Marcel reviewed the eight elements of critical thinking. We discussed their practicality in decision-making and analysis. Marcel is writing an analysis essay on the Kite Runner, so we used that as the basis of intellectual work to push deeply on points concerning the author's purpose in writing it, and what he may hope to achieve in his readers' response. Marcel revealed three main topics to be covered in his essay. We worked through one -- father/son relationships. Using Socratic questioning to push Marcel to more clarity and depth, he chose one scene that he may use in his essay. We worked to clarify the main point that this scene illustrates in the father/son relationship that he needs to analyze. These intellectual exercises are like weight lifting -- they increase strength in reason, logic, and therefore improve analytical writing.