In a brief critical analysis, one supposes that each thing an author says serves some purpose. When one discovers that this is not so, one's attention is likely to wander. Anticipate Objections Be open to the weaknesses of your own position and be sure to address the significant counter-arguments. If there is any point in arguing to prove your case, it must be possible, and perhaps common, to view the matter differently form the way you propose. If you are to convince the reader that your way of looking at the matter is correct, you will need to show that these alternative positions are mistaken.
Many undergraduate papers suffer form a lack of coherence and sense of direction.
The purpose of the thesis statement is to give your paper a clear focus. Check it periodically to make sure that you haven't drifted form it. After writing your first draft, read through it again making sure that each passage is relevant, essential and in the proper place. You want to avoid jumping around from point to point. Group all of the related material together.