How to Write a Critical Analysis (Critique)

Your professor asks for a “critique” of an article. You might wonder if that just means listing what you disliked, or you might feel unsure what to look for.

A critical analysis, or “critique,” is a common academic assignment. It requires you to go beyond summary to formally evaluate a text’s strengths and weaknesses.

This guide provides the “macro context” for this skill. It explains the “micro” components: using critical thinking to analyze an argument, forming a judgment, and structuring your paper.

What is a Critical Analysis Essay?

A critical analysis (or critique) evaluates a subject, such as an article, book, or film. It involves two parts:

1. Breaking the subject down into its components (analysis).
2. Assessing its effectiveness or validity against specific criteria (evaluation).

The paper presents this evaluation as an evidence-based argument, not just an opinion.

Critical Analysis vs. Summary

A common mistake is confusing analysis with summary. A summary only restates what a text *says*. A critical analysis evaluates how *well* it says it.

The Goal: Evaluation, Not Just Opinion

Your goal is to present a professional assessment, not just to state “I liked this book.” As this guide on critical evaluation explains, your analysis must move beyond “simple praise or critique” and make a “substantiated judgment.”

To do this, you must apply critical thinking skills. You are entering an academic conversation to judge the work’s contribution.

How to Write a Critical Analysis (7 Steps)

A systematic approach makes the process manageable. Follow these steps.

First, read the text actively. Your purpose is to understand *and* evaluate it. This requires annotation.

• First Read: Get the main idea. What is the author’s central argument (thesis)?
• Second Read: Read with a pen. Underline the thesis and key supporting points.
• Annotate: Write your thoughts in the margins. Ask questions. Note where the evidence seems strong or weak. Identify assumptions the author is making.

Break the work into its parts. Key questions to ask:

• What is the author’s thesis? (The main argument they are trying to prove)
• Who is the intended audience? (How does this shape the language and evidence?)
• What evidence is used? (Is it facts, statistics, anecdotes, expert testimony?)
• Is the evidence credible? (Is it recent? Biased? Sufficient?)
• What is the logic? (Does the conclusion follow from the evidence? Are there any logical fallacies?)

Your thesis is your central judgment of the text. It is the main claim your critique must prove. It must be specific, arguable, and often states the work’s main strength and weakness.

• Weak Thesis (Summary): “The article discusses the pros and cons of renewable energy.”
• Weak Thesis (Opinion): “I think the author’s article on renewable energy is good.”
• Strong Thesis (Judgment): “While the author compellingly argues for the environmental benefits of renewable energy, their analysis is flawed because it ignores the significant economic challenges of implementation.”

For more, see our detailed guide on how to write a thesis statement.

Go back to the text. Find specific quotes that prove *your* thesis. If you claim the author’s evidence is weak, quote it and explain why. Your evaluation is only as strong as your evidence. You may also need to find credible sources to support your position.

A good critique has a clear, logical structure. An outline is your roadmap.

With your outline, thesis, and evidence, you can now write the draft.

• Introduction: Introduce the text, state its thesis, and present *your* thesis.
• Summary: A brief, objective summary of the text’s main points. Keep it short (usually one paragraph).
• Analysis/Evaluation (Body): This is the core of your essay. Dedicate each paragraph to one part of your analysis (e.g., one on strengths, one on weaknesses).
• Conclusion: Restate your thesis (in new words) and summarize your overall judgment.

Your first draft is not the final draft.

• Revise: Focus on the big picture. Is your argument clear? Does all evidence support your thesis? Is the balance between summary and analysis correct?
• Edit: Focus on language. Make sentences clear and concise. Check for common grammar mistakes.
• Proofread: Catch final typos, spelling errors, and citation mistakes.

Key Evaluation Criteria

Your “criteria” are the standards you use to judge the work. As research on critical appraisal shows, this involves “purposeful, self-regulatory judgment.” Use these criteria to guide your judgment.

1. The Author’s Argument/Thesis

Is the central claim clear, specific, and original? Does the author prove it? A strong argument is the foundation of any good text.

2. Evidence and Support

How does the author support their claims?

• Credibility: Are the sources trustworthy and relevant? Evaluating sources is a key skill.
• Sufficiency: Is there *enough* evidence to be convincing?
• Relevance: Does the evidence actually support the claim being made?

3. Logic and Reasoning

Is the argument logical? Does the conclusion follow from the evidence, or does the author rely on logical fallacies?

4. Rhetorical Appeals

In a rhetorical analysis, you examine how the author persuades.

• Logos (Logic): The appeal to reason (facts, data).
• Pathos (Emotion): The appeal to emotion (stories, vivid language).
• Ethos (Credibility): The appeal to authority (the author’s expertise or character).

5. Contribution and Significance

Does this work make a useful contribution to its field? Does it offer a new perspective or fail to add anything new?

Critical Analysis Essay Outline

Use this template to structure your critique.

Critiquing Different Subjects

The criteria change based on the subject.

• Article Critique: Focus on the research question, methodology, data, and the validity of the results. Is the study sound?
• Book Review: Focus on theme, character, style, and contribution. Does it achieve its purpose as a work of fiction or non-fiction?
• Film Critique: Focus on plot, theme, and character, but *also* on cinematic elements: directing, acting, cinematography, and editing.