Essay 4 Prompt
The purpose of critical analysis is to identify the author’s argument and examine its soundness and validity. You must look at the inferences the author asks you to make in order to find the apparent purpose of the text. Your assessment in a critical analysis states whether or not you think the author successfully supports the argument, or claim through the logical presentation of convincing reasons backed up by appropriate evidence.
You will need to read the novel closely, examining its assumptions, assessing its reasons and evidence, and weighing its conclusions. Then, in your critical analysis essay, you state the author’s argument, your decision about whether the argument in the novel is clear and about whether the author is convincing, based on the details the author includes, not on whether or not you agree with what the author says.
Gladwell writes that our unconscious is able to find patterns in situations and behavior based on very narrow slices of experience. This is called ‘thin-slicing.”He shows that……. What is Gladwell arguing about the unconscious and patterns of behavior?
Write a critical analysis essay examining the following:
What is the author’s argument (apparent purpose for writing the novel?)
What type of argument technique/type is the author using to make the argument (point)?
To convince and inform
To persuade
Identify the type of evidence used in the novel utilizing Aristotle’s methods of persuasion.
What is faulty about the argument? Identify 3 fallacies found in the novel.
The resource to use:
Novel: Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking
Essay Structure
Introduction:
Summary of the novel
Introduction of the author’s argument (this should cover the entire novel).
Body paragraphs (4):
Argument and argument type the author uses- evidence of ethos
Argument and argument type the author uses- evidence of pathos
Argument and argument type the author uses- evidence of logos
Faulty argument- 3 examples of fallacies and how the author uses these in the novel
Conclusion
There is NO page count for this essay, rather you need to ensure that you write a 7-paragraph essay
You must include a proper Works Cited page for the novel.
You may use additional outside sources.
Each paragraph must have between 3-4 quotes from the novel.
Ensure that you follow MLA guidelines and provide proper citations for any and all information taken from outside sources.
Your skeleton essay has a line by line breakdown of what should be included in your paragraphs. This is the MINIMUM that needs to be included to get a passing score.
Make sure that you leave first person out of your paper- this is not an opinion paper.
Your final draft should consist of:
Proper MLA format.
Include any content/formatting revisions from your peer edits
Download the Critical Analysis Skeleton EssayActions to help guide you through the essay.
Download the MLA Essay Template Actions to use as a guide to writing your essays.
Tips:
Ensure that you follow MLA guidelines and provide proper citations for all quotes taken from the reading.
Make sure that you leave first person out of your paper- this is not an opinion paper, you are stating an argument and providing support for the argument.
Final Drafts should be saved and submitted in the format below:
Full name and essay number
Example:
Maria Martinez Essay #1
You can submit your assignment in one of multiple formats:
Google Doc
Word document
What you will be graded on:
Includes an original title that hooks the reader’s
Includes an engaging introduction that successfully guides the reader to the
Includes a clear, concise thesis statement that reflects the essay’s purpose and is effectively supported throughout the
Includes reasoning and rationale that supports the description of the paper.
Includes a strong conclusion that effectively restates the thesis using original
Follows the conventions of written English (i.e. free of repetitive grammatical errors)
Effectively uses transitions to connect.
