The purpose of a critical analysis is to evaluate a work through the writer's opinion and breakdown of its parts. The document outlines an 8-step process for writing a critical analysis, which includes: thoroughly reading the material; selecting an idea to investigate; forming a preliminary thesis; finding supporting details; writing an introduction and conclusion with the thesis; editing drafts; and reading the final draft out loud. The critical analysis uses quotes and references to support the writer's viewpoint and thesis.