Determine the source of the essay. For example, a topic may be centered on a particular book or classroom lesson. Once a source material is determined, read through it thoroughly, so that you understand it in depth and are effectively able to form an analysis of it.
Summarize the author's point in the reading. Give a statement of his idea and outline some of the facts and opinions found in the article. This is the basis of the critical thinking portion of the essay. You can agree or counterpoint his position and explain why yours differs.
Write an evaluation of the piece and present your point on whether the piece was consistent, factual and properly presented. This is where you set up the basis for the critical thinking portion of your essay. Evaluate the author's judgment and his argument overall.
Write a breakdown of the piece in several sections, depending on the required length of the essay. Now, establish three to four main points in the essay and apply critical thinking to them. Determine whether you agree or disagree with the established theme in the piece, what you see as the main theme if you disagree, how you feel the author conveyed the values or ideas presented in the piece, and any other elements of it that you feel were either right on or completely misguided.
Conclude your point. State your position of the work and how it directly correlates or conflicts with the existing piece. Sum up the varying themes and then establish the significance of any counterpoints you may have presented in your essay.