Critical+Essay+Guide+1

Critical Essay Guide 1
All critical essays, whether written in S1 or at university, should follow the same basic structure:


 * ** Introduction ** (how you will answer the question)
 * This is where you introduce the question and outline the case that you intend to make
 * ** Main section ** (your answer to the question)
 * This is where you provide your arguments, working through the text and answering the essay question
 * ** Conclusion ** (how you have answered the question)
 * This is where you bring the arguments together, summing up the case you have made

Remember the 5 points for an effective introduction:
 * Introduction **
 * State the title of the text and name of the author
 * Reuse the words of the questions
 * Use an evaluative adjective (effective, powerful, subtle etc.)
 * Provide a brief idea of the central concerns/themes/ideas in the text
 * Suggest what your line of thought/argument will be (how will you answer the question?)

This is the most important part of the essay, and should consist of a series of **__linked__** paragraphs (between 4 and 6) which clearly answer the question set. Each paragraph should contain:
 * Main section **
 * a **__Statement__** to introduce the point that you intend to make
 * some **__Evidence__** to back up what you say
 * an **__Explanation__** for why this evidence is relevant
 * an evaluative **__Comment__** on why all of the above are important to the poem and answer the essay question

An effective conclusion also has 5 points:
 * Conclusion **
 * State the title of the text and the name of the author
 * Return to the outline of your introduction
 * Reword and summarise your line of thought/arguments (how have you answered the question?)
 * Make an evaluative and personal statement (personal response) – why does the text matter to you?
 * End with a strong concluding statement about the text
 * __ REMEMBER __** : **NEVER INTRODUCE ANY NEW EVIDENCE OR ARGUMENTS IN YOUR CONCLUSION - IT IS FOR SUMMING UP ONLY!**

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