Write an introduction that includes a strong thesis statement. Your opening paragraph should introduce the work of literature you will be discussing for the rest of the essay. Presume your audience has not read the work. Give a short overview of the work, including the main characters and conflict. Present the argument or topic you will be addressing. Your thesis statement should state your position on the topic.
A good thesis can be supported by evidence from the text. A weak thesis is a matter of opinion that cannot be substantiated with examples from the text. An example of a good thesis is, "Lorraine Hansberry's play 'A Raisin in the Sun' demonstrates how Walter's pursuit of money jeopardizes his family and ultimately leads to his downfall." A weak thesis would be, "'A Raisin in the Sun' is a good play."
Support your position. The body of your critical essay should be filled with evidence from the text that supports your thesis statement. Include passages from the text that prove your argument. Be sure to use quotations and cite the page number where the evidence is found. The body of your essay should be at least three paragraphs and use at least three examples from the text. For "A Raisin in the Sun," you might discuss how Walter's decision to give the money to Willie to invest instead of putting it in the bank was fueled by greed and his misconception that he knew what was best for his family.
Conclude your essay. Your conclusion should summarize your position and restate your thesis. Reiterate important points and tie your main ideas together. Leave the reader with something to reflect on. A good conclusion for an essay on "A Raisin in the Sun" might be, "Although Walter's actions nearly destroyed his family, he was able to find forgiveness and redemption, and he came to understand the true meaning of wealth."