3.4 Writing Critical Essays

• What should a strong thesis statement do in a critical essay?

  Summarize the argument
• The final paragraph of a critical essay is called the conclusion
• Match the task word with its implication:

  Analyze ↔️ Break down and examine in detail

  Discuss ↔️ Explore different perspectives and arguments

  Evaluate ↔️ Assess strengths and weaknesses, make a judgment
• Literary devices are used to convey meaning and create effects in a text.


  True
• What is the purpose of irony in literature?

  Create contrast
• Literary devices are used by authors to convey meaning and create effects.


  True
• What is an example of a strong thesis statement for analyzing the theme of identity in a novel?

  Explores fragmented nature of identity
• Maintaining coherence and flow in an essay requires the use of transitions
• The focus of a question is the specific aspect of the text being analyzed, such as a character, theme, or literary technique
• Key themes and literary devices contribute to the meaning and impact
• A strong thesis statement should be focused on the specific task of the question.

  True
• A thesis statement is a concise, one or two sentence summary that outlines the central argument or main point of your critical essay
• Why should a thesis statement be arguable?

  Presents a supported perspective
• A focused thesis statement addresses the specific task and focus of the question.


  True
• Why is coherence and flow important in an essay?

  Ensures logical progression
• What are the three key steps for using textual evidence effectively?

  Select, analyze, integrate
• A metaphor makes a direct comparison between two unlike things.


  True
• Steps to structure a critical essay

  1️⃣ Understand the question

  2️⃣ Formulate a strong thesis

  3️⃣ Structure the essay logically

  4️⃣ Support claims with evidence

  5️⃣ Analyze literary techniques

  6️⃣ Develop a consistent argument

  7️⃣ Write a concluding paragraph
• What do task words in an essay question tell you to do?

  Determine the approach
• What is the next step after understanding the essay question?

  Identify key themes
• Match the literary device with its purpose:

  Symbolism ↔️ Represents abstract ideas

  Metaphor ↔️ Compares two unlike things

  Irony ↔️ Contrasts what is said and meant

  Foreshadowing ↔️ Hints at future events
• Understanding the question is crucial for determining the focus of a critical essay.

  True
• What is the next step after understanding the question in writing a critical essay?

  Identify themes and devices
• A thesis statement is a concise summary of the central argument or main point of a critical essay
• Understanding the question is the most important step in writing a critical essay.


  True
• Understanding the context of a text can help you better understand its significance.


  True
• Match the literary device with its purpose:

  Metaphor ↔️ Compares unlike things

  Irony ↔️ Contrasts what is said and meant

  Foreshadowing ↔️ Hints at future events
• What does it mean for a thesis statement to be arguable?

  Presents a supported perspective
• What does it mean for a thesis statement to be focused?

  Addresses the specific task
• A concise thesis statement is typically stated in one or two sentences
• After formulating a strong thesis statement, the next step is to structure the essay
• In a critical essay, it is essential to support your analysis with relevant textual evidence
• Literary techniques are the tools authors use to convey meaning
• How does foreshadowing build suspense for the reader?

  Hints at future events
• Match the transition type with an example:

  Additive ↔️ Furthermore, the author's use of symbolism...

  Contrastive ↔️ However, the protagonist's actions suggest a different interpretation

  Causal ↔️ As a result, the theme of identity is central to the novel
• What is the purpose of developing a consistent argument in a critical essay?

  To maintain logical flow
• Steps to maintain a consistent argument

  1️⃣ Use transitions

  2️⃣ Avoid contradictions

  3️⃣ Reiterate thesis in conclusion
• Why is it important to highlight key points in the conclusion of an essay?

  To reinforce main ideas
• What are task words in a critical essay question?

  Words that define the task
• Key themes in literature often include identity, love, and social injustice