A critical essay [http://www.readingforyoursuccess.com/] is an analytical examination of one or more works of literature, art plays and movies. The simplest critical essay is a review of a single work while other critical essays can include multiple works and supporting sources that require broad research.

This is to be noted that critical essays are not opinion pieces based on feelings or values. Any conclusions you make about a work you are evaluating must be based on facts and supported by evidence.

Critical writing does not mean that the students are supposed to attack or find fault with the works they are criticizing. Quite possibly you may get impressed with an author's work and if that is the case you should say so. But your evaluation should be based on evidence irrespective of whether it is positive or negative.

After choosing your topic , start locating your sources which can be the works you will be analyzing, the encyclopaedia articles, newspaper stories, and other critical essays or reviews. Read all of your sources thoroughly taking careful notes and develop a detailed outline for your essay.

To structure a critical essay write down a brief introduction. State the topic, give a little background about your theme and why it is important and state your thesis. Summarize each of the primary sources you are using stating the author's topic, thesis, and main supporting points.

Talk about the types of evidence the author uses to support the arguments in the book and how effectively the evidence is used. State your argument along with the main supporting points. Any claims you make must be based on evidence that logically supports your position. Summarize your argument in your conclusion and finally, identify and spot the questions that are raised by the authors and that merit further study or research.