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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
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