Name:_____________________________
Color:_____
Critical Lens Worksheet: Essay Template
Introduction: Paragraph 1
1. Write the crucial lens (quote) and the author.
Quote: “I like flawed characters because somewhere in them I see more of the truth.”
Author:_Nicholas Cage__
2. What does this critical lens (quote) mean?
(Explain in your own words what you think it means)
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3. Do you agree or disagree with the critical lens (quote)?
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4. List the book you will be using to back up this quote:
Title of book:__________________________________________
Author of book:________________________________________
5. Give your controlling idea (thesis). In other words, simply state how this book deals
with the idea presented in the quote.
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Paragraph 2: Quote Analysis
1. Reword the quote in your on words. (What does it mean?)
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2. Do you agree or disagree with the quote? Explain why.
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3. Close the paragraph by mentioning the text that supports your evaluation of the quote.
Title of book:__________________________________________
Author of book:________________________________________
Paragraph 3: Literary Element Analysis
1. Tell how the crucial lens (quote) relates to your book.
(Give specific examples from the story)
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2. Give specific examples of how your book relates to the quote.
Example #1
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Example #2
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Example #3
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Paragraph 4: Conclusion
1. Restate the critical lens (quote). Give your interpretation of it.
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2. Summarize your arguments; include if you agreed or disagreed.
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3. Give your critical lens essay a fresh ending.
(For example, a personal insight, a quote that illustrates your argument or a revelation
about the book or ideas)
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