2.5 Writing Critical Essays

• Textual evidence, such as paraphrasing, strengthens arguments and adds credibility to a critical essay.

  True
• What are literary techniques used for?

  Convey deeper meaning
• What is irony in literature?

  Contrast between expectations and reality
• Close reading involves analyzing language and literary devices in a text

  True
• Steps for writing a successful critical essay

  1️⃣ Analyze the literary text

  2️⃣ Develop an insightful interpretation

  3️⃣ Construct a compelling argument

  4️⃣ Provide textual evidence
• When discussing themes, you should explain their significance and connect them to the novel's overall message
• Match the literary device with its description:

  Metaphor ↔️ Comparison without "like" or "as"

  Symbolism ↔️ Represents something beyond literal meaning

  Irony ↔️ Contrast between stated and meant

  Foreshadowing ↔️ Hints about future events
• A critical essay requires a well-reasoned interpretation of the text's meaning
• What are examples of themes that can be analyzed in a novel?

  Ambition, love, class conflict
• What does "analysis" in critical writing involve?

  Examining text's key elements
• In critical writing, "interpretation" refers to developing a clear understanding of the text's meaning
• Why is "argumentation" important in critical writing?

  To convey a critical perspective
• Reinforcing requirements in critical writing links back to the necessity of analysis and evidence
• What should you use to support your analysis of themes in a novel?

  Relevant quotes from the text
• Match the literary device with its definition:

  Metaphor ↔️ A comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as"

  Symbolism ↔️ Using an object to represent something beyond its literal meaning
• What is the purpose of a thesis statement in a critical essay?

  Outlines the central argument
• How long is an effective thesis statement typically?

  1-2 sentences
• The introduction of a critical essay provides background information and states the thesis
• What is the primary goal of the conclusion in a critical essay?

  Summarize key points
• Direct quotations are exact phrases or sentences from the text
• Summarizing involves concisely presenting the main points of a text.


  True
• In a critical essay, analysis involves closely examining the text's key elements
• Evidence in a critical essay can include quotes, plot points, and character actions.


  True
• What role do romantic and familial relationships play in the novel's themes?

  Emotional depth and complexity
• What effect does a metaphor create in literature?

  Vivid imagery
• Foreshadowing provides hints about future events in a story.


  True
• Steps for structuring a critical essay

  1️⃣ Write an introduction

  2️⃣ Develop body paragraphs

  3️⃣ Summarize in a conclusion
• What is the purpose of incorporating direct quotations as textual evidence?

  To support claims
• Using textual evidence is optional in critical essays to maintain originality.

  False
• What is a metaphor in literary terms?

  A comparison of unlike things
• Evaluation in a critical essay involves assessing the text's strengths, weaknesses, and overall effectiveness
• What is the primary goal of a critical essay?

  To analyze a literary text
• A critical essay analyzes, interprets, and evaluates a literary text.


  True
• The 'Interpretation' requirement involves developing a clear, well-reasoned understanding of the text's meaning
• The theme of 'Class Conflict' exposes injustices and societal tensions
• A metaphor is a comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as"
• A thesis statement outlines the central argument or interpretation
• Structure of a critical essay

  1️⃣ Introduction

  2️⃣ Body Paragraphs

  3️⃣ Conclusion
• A critical essay requires close examination of the text's key elements
• Evidence from the text is essential to support your argument