Analysis/Critique – critiquing the article, not the issue of grade inflation itself.

Writing Introductions Assignment

The next essay we will write is the “Analysis/Critique.” We will begin by choosing an article to critique, which will be one of the essays we read this week: “Grade Inflation Gone Wild” (from Inquiry to Academic Writing, p.108 of) or “Confessions of a Grade Inflating Professor” (click here (Links to an external site.) to access that link), and practice writing introductions for the “Critique” essay. Proceed as follows:

1. Review the PowerPoint, “Organizing the Essay: Introductions” in the week 3 module. This includes strategies for writing introductions as well as formulating a thesis statement.
2. Read the assignment directions below for the “Critique” essay, and write two possible introductions for your “Critique” using  strategies mentioned in the “Introductions” PowerPoint.”  When you submit the final draft of the critique you will (obviously) only use one introduction.   Make sure your introductions include your thesis statement.   Underline the thesis statement in the introductions. Your thesis statement should state  your opinion about the writer’s article. You are not just taking a position on grade inflation in isolation.    Your thesis statement should say something to the effect that “[The author] succeeds/doesn’t succeed in persuading his audience that……”  You may indicate your agreement/and disagreement with the author’s thesis at some point, but the primary purpose is to critique the article, not the issue.
3. For the critique essay, remember you are critiquing the article, not the issue of grade inflation itself. Your thesis statement should say something to the effect that “[The author] succeeds/doesn’t succeed in persuading his audience that……” You may indicate your agreement/and disagreement with the author’s thesis at some point, but the primary purpose is to critique the article, not the issue.
4. For the critique essay, remember you are critiquing the article, not the issue of grade inflation itself. Your thesis statement should say something to the effect that “[The author] succeeds/doesn’t succeed in persuading his audience that……” You may indicate your agreement/and disagreement with the author’s thesis at some point, but the primary purpose is to critique the article, not the issue.
5. Remember, you only need to practice and turn in introductions for the critique paper this week. The Critique/Analysis is due in week 4.