The critical essay: what it is and how to write it

In addition, critical essays are distinguished by other features:

• Style: it is personal and free. The author can deploy his creativity as he prefers.
• Themes : they can be as varied as the imagination allows. Critical essays are commonly used in various academic disciplines such as literature, sociology, and economics. They can also analyze current problems such as pollution, new technologies, politics, and others. 
• Arguments and evidence:  they are the essential part of any critical essay. Here, too, the author can make use of different types of arguments and evidence that he considers relevant.

How to write a critical essay

To write a critical essay it is important to respect its characteristics and put into practice the following tips:

• Theme : it is necessary to be clear about the problem or text that you want to address and be willing to carry out an in-depth analysis of it, adding solid arguments based on evidence. 
• Active reading : concentration is essential to carry out a critical essay. It is necessary to pay attention to the details and the information that is read in order to be able to analyze the text correctly and effectively. 
• Reading Other Essays – A good way to learn how to write a critical essay is to read the essays of other authors. This can also serve as a reference and be included as evidence to support your arguments.
• Avoid making summaries : it is essential to remember that a critical essay is your own analysis of a text, that is, a personal interpretation. It is not a summary.
• Use of arguments : it is necessary to use well-constructed arguments and avoid simple and unsubstantiated opinions.

Examples of Critical Essays

There are innumerable examples of critical essays on a wide variety of topics. Some of the most interesting that address current problems and customs are:

• The utility of the useless , by Nuccio Ordine
• The Happiness Industry , by William Davies
• Vargas Llosa: the battle of ideas , by Wilfrido Corral
• On the New , by Boris Groys
• Against change , by Martín Caparrós
• Postinternet: Art After the Internet , by Marisa Olson
• The Tiredness Society , by Byung-Chul Han
• In defense of animals , by Matthieu Ricard

Bibliography

• Estrada, BL The Craft of Writing – Critical Essays . (2020, Vol. 1 and 2. Spanish edition). Brazil. Cintra Publisher.
• Bastista Franco, M. How to write an Essay? (2018). Spain. B07HVSRRJ6.
• Roth, P. Why Write?: Essays, Interviews, and Speeches. (2013). Spain. Random House Literature.