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English 3
Objective: Write a two-page (typed, double-spacedif you do not have computer access over
the break, you may legibly hand-write your final draft) paper evaluating a passage we read in
class (from either Half the Sky OR Product of Mexico).
In a critical analysis paper, you will make an argument about one of the pieces we have read.
THIS IS NOT A SUMMARY! You will have to use a paragraph summarizing the work, but no
more than one paragraph should be used to tell your reader the key concepts and points of the
passage. 1
Due: Monday, January 5th (A) Tuesday, January 6th (B)
You have two goals for this paper:
1) Identify and explain the argument that the author is making.
2) Provide your own argument about that argument.
Potential Points of Criticism:
Theoretical questions How does the author understand the situation? What is his/her
background? How would this influence their view of the situation?
Definitional questions Are all the concepts in the text clear? Does the author define a concept
vaguely to allow it to travel across different situations? If a concept can relate two seemingly
different situations, is the concept meaningful?
Evidence questions
o Does the authors evidence support their argument? Do they have enough specific
evidence to prove the more general point?
Does foreign aid really make a difference is breaking the cycle of poverty?
o Does the author underemphasize or ignore evidence that is contrary to their argument?
Is an argument compelling if it criticizes something and ignores the positive
aspects of it?
o Is the evidence credible? Can you identify a bias in the evidence?
Was the study/investigation done by a person or group affiliated with a political
action committee, an NGO concerned with a particular cause, or a for-profit
publication? How might a group affiliation or funding influence the outcome of
the investigation or research?
Other questions
o Is the authors argument consistent?
o Does the authors background have important implications for their argument?
o Do the specific language choices of the author betray a certain ideology of bias, or frame
the argument in a certain way?
English 3
English 3
Turn-in Checklist
Along with your final draft, you must also turn in the following items, stapled behind your final draft. If
you cannot honestly check off all items on this list, do NOT turn in your paper!