Guide to a Critical Analysis
Goal:
Evaluate one essay posted on our Canvas shell. Try to develop six paragraphs (an introduction, one refutation paragraph, three paragraphs to present your argument, and a conclusion). Evaluating means that you are the critic: Which rhetorical strategies does the author use successfully, and which are weak? Remember that an argument backs an opinion using evidence.
The structure of the essay:
I. Introduction One paragraph:
1) Open with an attention grabber
2) Give background or perhaps an illustrative example to show the significance of the subject or the nature of the controversy
3) Consider stating the conclusion of your argument (claim) here as the thesis of your essay, and it should mention the method/plan/reasons for such an evaluation
II. Refutation Usually one paragraph:
You must choose the best location for your argument. The key is to use good transitions between the refutation and the presentation of the argument.
If one paragraph . . .
1) Give a brief statement explaining who may have opposing view(s) and why, to make your reader aware that you have considered other points of view
2) but (transition and) explain why you have rejected those points for good reasons.
Some writers place the refutation paragraph almost last, just before the conclusion, or even interspersed at effective locations throughout the essay. If your stance is extremist/controversial, introduce counterarguments in the beginning of your paper on; a paragraph after the intro would be appropriate.
III. Presentation of your argument At least three paragraphs:
1) Paragraph Reason One
2) Paragraph Reason Two
3) Paragraph Reason Three
Throughout the body of your essay, to prove your thesis, build your case one point at a time, perhaps devoting one paragraph to the defense of each of your premises, or setting forth your evidence in (at least three) separate, meaningful categories (one category per paragraph). These three reasons confirm the thesis as subclaims. This means that you must have at least three body paragraphs for this part.
Please remember that each body paragraph should have a standard structure:
1) topic sentence argumentative and mentions which reason from thesis
2) introduction to an example (this may be a transition or explanation of context)
3) the actual example: a summary, paraphrase, or quotation, cited MLA style
4) argue what the reader should respond to regarding the example so that the reader absorbs your opinion rather than forming their own opinion
5) concluding sentence for paragraph argumentative and mentions which reason
IV. Conclusion One paragraph:
1) Remind the reader of the overall argument (thesis) using different wording
2) Summarize
3) Leave the reader with a memorable moment
After all your evidence has been presented and/or your premises defended, pull your whole argument together in the last paragraph by showing how the evidence you have presented provides sufficient grounds for accepting your conclusion. You may also add here some conventional device to finish your essay, such as a prediction, a new example, a reference to the example with which you began (now seen in a new light), etc.
Extra thoughts on an argumentative essay:
Without enough proof, a writer can sound judgmental but not logical, and vice versa, if a writer were to have overflowing logos, causing his or her voice to get lost, then the ethos would be weakened. Hopefully, your efforts throughout the semester have helped you balance this already. With evaluative and argumentative work, sometimes providing proof can cause tonal shifts if the writer is not careful. Be sure to reiterate your stance by using evaluative words throughout your sentences to control the tone.
Use transitions.
