Length: 800 words minimum (no maximum) Format/Font: MLA/Arial or Times New Roman, 12pt Include: Works Cited

You will write a critical analysis of one of the sources you are using in your research project. Evaluate the author’s method of organization and its effectiveness, the evidence presented by the author and the effectiveness of the evidence (does it support the author’s argument).

Use the format below.

I. Introduction/Background Information Title

Subject (“Letter. . .” is about equality) Original publication information Intended audience

Purpose

Author’s background Author’s thesis

Your thesis –

*Remember, your thesis will not be the same as the author’s, but it may be a blend of the author’s thesis and yours. For the purposes of this class, your thesis will be the last sentence of the introductory paragraph

II. Summary of the work you are reviewing III. Evaluation

Method of organization

Critical Analysis Prompt 1

Evidence Presented

Effectiveness of method and evidence IV. Conclusion

The conclusion will contain your assessment about the overall success or failure of the author to realize their goal, information about how you have proven your argument, and the impact of the author’s essay

This abbreviated outline is to help remind you of the areas you are covering. The information you are evaluating does not need to be in the same order that I have presented. Organize it in a way that makes sense.

In addition:

Remember to ask yourself questions to help you with your analysis (W5 + H). For example, when you are thinking about the evidence presented ask yourself:

Does the author use evidence?

What type of evidence is used?

Is the evidence biased to consider one point of view? How? How does this affect the overall meaning of the essay?

Note: If you state in your thesis that the author’s evidence if flawed due to his or her bias and failure to consider current data, you need to support your claim with examples from the text. If you state the evidence provided is good, use examples from the text. This is your argument that you now need to support.

Basic Information:

Use third person—he, she, it (Do not use second person you, your, yours)

This is an analysis; do not state how you feel or what you think about the subject This is a look at the component parts and how these parts work together to convey the author’s message

Do not use the author’s first name unless you are writing the entire name.

Use academic language

Critical Analysis Prompt 2