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

4392 Views

See similar English Literature A Level tutors

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

Can you give me a sample introduction for the following question: “All men are monsters”. To what extent does ‘Dracula’ prove this saying to be true?


How does Hardy's 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles' reflect the attitudes of the era?


Explore the way in which authors present women in Bram Stoker’s Dracula and one other key Gothic text


To what extent do you believe Frankenstein is a total condemnation of transgression?


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