Critical analysis template
In a critical analysis essay, you systematically evaluate the effectiveness of something including what it does well and what it does poorly. It can be used to discuss a project, article or even an event.
Introduction
- state the title of the work, the author’s name and the date of publication or the nature of the project etc
- outline main ideas of the book/project/data set and identify the author’s point of view and/or main focus of an event/idea
- state your own position and your main idea about the work/project etc
Summary
- briefly outline the main ideas of the book, article, data set or project
- it should involve who, what, where, when, why and how
- you may also choose to discuss the structure, style or point of view
This article is about… The author argues that… The setting is… The research was… The data is drawn from… The main points are… The theme is… The authors conclude/the data suggests…
Analysis
- critically state what you like and do not like about the data, article or project/event etc
- explain your ideas with specific examples
- assess whether the author/event etc has achieved their/its intended goal
- the analysis may look at whether the work is:
o focused, understandable, persuasive, clear, informative;
o original, exciting, interesting, well-written;
o directed at the appropriate audience, meeting the purpose;
o well researched, biased, has appropriate conclusions and more.
- The analysis can be made up of several different paragraphs
Conclusion
- restate your thesis in new words
- summarise your main ideas if possible/appropriate with new and more persuasive language
- include a call to action for your reader, as relevant
You must read this article because … or the data indicates that xyz is/is not useful because…
Remember critical analysis should be engaging! This is your chance to say what you think about a piece, but you must back up your opinions with supporting arguments and specific details from the text/data/research etc
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