Critical Analysis is a tool for clarity How

Critical Analysis is a tool for clarity. How can you tell what is important and what isn’t in what you are reading? Words are placed in a certain order by an author to convey meaning. The meaning structure is like a skeleton: find the bones, and where they connect. A. How do you find the pieces? Sentence: word order is chosen so that each sentence is built according to the writer’s meaning and emphasis. Find the key word. Paragraph: the first sentence of the paragraph is a statement of the key idea. The middle sentences support with examples, in a logical buildup of the key idea. The final sentence is a conclusion and mirrors the first. Essay: no matter how long or short, it is divided into sections. * First, your introduction, “what I want to say” gives the main points. It is written SECOND. * The main body presents points in your chosen order most >least OR least>most important. * Group data and examples around three or five main points joined by: “first, second, third”; or another logical ladder. It is written FIRST. * The final section is the conclusion, “what I said’. It is written LAST. An article or book is only a larger version of an essay. Don’t let size panic you!

How do you analyze an essay, article or book critically? Look at the title. It will be theme. Find the key word[s]. Look up the meaning of the word[s] to understand it completely. Look at the subtitle. It expands and supports the main idea. Find the key words and see how they connect to the main idea. Look at the table of contents. This is the skeleton. If it is not clear, or is clear but not followed, the work will be badly argued. Read the first paragraph of each section or chapter. It uses the first sentence of each paragraph. Each paragraph is as a link connecting the argument of that section. Find the key word[s]. If you use a quote , key words are ALL you should quote, with a footnote. Everything else you must put in your own words [paraphrase]. Each last paragraph of a section/chapter is its concluding summary. The last section/chapter provides the basic argument again.

How do you track an argument? Write the key word[s] for each paragraph in the margin of the book. In the white space at the end of each section or chapter, put the links together to make sure that they match up with the claims in the first and final paragraphs. If they do, the presentation in this part is in order. Now…. . Do you agree with the way the author arranged the links? Has something been left out? Re-order as you would have written it and give your reasons. On a blank page collect and link together : the author’s chain in one column, then your own in a parallel column. The similarities and differences you see are the body of your critical analysis. This is your critique.

Writing a Review…. in Your Own Words Step One Circle key words Underline key phrases Do NOT include examples Step Two Write key words and phrases on a separate page. [Number of times each is used = importance to topic. ] Keep in the order in which the author uses them. Step Three Write your first part: a synopsis of the article. Use phrases like “The article explains…. ” “The author says…. ” Use key words and phrases to show the outline. Use “quotes” for exact word or phrase, 1 -3 sentences, and footnote

Writing a Review…. in Your Own Words Step Four Write your second part: a critique of the article. [“critical” >negative; “critique”> objective appraisal, pro & con] Look at: Structure: Intro? Conclusion? Main points? Supporting examples: Are they relevant? Good? Logic: does the argument proceed step by step? Clarity: is the writing straightforward or confusing? Step Five: Step Six Write your third part: your opinion of the topic/data. Use phrases like “In my opinion, …. . ” Write introduction, your main idea in the first sentence. “This article is about…. . ” Write title, author, source, year, & main idea of what you are reviewing. Step Seven Write your conclusion, following your introduction.