3.4 Writing Critical Essays

• To effectively understand an essay question, you must define its terms
• Understanding the key terms in an essay question is essential for addressing it accurately


  True
• Highlighting the differences between Willy's and Happy's ambitions can strengthen an essay on ambition

  True
• What does a thesis statement clearly state in an essay?

  Central argument
• What should the final thoughts in a conclusion provide?

  Broader perspective
• Steps to plan and structure a critical essay

  1️⃣ Write an introduction

  2️⃣ Develop body paragraphs

  3️⃣ Write a conclusion
• Textual evidence is essential for supporting your interpretations in a critical essay


  True
• A strong critical analysis combines close observation, thoughtful interpretation, and well-chosen evidence.


  True
• To develop strong arguments, you need to support your points with textual evidence.
• Steps to effectively understand an essay question

  1️⃣ Define key terms

  2️⃣ Identify focus

  3️⃣ Address all aspects
• The focus of an essay analyzing Willy and Happy Loman is their portrayal of ambition.

  True
• What is the purpose of evidence in a body paragraph?

  Supports the topic sentence
• A thesis statement clearly outlines your main argument
• Steps for critical analysis of a text

  1️⃣ Observe details, language, and structure

  2️⃣ Interpret the text's meaning and themes

  3️⃣ Evaluate the author's choices and techniques
• Incorporating textual evidence demonstrates close reading of the text


  True
• Polishing the overall flow of your essay improves its clarity

  True
• What should you determine after defining the key terms in an essay question?

  Identify the focus
• Match the key terms with their definitions:

  Willy Loman ↔️ The protagonist of the play

  Happy Loman ↔️ Willy's elder son

  Ambition ↔️ A strong desire to achieve success
• Steps to plan and structure a critical essay

  1️⃣ Write an introduction

  2️⃣ Develop body paragraphs

  3️⃣ Write a conclusion
• Each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence connected to the thesis


  True
• When analyzing an essay question, you must determine what the question is primarily asking you to analyze
• Each body paragraph should begin with a topic
• Critical analysis requires you to observe the details, language, and structure
• What does critical analysis of a text involve?

  Uncovering deeper meaning
• Incorporating textual evidence demonstrates close reading and the ability to build strong arguments.

  True
• What is the title of the play mentioned as an example for understanding essay questions?

  Death of a Salesman
• The introduction of a critical essay begins with a compelling hook.
• Elements of a conclusion in a critical essay

  1️⃣ Restated Thesis

  2️⃣ Summary of Main Points

  3️⃣ Final Thoughts
• A topic sentence introduces the main idea of a body paragraph

  True
• Textual evidence is essential for supporting critical analysis


  True
• Effective vocabulary enhances the overall quality of your writing


  True
• Steps in writing a critical essay

  1️⃣ Understand the essay question

  2️⃣ Plan and structure your essay

  3️⃣ Analyze the text critically

  4️⃣ Develop strong arguments and support with evidence

  5️⃣ Ensure coherent essay flow and transitions

  6️⃣ Use precise language and effective vocabulary

  7️⃣ Review and edit for grammar and punctuation
• When understanding an essay question, you need to identify its primary focus
• An example essay question could focus on how Willy and Happy Loman embody the theme of ambition
• The introduction of a critical essay should start with a hook
• The conclusion of an essay should restate the thesis
• Match the key terms with their definitions:

  Willy Loman ↔️ The protagonist of the play

  Happy Loman ↔️ Willy's elder son

  Ambition ↔️ A strong desire to achieve success
• What does a topic sentence introduce in a body paragraph?

  Main idea
• To support your critical analysis, you must use textual evidence.
• Steps in critical analysis according to the text

  1️⃣ Observe the text's details, language, and structure

  2️⃣ Interpret what these elements suggest

  3️⃣ Evaluate the effectiveness of the author's choices