critical essay sample outline

7/30/2019 Critical Essay Sample Outline

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Sample Outline for aCritical Essay


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I. Introduction

a.Identify the work beingcriticized.

b.Present thesis or argumentabout the work.

c. Preview your argument

(what are the steps you will

take to prove your

argument).


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II. Summary of the

Work This does not need to be

comprehensive.

Present only what the reader

needs to know to understand

your argument.


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III. Your Argument

a. Your argument will likely

involve a number of sub-

arguments or mini-theses

you prove to prove your

larger argument true.


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Example

Thesis: The authors presumption

that the world will soon face a

clash of civilizations is flawedbecause he inadequately specifies

his key concept, civilizations.


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How You Might Prove It

i. Note competing definitions of

civilizations.

ii. Identify how his examples do notmeet the example of civilizations.

iii. Argue that civilization is so broadand non-specific that it is not

useful.


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III. Your Argument

b. This should be the bulk of

the paper.

c. What is important is your

argument about the work,

not a summary.


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IV. Conclusion

a. Reflect on how you have

proven your argument.

b. Point out the importance of

your argument.

c. Note potential avenues foradditional research or

analysis.


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Reminders

Properly cite your sources

within the body of the essay

and include a list of sources

at the end of the paper.


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Reminders

Proofread your essay.

Mechanical errors (spelling,

grammar, punctuation)

lessen your credibility as an

expert on your topic.


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Comparison of Two Young

Women Characters in Two

Classic 19th Century

Short Stories

Excerpts from a

Critical Essay


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Introduction

Women have traditionally been

known as the less dominant sex.

Through history women have foughtfor equal rights and freedom. They

have been stereotyped as being

housewives, and bearers and

nurturers of the children. ..


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Introduction

Two interesting short stories, The

Yellow Wall-paper and The Story of

an Hour, focus on a womans plightnear the turn of the 19th century. This

era is especially interesting because it

is a time in modern society when

women were still treated as second

class citizens


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Introduction

These two characters will be

examined to note the commonalities

and differences it will be shown thatthe woman in the The Story of an

Hour is a stronger character based

on the two important criteria of

rationality and freedom.


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Summary of the Work

In The Yellow Wallpaper by

Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the

unnamed female protagonist is goingthrough a rough time in her life

confined to room to a room with

strange wall-paper. This odd wall-paper seems to symbolize the

complexity and confusion in her life


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Your Argument

As far as the very important quality of

rationality is concerned, there is a

significant difference between thesetwo main characters. Mrs. Mallard is

the more rational of the two female

heroines. She is very articulate andshe knows what she wants.


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Your Argument

Her depictions of life are very clear

and intelligent. For example, in her

thoughts is this: In a street below apeddler was crying his wares

(Chopin 71). With such depiction she

reveals a sharp mind. Her sense ofhearing is acute and she is very aware

of her surroundings.


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Your Argument

On the other hand, the narrator in

Wallpaperis more irrational she is

obsessed with the wall-paper in herroom. She just stares at it with the

intent of finding some meaning in her

life. Being confined to her room, thisis how she passes her time. She,

however, gets too involved.


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Your Argument

Here is some of her crazy description:

But, on the other hand, they connect

diagonally, and the sprawling outlinesrun off in great slanting waves of

optic horror, like a lot of wallowing

sea-weeds in full chase (Gilman165).


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Conclusion

There are many similarities between

these two heroines in some way

they both struggle for theirrationality, however, Mrs. Mallard

succeeds best in doing so even with

a relatively short life, Mrs. Mallard is astronger character because she is

more rational and freer

critical essay sample outline

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