Best examples of critical analysis essay examples for high school

Strong examples of critical analysis essay examples for high school students

Let’s start where your brain wants to start: real examples. Below are several examples of critical analysis essay examples for high school that teachers actually assign. For each one, you’ll see:

• A focused topic
• A possible thesis
• A quick sketch of how the body paragraphs might be organized

No formal numbered lists here—just the way you’d talk through ideas with a tutor or a friend.

Example 1: Literary analysis – The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Topic idea: How social class shapes identity in The Outsiders.

Sample thesis:
In The Outsiders, S.E. Hinton uses the conflict between the Greasers and the Socs to show how social class limits teenagers’ choices, but also how personal loyalty can help them push back against those labels.

How the essay might unfold:
The introduction briefly summarizes the novel (without retelling the entire plot) and ends with the thesis above. One body paragraph focuses on Ponyboy’s struggle to fit into both the Greaser world and the more privileged world of the Socs. Another paragraph looks at how Hinton uses setting—the vacant lot, the drive-in, the fancy neighborhoods—to highlight differences in power and opportunity. A third paragraph could analyze key scenes, like the rumble or Johnny’s letter, to show how characters challenge the roles society gave them.

This is one of the best examples of a high school critical analysis topic because it uses a common text, but the claim goes beyond “Greasers good, Socs bad” and actually analyzes how class works in the story.

Example 2: Film analysis – Black Panther and representation

Topic idea: How Black Panther challenges stereotypes in superhero movies.

Sample thesis:
Black Panther challenges traditional Hollywood superhero stereotypes by centering African culture, powerful women, and a villain whose motivations are grounded in real historical injustice.

How the essay might unfold:
One paragraph examines Wakanda as a reimagined African nation—high-tech, independent, and not defined by poverty. Another paragraph focuses on the female characters, like Shuri and Okoye, and how the film portrays them as innovators and leaders instead of sidekicks. A third paragraph analyzes Erik Killmonger as a villain shaped by colonization and racism, forcing viewers to question who gets labeled a “threat.”

Teachers often love this kind of topic because it connects media you actually watch with skills they need you to practice. When people ask for examples of critical analysis essay examples for high school that feel current, this kind of film analysis is usually near the top of the list.

Example 3: Speech analysis – Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream”

Topic idea: How MLK uses rhetorical devices to inspire his audience.

Sample thesis:
In “I Have a Dream,” Martin Luther King Jr. uses repetition, references to American founding documents, and vivid imagery to convince listeners that the civil rights movement is both morally right and deeply American.

How the essay might unfold:
One paragraph can unpack his repeated use of the phrase “I have a dream” and how it builds rhythm and hope. Another paragraph might explore his references to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, showing how he connects civil rights to American values. A third paragraph can analyze his imagery of “the valley of despair” and “the table of brotherhood,” explaining how those images help listeners picture a different future.

For students who like history and social studies, this is one of the best examples because it lines up with what you might already be learning in U.S. history. You can even look at the full text of the speech through the U.S. National Archives at archives.gov.

Example 4: Social media trend analysis – TikTok “that girl” aesthetic

Topic idea: How the TikTok “that girl” trend affects teen ideas about productivity and self-worth.

Sample thesis:
The TikTok “that girl” aesthetic, with its focus on perfect routines and constant self-improvement, encourages some healthy habits but also promotes unrealistic standards that can damage teens’ self-esteem.

How the essay might unfold:
One paragraph might describe common features of “that girl” videos—waking up at 5 a.m., matching workout sets, green smoothies, flawless skin. Another paragraph could analyze how these videos blend wellness with consumerism, suggesting that buying the right products equals being successful. A third paragraph might connect this trend to research on teen mental health and social media, pulling in data from sources like the National Institutes of Health or the CDC about anxiety, comparison, and body image.

Teachers in 2024–2025 are increasingly open to this kind of topic because it shows that you can think critically about your own digital environment, not just classic books from the 1960s.

Example 5: Science and ethics – AI tools in the classroom

Topic idea: Should high schools allow AI tools (like chatbots) for homework support?

Sample thesis:
While AI tools can help high school students brainstorm ideas and review difficult concepts, relying on them without clear guidelines can weaken critical thinking skills and blur the line between help and academic dishonesty.

How the essay might unfold:
One paragraph describes the potential benefits: quick explanations, language support for English learners, and help organizing ideas. Another paragraph analyzes the risks: plagiarism, shallow understanding, and overdependence. A third paragraph could examine school policy debates, comparing different approaches and arguing for specific rules, such as requiring students to cite when they use AI support.

This is one of the most real-world examples of critical analysis essay examples for high school in 2024–2025 because almost every school is now wrestling with AI policies.

Example 6: Health and media – Fast food advertising to teens

Topic idea: How fast food companies target teenagers through advertising.

Sample thesis:
Fast food advertising aimed at teenagers uses bright visuals, social media influencers, and limited-time deals to make unhealthy food feel fun and urgent, which can undermine efforts to promote long-term healthy eating habits.

How the essay might unfold:
One paragraph could analyze specific ads on platforms like Instagram or YouTube, describing the colors, music, and language used. Another paragraph might look at how companies sponsor events or partner with influencers popular with teens. A third paragraph can connect these strategies to public health concerns, using data from sources like the CDC or NIH about teen nutrition and obesity.

When teachers ask for examples of critical analysis essay examples for high school that combine science, media, and real life, this topic fits perfectly.

Example 7: Short story analysis – “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson

Topic idea: How “The Lottery” criticizes blind tradition.

Sample thesis:
In “The Lottery,” Shirley Jackson uses a calm, ordinary setting and gradual suspense to show how dangerous it can be when communities follow traditions without questioning their morality.

How the essay might unfold:
One paragraph focuses on how normal the town seems at the beginning—kids playing, adults chatting—and why that matters. Another paragraph analyzes the slow build of suspense as readers realize something is wrong. A third paragraph looks at the villagers’ reactions at the end and what Jackson suggests about peer pressure and conformity.

This is one of the best examples for practicing close reading, because every small detail in the story adds to the final shock.

Breaking down the structure: what these examples include

If you look back at all these examples of critical analysis essay examples for high school, they share a basic structure, even though the topics are different.

A clear, arguable thesis

Each example has a thesis that:

• Makes a claim, not just a statement of fact
• Can be supported with evidence from the text, film, speech, or data
• Answers a “how” or “why” question

For instance, compare these two statements about Black Panther:

• Weak: Black Panther is a popular Marvel movie.
• Strong: Black Panther challenges traditional superhero stereotypes by centering African culture, powerful women, and a historically grounded villain.

The second one gives you something to prove. That’s what you want in your own essay.

Focused body paragraphs

In the best examples, each body paragraph focuses on one main idea that supports the thesis. Notice how the paragraphs in the examples above are organized:

• One paragraph per strategy (like repetition, imagery, or symbolism)
• One paragraph per character or theme
• One paragraph per effect (like impact on mental health, impact on identity)

Inside each paragraph, you usually see this pattern:

• Topic sentence that links to the thesis
• Specific evidence (quote, scene, statistic, or description)
• Explanation of how that evidence supports the point
• A sentence that ties it back to the overall argument

Real evidence, not just opinions

Strong examples of critical analysis essay examples for high school never just say “I think” or “I feel” without backing it up. They use:

• Direct quotes from books, stories, or speeches
• Description of key scenes from films or videos
• Statistics or findings from reliable sources (like Harvard on critical reading, or CDC / NIH for health topics)
• Specific details from ads, posts, or trends

Your voice still matters—you’re the one explaining what the evidence means and why it matters.

How to choose your own topic using these examples

You can use these examples of critical analysis essay examples for high school as templates for your own assignment.

Ask yourself a few questions:

• Do I want to write about something I’m already studying (like a novel or historical speech)?
• Or do I want to analyze something from my life (social media, music, sports, school policies)?
• Can I find enough specific evidence to support my ideas?

For instance, if you like music, you might:

• Analyze how a specific artist talks about mental health in their lyrics
• Compare two songs about the same topic and argue which one handles it more thoughtfully

If you’re into sports, you might:

• Analyze how sports movies portray winning and losing
• Examine how media coverage treats male vs. female athletes

The key is to move from “this is cool/annoying/interesting” to “here’s how it works and what it shows.” That shift is the heart of critical analysis.

Simple sentence starters you can steal

When you look at the best examples of high school critical analysis essays, you’ll notice familiar phrases. You can absolutely use these to get moving:

• “The author suggests that…”
• “This scene reveals…”
• “This image symbolizes…”
• “By using [technique], the director shows…”
• “This statistic suggests that…”
• “This trend reflects a larger issue about…”

These aren’t magic words, but they push you toward explaining instead of just describing.

Frequently asked questions about examples of critical analysis essays

What’s a good example of a simple critical analysis essay for beginners?

A short story like “The Lottery” or a well-known poem makes a great starting point. You can focus on one element—like symbolism, setting, or tone—rather than trying to cover everything. For instance, an essay that only analyzes how the black box in “The Lottery” symbolizes outdated, harmful traditions is simple but still strong.

Where can I find more real examples of student critical analysis essays?

Some teachers share anonymized student essays through school learning platforms, and many universities post sample essays online for learning purposes. You can search for “sample literary analysis essay pdf” or visit writing centers at universities like Harvard’s Writing Center or other .edu sites that share model essays and explanations.

How long should a high school critical analysis essay be?

Most high school assignments run between three and five paragraphs, or around 600–1,200 words, depending on your teacher’s instructions. The best examples are not always the longest—they’re the ones where every paragraph clearly supports the thesis with specific evidence.

Can I use movies, songs, or social media as topics, or should I stick to books?

Unless your teacher says otherwise, movies, songs, podcasts, and social media trends are all fair game. Many 2024–2025 classroom assignments even encourage these topics because they show you can apply critical thinking to the world around you. Just remember: you still need a clear thesis and specific evidence, not just personal opinions.

Do I always have to agree with the author or creator in my analysis?

Not at all. Many strong examples of critical analysis essay examples for high school include balanced criticism. You might argue that a film does a great job with representation but still reinforces some stereotypes, or that a speech is inspiring but ignores certain groups. The key is to stay respectful and base your critique on evidence.

If you use these examples as models—not to copy, but to guide your thinking—you’ll find that writing a critical analysis essay feels less like a mysterious English assignment and more like what it actually is: you, making a thoughtful case about something that matters to you.