Writing A Critical Analysis - The College Of Saint Rose (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

Writing A Critical Analysis - The College Of Saint Rose Page 2

The College of Saint Rose Writing Center, 2011

Step 3: Plan and write your critical analysis

 Determine your viewpoint based on what you noticed about the text during Step 2

 Begin with an introduction, including a thesis statement, that defines the subject of your critical analysis and your

viewpoint

 Use evidence from the text to support your ideas either by paraphrasing or quoting a passage directly (be sure to

include citations!)

 Remember: you must always explain how the evidence you are using supports your larger point

 Follow the author's organization when organizing your analysis

 Explain the author's ideas and give your own opinion about the author’s argument and text

What is the difference between summarizing and analyzing?

Summary:

Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech discusses human equality. King describes how men are created equal

and should be treated as equals; he describes the unfair treatment of blacks to support his notion that equal treatment is not

present in America at this time.

Notice how the summary is merely a shortened version of the speech. It

highlights the most significant events and details.

Analysis:

Martin Luther King Jr. utilizes many tactics to make his push for human equality appeal to every American during his famous

“I Have a Dream” speech. He cites the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, and the Emancipation

Proclamation in order to prove that his message is relevant to all Americans, regardless of their race and background. He

also uses terms like “we” and “our” in order to further promote the idea that his beliefs are important for the entire country.

These two techniques allow King to present his message to all Americans, not just whites or blacks.

This analysis looks closely one aspect of King’s speech – the methods he

used to captivate America as an audience. Only information relevant to

this specific topic are included.

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The College of Saint Rose, 2011 Designed by Kara Parnett

Writing A Critical Analysis - The College Of Saint Rose Page 2