- Explore the meaning of critical analysis
- To develop critical thinking and writing skills
- To begin critically analysing some examples
Definitions
- Critical Analysis - An appraisal based on careful analytical evaluation
- Critical analysis is a central process involved in all academic work It involves hard (critical) thinking which is applying rational and logical thinking while deconstructing the different texts that a person reads
Why Use Critical Analysis?
- Critical analysis is a key skill for writing essays
- It allows you to assess the various ideas and information that you read, and decide whether you want to use them to support your points
- It is something we do everyday when assessing the information around us and making reasoned decisions, for example whether to believe the claims made in TV adverts
- It does not always mean disagreeing with something; you also need to be able to explain why you agree with arguements
Hierarchy / Taxonomy of Thinking Skills
- Evaluate
- Synthesise
- Analyse
- Apply
- Comprehend
- Know
Descriptive Writing
- States what happened
- States what something is like
- List Details
- States the order in which things happened
- Says how to do something
Critical Analytical Writing
- Shows why something is relevant or suitable
- Identifies whether it is appropriate or useful
- Identifies why the timing is important
- Weighs up the importance of different component parts
- Gives reasons for selecting opinions
Practical Critical analysis
- Who is the author and what is their viewpoint or bias?
- Who is the audience and how does that influence the way information is presented?
- What is the main message of the text?
- What evidence has been used?
How to get more critical analysis into your essay
- Avoid unnecessary information
- Interpret your evidence
- Be Specific
- Use Counter arguments to your advantage
Critical Analysis at Work
Walter Benjamin - 'The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction 1936
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