Writing and Information Literacy 1101 Instructor: Aygun Huseynli

Critical Analysis Essay Prompt

1. What is required?

A critical analysis essay minimum of 500-700 words (maximum of 900) words written in
(Microsoft Word) Times New Roman, 12-point font, and double spaced.

2. What should I write about?

You are required to critically analyze the article provided by the instructor in groups of 3
students (you choose the team members).

3. How is the essay graded?

Overall, this essay will contribute 25 (twenty five) points to your final grade. A rubric
will be used to mark the essay (See Appendix A). The instructor will look for evidence
of mastery of the content covered since the start of the course. Namely, the following
areas comprise the marking criteria:

Summary of the main idea of the Evaluation of strengths and Academic style;
article; weaknesses of the article;

Sub-ideas of the article; Unity Structure

Coherence The use of transition devices Grammar, spelling and punctuation

accuracy
4. How should I structure my essay?

The title of the paper should state: A Critical Analysis of the Article
“…” by …, which means you do not have to think of your own title.
Make sure all the main parts of speech are capitalized in the title, it is
bold, and it is in the center of the page.

[WORD COUNT STARTS HERE]

a. Introductory paragraph (3-4 sentences):

• Includes a hook
• mentions the author, date published and the title of the source
(APA style)

• contains summary of the main point of the article / purpose of

the author

• provides Thesis Statement which contains major strength and

weakness/es of the article

b. Body paragraphs (Analysis-evaluation, minimum of 2 paragraphs):

• Summary paragraph – contains main idea and key points, most

important information
• Analysis needs a systematic and detailed assessment of the article.
An analysis (critical evaluation) highlights positive and negative
impressions, and evaluates the structure and style, and identifies
both strengths and weaknesses.
• First write the positive evaluation - strengths of the article in
separate paragraph/s and then move to negative evaluation –
weaknesses in separate paragraph/s.
• You may also evaluate one aspect from both negative and positive
sides in one paragraph, mention positive sides first.
• Mention the evaluated point, then explain it
 • While explaining and supporting your evaluation refer to the
Article as evidence (quote or summarize)
c. Conclusion: conclusion restates the Thesis Statement (major strengths and
weaknesses) and provides recommendations. Recommendations should
address the negative evaluation – referring to the weaknesses you suggest
what the author could/should do to improve the weaknesses. Use third
person while making the suggestions.

[WORD COUNT FINISHES HERE]

5. How do I submit my essay?

You will have to submit the essay via Blackboard Turnitin Assignment by
23:59, Wednesday, 9 November, 2022.

Further advice:

 Write in the present tense when you introduce the author’s arguments.

 Do NOT forget to include transitions and reminder phrases to signal when you
move to a new idea within and between paragraphs.

 Indent each paragraph.

 Check lecture materials and samples for more advice on the language and
structure of your essay.

 Before submitting any draft, edit it, check for grammar and spelling mistakes,
punctuation, and word choice. Sloppy and confusing papers will reduce the
chance of getting a higher grade.

GOOD LUCK!