Critical Lens Assignment
Your Task:
 Write a critical essay in which you discuss two works of literature you
have read from the particular perspective of the statement that is
provided for you in the Critical Lens. In your essay, provide a valid
interpretation of the statement, agree or disagree with the statement as
you have interpreted it, and support your opinion using specific
references to appropriate literary elements from the two works.
Critical Lens:
“It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than
our abilities.”
~J.K. Rowling
Guidelines:
Be sure to
 Provide a valid interpretation of the critical lens that clearly
establishes the criteria for analysis.
 Indicate whether you agree or disagree with the statement as you
have interpreted it.
 Choose two works you have read that you believe best support your
opinion.
 Use the criteria suggested by the critical lens to analyze the works
you have chosen.
 Avoid plot summary. Instead, use specific references to appropriate
literary elements (examples: theme, setting, characterization, etc.)
to develop your analysis.
 Organize your ideas in a unified and coherent manner.
 Specify titles and authors of the literature you choose.
 Follow the conventions of standard written English.
Critical Lens – Graphic Organizer 1
Interpret the Quote (in your own words)
Agree or Disagree
Literary Work:
Title and Author
Literary Technique:
Literary Technique:
Definition and Example
Definition and Example
Conclusion
Critical Lens Outline 1
I.
Introduction:
A. Re-write Quote:
B. Agree/Disagree with Quote:
C. Thesis Statement (state title and author of the literary work and what literary
techniques to prove):
II.
Topic Sentence: __________________________________________________
A. Literary Technique and Definition:
B. Example from Literature:
C. Connect to Quote:
III.
Topic Sentence: __________________________________________________
A. Literary Technique and Definition:
B. Example from Literature:
C. Connect to Quote:
IV.
Conclusion:
A. Restate Thesis:
B. Summary of literary work and connection back to quote:
C. Restate the point that you proved in your paper:
Understanding the Critical Lens Rubric
*Quality = What features or traits are we looking for in your essay?
a. Meaning: Does it make sense? What work(s) would you use that could relate to the
quote? ________________________________________________________
Why? ____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
b. Development: Is it explained and supported? Give an example of a literary element
from your story that would prove the quote to be true and give a specific detail from the
story that relates to the element (hint: foreshadowing, tone/mood, characterization, theme,
internal conflict…). ____________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
c. Organization: Is it organized and planned? What would be some things in your essay
that I would be looking for in order to tell if your essay was organized? ___
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
d. Language Use: How could I tell that your essay had variety as well as an awareness of
who your audience was? __________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
e. Conventions: How is your grammar? What are two specific grammar problems I might
notice? ____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
If you only prove the quote is true or not true by using one piece of literature,
you can not score higher than a “3.” Always use at least two works of literature!