Methods of Critical Reasoning

Critique Essay Assignment

Directions

Using the guidelines for analysis set out in Chapter 4 of Barnet and Bedau, write a 3-5 page essay (typed, double-spaced, 12-point font, 1" margins) in which you carefully and thoroughly critique one of the arguments at the end of the chapter.  Do not choose an argument that we discussed in detail as an entire class.  As an alternative, you may check out the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Sun-Times, or some other major paper and find a letter, editorial, or article to critique; if you choose this option, be sure to find an essay with some "meat" to it and to attach a copy of the article to your paper.  (Note:  while all of these papers' websites are free, the Times requires you to register as a user.)  

Hints

Make sure your essay contains a clear and explicit thesis at the end of your introductory paragraph.  Try to be as thorough as you can in your analysis of the argument.  Organize your response logically (using your points rather than following the list of prompts above) and provide transitions between your main points.  Finally, remember you don't need to summarize the argument for us--spend your time analyzing it instead.

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Last updated 05/18/05