How to Write a Critical Analysis Essay (Professor Explains)

Summary

In this video, a seasoned professor breaks down the concept of critical analysis, emphasizing its importance in academic writing. He explains that critical analysis is more than simply describing ideas; it's about creating a dynamic dialogue between sources, highlighting connections, contrasts, and building a progressive argument. The professor urges students to engage actively with sources to demonstrate relational action, which is key to achieving higher marks. He also discusses how understanding marking criteria can help students master critical analysis and ultimately excel in assignments.

Takeaways

• 😀 Critical analysis is the most important academic skill for achieving higher grades in assignments.
• 😀 The term 'critical analysis' is often misunderstood, as it encompasses a variety of actions, such as showing relational action between ideas and theories.
• 😀 Students often confuse description with critical analysis, but the latter requires active engagement with sources rather than passive listing of ideas.
• 😀 Description in assignments is passive and simple; critical analysis, on the other hand, requires showing tension or connections between different sources or theories.
• 😀 When writing critically, it's essential to link and connect sources, showing their relationships, contestations, and extensions.
• 😀 Critical analysis involves a progression of ideas that builds an argument and engages with the academic sources in a sophisticated way.
• 😀 Markers are looking for academic labor, intelligence, and effort in demonstrating how different sources interact, rather than just listing them.
• 😀 Higher marks (above 70) are awarded for demonstrating high levels of critical engagement, using sources in a nuanced and progressive manner.
• 😀 Being critical means actively relating, contrasting, or connecting theories, sources, or ideas, not just passively describing them.
• 😀 Marking criteria in universities often expect students to show relational activity and to present a well-argued, developed perspective on the topic being discussed.
• 😀 To improve academic writing and critical analysis skills, it's essential to understand the marking criteria of your department and be familiar with the specific expectations for higher marks.

Q & A

What is the most important academic skill discussed in the transcript?

The most important academic skill discussed is critical analysis, which plays a significant role in affecting your grade. It is emphasized as a vital skill that is often not explained clearly to students.

How does the speaker define critical analysis?

Critical analysis is defined as an active process where the student connects, contrasts, and develops relationships between different theories, sources, or reference points. It involves showing tension, dialogue, and interaction between ideas rather than merely describing them.

Why do students often fall into the trap of description rather than critical analysis?

Students often default to description because it is easier and less labor-intensive. Description merely involves presenting or summarizing information, while critical analysis requires more intellectual effort, such as connecting sources and creating a nuanced argument.

What does the speaker mean by 'relational action' in academic writing?

Relational action refers to the interaction between different ideas, sources, or theories in an academic context. Instead of just listing points, students need to actively show the relationships, tensions, or dialogue between them.

What distinguishes a critical approach from a descriptive approach in assignments?

A critical approach is active and involves analyzing, comparing, and connecting different sources or ideas. In contrast, a descriptive approach is passive and only summarizes or lists information without showing any relationships or deeper engagement.

How do markers assess critical analysis in assignments?

Markers look for relational activity, such as how sources are connected, contrasted, or developed to build a coherent argument. They want to see evidence of academic labor, intelligent engagement, and a sophisticated approach to using sources.

What is the role of 'academic magic' in achieving high marks?

'Academic magic' refers to the skill of building nuanced, sophisticated arguments through the connection and development of ideas. It’s about showing a deeper understanding and progression of thought across the assignment.

Why is it important to become familiar with marking criteria?

Familiarity with marking criteria helps students understand what is expected from them in an assignment. It provides a framework for students to gauge what they need to do in order to achieve higher marks, particularly in terms of critical analysis and engagement with sources.

What kind of relationships should students demonstrate between sources in their work?

Students should demonstrate relationships like connection, contestation, extension, and development between sources. These relationships show that the student is engaging with the material on a deeper level, not just listing information.

How can a student show progress in their argument across a paragraph?

A student can show progress by developing their argument through the active use of sources, linking ideas, and making connections that build towards a cohesive position. The argument should evolve across the paragraph, showing critical engagement and refinement of ideas.