How do I use critics in my essay?

To meet the marking criteria, a sustained use of critics is necessary to support the line of a student’s argument with reference to creditable sources to back their points. To further this for a more sophisticated use of critics in your argument, you should refer to critics to propel your argument forward, rather than using them to just prove a point. It can be useful to incorporate a critic in opposition to your argument to complicate the discussion, or critics that align with your argument, but have perhaps missed something. That isn’t to say your argument or idea has to be particularly new and original, but bringing critics into your essay that may oppose your argument or one another, brings them in conversation with each other and shows your engagement with the topic/text.

TG
Answered by Thomas G. English Literature tutor

4640 Views

See similar English Literature A Level tutors

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

Can an author use a particular contemporary issue or a precise historical context as a means to convey a more timeless and universal matter?


How does Margaret Atwood present Moira's character in 'The Handmaid's Tale?'


How do you structure a typical English Literature essay?


What do Feminist critics do?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning