The last thing many majors want to do is write, much less write critical essays on some political or social concept or controversy he or she could give a rats a** for.
But the requirements for a number of classes include the writing of critical essays, so rather than fight it, go with the most manageable process for accomplishing the assigned task.
That is, keep in mind a few essential steps and elements, and you should be able to fly. First, the basics of writing critical essays are the same for writers of most modes.
Here are the modes that you might directly or indirectly be asked to write inmight be assigned the steps for or told to write an X essay using:
ANALYTIC-A classic style used in art, science, history, psychology, education, and most other disciplines across the curriculum to explore and investigate an idea, process, person, action, or attitude.
ARGUMENTATIVE-Used in more advanced English classes, in philosophy, and in courses which include theory.
COMPARATIVE/CONTRASTIVE-Used in most courses where specific analysis of like and unlike elements, characters, and ideas lend themselves to comparison.
DEFINITIONAL-Written...