Evaluate a work's effectiveness

A critical analysis essay

you systematically evaluate a work's effectiveness including what it does well and what it does poorly.  write a critical analysis of Christopher Rowland's article entitled With fitness trackers in the workplace, bosses can monitor your every step.   

A critical analysis has a similar structure to an essay.  You must include an introduction, a body, and a conclusion, but what you include in each section is different.

• What is the author's claim or thesis?  What assumptions are being made - and are they acceptable?
• What support (evidence) is offered on behalf of the claim? Are they relevant and are they convincing-Why?
• How does the author use the rhetorical appeals: logos, ethos, and pathos?
• How does the author establish the image of himself or herself that we sense in the article? What is the author's tone, and is it appropriate? 
• Does the author seem to you to be fair-Why? Is the author a critical thinker, biased, or open-minded? Are counterarguments adequately considered?

How to Structure a Critical Analysis

Introduction (1 paragraph)

• Provide context for the article, this is the background information
• Give the title of the article, the author, source, and, in the case of a magazine or academic journal, the date of publication
• Describe the purpose or main argument of the material in one sentence
• State your overall impression of the article, this is your thesis statement for this assignment

Body (2-3 paragraphs)

• Provide your analysis of the findings/arguments/conclusions of the article
• Discuss the strengths and weaknesses, limitations, and problems with the material
• Make sure to reference the author and the material (use direct quotes and/or paraphrase evidence) to support your analysis

Conclusion (1 paragraph)

• Summarize what your BODY paragraphs said
• Make a final judgement on the overall value of the article
• Comment on future implications or views of the topic and why that is important

Assignment Constraints

The essay should be approximately 2.5-3.5 pages [there is approx. 250 words per MLA formatted page]

Use MLA format: double-space, Times New Roman-12pt. font

Include MLA Work Cited page

Use a creative title

Correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation are expected.

Grading Criteria

The assignment is worth a maximum of 100 points.  Review and use the attached rubric to help you reach your best goal  and desired grade for the assignment.  See Rubric:  Rubricforcriticalanalysis.pdf