How to Write and Answer a ‘Critically Analyse’ Essay Question

Table of Contents

• Understanding the Question
• Structuring Your Essay
• Writing Techniques
• Common Pitfalls to Avoid
• Practical Tips for Writing
• Conclusion

Writing an essay in sociology, particularly one that requires you to ‘critically analyse,’ involves more than just presenting information. It demands a deep engagement with the topic, an understanding of different perspectives, and the ability to present a balanced, well-reasoned argument. This guide will walk you through the process of critically analysing a topic, from understanding the question to constructing coherent, compelling paragraphs. This comprehensive approach will ensure you produce a nuanced and academically rigorous essay.

Understanding the Question

What Does ‘Critically Analyse’ Mean?

‘Critically analyse’ requires more than just describing or summarizing information. It involves:

• Evaluation: Assessing the strengths and weaknesses of different arguments.
• Comparison: Examining similarities and differences between theories or viewpoints.
• Synthesis: Integrating various perspectives to form a comprehensive understanding.
• Judgement: Offering an informed opinion based on evidence.

Deconstructing the Essay Prompt

To effectively respond to a ‘critically analyse’ question, you need to break down the prompt. For example, if the essay question is, “Critically analyse the impact of social media on social interaction” consider the following steps:

1. Identify Keywords: ‘Critically analyse,’ ‘impact,’ ‘social media,’ ‘social interaction.’
2. Determine Scope: What aspects of social interaction will you focus on? (e.g., face-to-face communication, community building, etc.)
3. Research Context: Gather relevant theories and research studies on social media’s influence.

Structuring Your Essay

Introduction

The introduction should provide a roadmap for your essay. It should include:

• Contextual Background: Briefly introduce the topic and its significance.
• Thesis Statement: Clearly state your main argument or the angle of your analysis.
• Outline of Main Points: Summarize the key points you will discuss.

Example Introduction

“Social media has revolutionized the way individuals interact, offering both unprecedented opportunities for connection and significant challenges to traditional forms of social interaction. This essay critically analyses the impact of social media on social interaction by examining its effects on face-to-face communication, community building, and identity formation. It argues that while social media fosters global connectivity, it also contributes to the fragmentation of personal relationships and the superficiality of online interactions.”

Main Body

The body of your essay should be divided into clear, coherent paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect of the analysis. Use topic sentences to introduce each paragraph’s main idea, followed by evidence and critical evaluation.

Paragraph Structure

1. Topic Sentence: Introduce the main idea of the paragraph.
2. Evidence: Present research findings, theoretical perspectives, or examples.
3. Critical Analysis: Evaluate the evidence, compare perspectives, and synthesize insights.
4. Concluding Sentence: Summarize the paragraph’s main point and link to the next paragraph.

Example Paragraph