1. Critical Analysis

2. Purpose
The purpose of writing a critical analysis is to evaluate a piece or body of work in a field such as writing, painting or filmmaking. Critical analysis is a way for the writer to express his opinion or evaluation of a text. It's also a way to break down the piece and study the parts. The best way to begin a critical analysis is with a critical reading.

3. Step 1
Start by reading all the material completely and thoroughly. Once done with the reading, think about the issues raised in the subject. This is where taking notes while you read is very important.

4. Step 2
Select one of the ideas that has lingered in your mind. Some of the things you might be looking for are ideas that you agree with, disagree with, find uncomfortable or even something you agree with but believe needs to looked into more.

5. Step 3
Think about which idea has lingered in your mind that you wish to investigate for the paper. If you like what you have come up with, you are ready to form a preliminary thesis.

6. Step 4
Write down a preliminary thesis statement that names the topic, asserts your ideas about this topic and suggest the arrangement of the paper's argument.

7. Step 5
Read over the text and find details that support the arguments you are trying to make in your thesis. In a critical analysis you are able to assume the reader is familiar with the reading material. As the writer you use quotations and references to the text should only be used to support your viewpoint and help with the thesis.

8. Step 6
Start writing the first draft by writing the introduction that will explain what you are writing about and end the introduction paragraph with the thesis statement. Each of the following paragraphs should prove the thesis statement you have made and end it with a conclusion statement that restates the thesis and keeps the article together.

9. Step 7
After you finish the rough draft, leave it for a few days. Come back to the draft after 2 to 3 days and start the first editing. Make sure that the paper flows well and make sense.

10. Step 8
Once you have finished the paper and all of the edits, read the paper out loud. This will help find the last editing issues and help you see if there are any other needs done for the paper.

11. Outline 4-5 paragraphs Introduction: 2-3 sentences about general topic
Thesis: States title, author, and argument
Body Paragraphs:
Main idea that relates to the thesis, but focuses on one element
that can help support the thesis
2. Specific detail (quote
3. Developing that detail and relating it to the thesis
4. Specific detail (quote
5. Developing that detail and relating it to the thesis
Conclusion:
Makes sure the thesis is proven (NO new information.)