necessary to academic writing. Maybe we’re familiar with its definition: close examination of a text’s logic, arguments, style, and other content in order to better understand the author’s intent. Reading non-critically would be identifying a metaphor in a passage, whereas the critical reader would question why the author used that specific metaphor in the first place. Now that the terminology is clarified, what does critical reading look like in practice? I’ve put together a short guide on how I approach my readings to help demystify the process.

• Put on your scholar hat. Critical reading starts before the first page. You should assume that the reading in front of you was the product of several choices made by the author, and that each of these choices is subject to analysis. This is a critical mindset, but importantly, not a negative one. Not taking a reading at face value doesn’t mean approaching the reading hoping to find everything that’s  wrong, but rather what could be improved .
• Revisit Writing Sem : Motive and thesis are incredibly helpful guides to understanding tough academic texts. Examining why the author is writing this text (motive), provides a context for the work that follows. The thesis should be in the back of your mind at all times to understand how the evidence presented proves it, but simultaneously thinking about the motive  allows you to think about what opponents to the author might say, and then question how the evidence would stand up to these potential rebuttals.
• Get physical . Take notes! Critical reading involves making observations and insights—track them! My process involves underlining, especially as I see recurring terms, images, or themes. As I read, I also like to turn back and forth constantly between pages to link up arguments. I was reading a longer legal text for a class and found that flipping back and forth helped me clarify the ideas presented in the beginning of the text so I could track their development in later pages.
• Play Professor. While I’m reading, I like to imagine potential discussion or essay topics I would come up with if I were a professor. These usually involves examining the themes of the text, placing this text in comparison or contrast with another one we have read in the class, and paying close attention to how the evidence attempts to prove the thesis.
• Form an (informed) opinion. After much work, underlining, and debating, it’s safe to make your own judgments about the author’s work. In forming this opinion, I like to mentally prepare to have this opinion debated, which helps me complicate my own conclusions—a great start to a potential essay!

Critical reading is an important prerequisite for the academic writing that Princeton professors expect. The best papers don’t start with the first word you type, but rather how you approach the texts composing your essay subject. Hopefully, this guide to reading critically will help you write critically as well!

–Elise Freeman, Social Sciences Correspondent

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How to Critically Discuss

Many students dread writing ‘critical discussion’ essays. This is partly because they don’t understand what is required of them.

So, how do you ‘critically discuss’ in an essay? Well, first and foremost, make sure you’ve truly considered all sides of the argument. You also need to think carefully about whether the source(s) you are discussing are reliable and valid. Finally, you need to develop a ‘thesis statement’ so that you can structure your critical discussion essay effectively.

Critical discussion essays can cause headaches, but they can also be incredibly rewarding if you approach them with the right attitude. Here are some tips to set you off in the right direction!

What does ‘critically discuss’ actually mean?

Before attempting a critical discussion, check you understand what is required of you. Let’s turn to the Oxford English Dictionary for a useful definition.

So, in short, a critical discussion requires you to weigh up the strengths and weaknesses of a theory, concept (or work of some sort), and write about this in detail – taking into account various relevant issues and viewpoints.

I would go one step further and say that to ‘critically discuss’, you should also emphasise the significance of your critiques. In other words, why does your critical opinion matter? (more on this later).

What critical discussion is NOT…

Before moving on to show you how to write a critical discussion, let’s take a look at what a ‘critical discussion’ is NOT:

Pure negativity – Some students fall into the trap of thinking that critical discussion requires you to be excessively negative. Whilst you should consider the weaknesses of a theory or argument, you should also consider its strengths and/or new applications.

A repetition of others’ critiques – Whilst you can (and typically should) use other theorists’ critiques to support your essay, you should also try to say something original in your critical discussion. Don’t only repeat other people’s ideas.

Describing – Remember, you are not only being asked to describe a particular work of art/literature/science. Part of your essay will probably include description, as you set the scene, but you must include a critical opinion of the theory, concept or work you are discussing.

Quick and Easy – Unfortunately, writing a critical discussion is not a straightforward task. You should give yourself plenty of time to read the material, digest it, reflect upon it, critique it, and then formulate an argument for your essay.

An example of critical discussion

Learning from examples is often the best way. So, here is an excerpt from an essay which critically discusses whether pay-for-performance schemes motivate employees – written by one of our PhD Experts:

Theory X states that, because employees are primarily motivated by pay, a pay-for-performance system will be motivational (McGregor, 1960). However, this theory was not supported by empirical data, thus its validity is questionable. Moreover, up-to-date research suggests that employees are not primarily motivated by pay, but are instead motivated by intrinsic factors (e.g., flexible working hours, autonomy, and creating impactful work) (Kaleb, 2015). This undermines the suggestion that pay-for-performance would be motivating. Indeed, further research has found that pay-for-performance can actually “crowd out” intrinsic motivators, since it overly monetises the employer-employee relationship, thereby resulting in poorer motivation (David, 2018). There is more empirical research to support the more recent findings than theory X, thus, it seems pay-for-performance schemes are unlikely to motivate employees.

Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of this critical discussion so that you can try to replicate it for yourself.  

Compare two (or more) theories

Notice how this single paragraph contains three references to three different theories. In order to critically discuss competently, you will need to be able to compare and contrast different theories and perspectives. This is one of the reasons why critical discussion essays are time-consuming, i.e., because you need to spend time researching material to cover both sides of the argument.

Critique the methodologies

Notice how the above paragraph has critiqued the validity/reliability of the research mentioned. Namely, theory X was criticised for having a lack of empirical (experimental) evidence to support it, whereas the later theories were deemed more valid because there is quite a lot of empirical research to support them.

Depending on what subject you are studying at university, you might need to critique the methods in more depth (e.g., consider sample size, procedure, method of data analysis, etc.).

Keep your thesis statement (or argument) in mind at all times

Remember we said that you need to emphasise why your critiques matter? This is key because it will help you to achieve first-class grades. Let’s dive a little deeper into what I mean by this…

Before writing your essay, think of a thesis statement . In the above case, it would be ‘pay-for-performance does not boost employee motivation’. Now, when you are critically discussing your evidence (and comparing and contrasting theories), be sure to finish each paragraph by returning to the thesis statement.

In other words, be sure to emphasise why each point of critique is significant for your argument. You will notice, for example, that the above paragraph finishes by stating that ‘thus, it seems pay-for-performance schemes are unlikely to motivate employees’.

So, sticking to your thesis statement will allow you to consistently emphasise why your critical points are relevant and significant. If you can do this then, say hello to first-class grades!

Tips for writing a critical discussion

Critical discussions aren’t easy, but if you approach them in the right way, you can make things simpler for yourself.

In fact, our writers say that critical discussion essays are the most enjoyable to write because they are stimulating and challenging.

That said, try out these tips when preparing for your next critical discussion essay (and hopefully you won’t find it such a painful process!).

Start reading ASAP

When preparing for a critical discussion essay, it’s easy to fall into the trap of procrastination. There’s so much to read, yet so little time (or energy) to do the reading, right?

Well, try not to fall into this trap. Choose the texts/theories that interest you the most and try your best to really engross yourself in them. If you can become truly engaged in the research you’re reading, your energy and enthusiasm will ‘flow’ naturally.

Play devil’s advocate

One hurdle often faced by students is that they agree with everything a particular theorist is saying, and thus they don’t feel confident in critiquing the theory. In this case, it’s time to play devil’s advocate.

What does this mean? Well, to play devil’s advocate means to adopt the opposing side of the argument, even if you don’t agree with it, in order to make the discussion more interesting.

So, let’s say you are completely against animal testing, and you agree with Peter Singer’s theories (which are also against animal testing). However, for the purposes of writing a good critical discussion, you should be willing to engage with the opposing side of the argument.

Imagine, for a moment, that you are ‘for’ animal testing. What reasoning would you use? And how could this reasoning be used to discredit Peter Singer’s theory?

Plan, Plan, Plan

It’s best to make at least a rough plan of your critical discussion essay before you begin. As mentioned, your critique should be tied to a broader ‘thesis statement’ so consider this thesis statement when planning your essay.

Each paragraph should make a broad point that relates back to your thesis statement. Remember to use signposting to link back to the thesis statement and help keep your reader on track.

The final tip is the most important tip of all – be bold. To earn first-class grades, you need to demonstrate an ability to think independently and critically about a specific topic.

This means you must be willing to say what you really think and not just parrot another person’s argument. Indeed, the opportunity to ‘be bold’ demonstrates why critical discussion essays are so enjoyable to write.

So, next time you are tasked with writing a critical discussion essay, see it as an opportunity to be bold, confident, and creative! Though it might be quite a time-consuming task, you’ll certainly feel satisfied once you’ve got your argument down on paper.

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• Essays Blogs
• Essay Question Words: “Critically Evaluate/Review.”

Critical does not always mean brutal or complex, but in the case of essays, we often apprehend the negative connotation of the word ‘critically evaluate or critical review’. So what does ‘critical evaluation’ or ‘critical review’ actually refers to within an essay? Let us break down the concept and understand how we can utilize these two terms in a paper to make it more valuable for a piece of writing.

The word ‘critical’ generally advocates the constitution one’s idea for a perspective backed up by logical altercation. When it is entreated to incorporate critical thinking or involve paramount elucidation while writing on a specific topic, it does not necessarily adhere to the negative commentary or idea incorporation. In other words, we can say that ‘critically evaluate’ or ‘critical review’ within an essay would not necessarily represent the negative aspiration regarding a topic; instead, it would logically support the complex idea formed based on differentiated pieces of evidence.

Critical evaluation meaning stands on the cognitive ability of a human to think beyond the aspects presented in their natural circumstances. Essays involve discussing broad topics; critical evaluation represents the ability to logically explain and argue what has been submitted to an individual by others while developing one’s perspective or opinion in the same field.

Typically, critical evaluation for critical review depends on certain aspects that a writer needs to understand while attempting a critical evaluation within an essay. Different segments of essay writing involve critical evaluation/ review as their core element, and these aspects are explored from the following particularities.

Explaining the descriptive writing:  

In many cases, we often hear students experience comments from the professors that an essay is too descriptive rather than critical. We need to understand the measures of descriptive writing to reach the level of identifying critical evaluation/review within an essay. Descriptive writing is identified as a process of depicting the background of a particular topic and incorporating shreds of evidence but not getting into an argumentative discussion. In other words, descriptive writing offers a clear and pre-existing idea or a piece of information to its readers instead of turning it into specific squabbled elucidation. In academic writing, the descriptive form of an essay focuses on four significant measures that answer the four ‘W’ (Who, What, Where, When). An abduce of such standard is provided as follows.

“The author—– has depicted the main essence of this research study in advocating the relevance of the topic to the purpose of conducting industry research”

 Here, it has manifested that we offer a piece of detailed information that is already presented by another author in descriptive writing. We are just a medium of describing it to our readers within a descriptive essay for descriptive writing. Henceforth, descriptive writing offers information about who the author is and the context of the study instead of providing a more critique-based perspective of the subject. Such a presentation would adhere to the need for information delivery, but it is not a relevant delineation of critical evaluation/ review in academic writing.

Critical writing:

Article writing can be a condition of critical thinking, and the entire meaning upholds forming arguments based on a specific subject or idea. In critical writing, one must manifest critical thinking ability while explaining a particular subject or topic through an essay. Critical evaluation of detailed writing represents the application of questions like what if, How, and what next that could help extract better critique-oriented writing as it exhibits that these type of questions helps a student to bring out a more critical and in-depth analysis of a situation by looking beyond what is delivered by other studies or authors. Hence, there is a lucid difference between critical writing and descriptive. In critical writing, the questions start with ‘W’ not be abundant in terms of leveling up to the requirements of critical writing.

How to achieve ‘critical evaluation/review’ in essay writing

There are a few measures that are important to consider while attempting for the critical evaluation in writing. First, a writer or a student needs to go through the secondary materials to provide information about specific topics. Unlike descriptive essays, the critical evaluation review needs to include the questions based on possibilities around the circumstance, which is evident in providing better answers to the readers’ requirements.

Students need to understand the fundamental difference between descriptive and critical writing, and to achieve that, a thorough reading of the secondary sources for the articles is essential. It manifests that as an author has presented some research-based information to their research papers, it does not mean that it should not be questioned. Critical evaluation appertains the ability of the student to explain what and why the author has served the search information while providing different and personal perspectives to that information for expounding its purpose. While closing the discussion, we need to understand certain academic writing examples of sections where critical evaluation or review are found, such as in methodology or discussion sections. Most importantly, critical evaluation refers to putting the information provided by an author or a secondary source under the light of essential perspectives and thinking. By considering the questions, a student can perform a better critical evaluation while highlighting the aspects of information that the author has not conveyed to its readers through an essay. Critical evaluation/review is also a great source of enhancing individual ability to practice critical thinking across different fields.

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6 Common Leadership Styles — and How to Decide Which to Use When

• Rebecca Knight

Being a great leader means recognizing that different circumstances call for different approaches.

Research suggests that the most effective leaders adapt their style to different circumstances — be it a change in setting, a shift in organizational dynamics, or a turn in the business cycle. But what if you feel like you’re not equipped to take on a new and different leadership style — let alone more than one? In this article, the author outlines the six leadership styles Daniel Goleman first introduced in his 2000 HBR article, “Leadership That Gets Results,” and explains when to use each one. The good news is that personality is not destiny. Even if you’re naturally introverted or you tend to be driven by data and analysis rather than emotion, you can still learn how to adapt different leadership styles to organize, motivate, and direct your team.

Much has been written about common leadership styles and how to identify the right style for you, whether it’s transactional or transformational, bureaucratic or laissez-faire. But according to Daniel Goleman, a psychologist best known for his work on emotional intelligence, “Being a great leader means recognizing that different circumstances may call for different approaches.”

• RK Rebecca Knight is a journalist who writes about all things related to the changing nature of careers and the workplace. Her essays and reported stories have been featured in The Boston Globe, Business Insider, The New York Times, BBC, and The Christian Science Monitor. She was shortlisted as a Reuters Institute Fellow at Oxford University in 2023. Earlier in her career, she spent a decade as an editor and reporter at the Financial Times in New York, London, and Boston.

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