Worksheet on critiquing articles / texts

Criterion Answer Evidence in text Strength Weakness

Author / Text’s purpose
• Is the author’s expertise
known?
• Is the purpose of the text
stated?
• Is it explicit or implied?
• Does the text fulfil the purpose?
Issue or Subject matter
• Is the issue of current interest?
• Is it of national/regional/global
interest?
• Is it an ageless issue?
• Does it affect a particular group
in society?
Arguments / Ideas
• Are there sufficient arguments?
• Are they relevant?
• Are they convincing?
Evidence / Supports
• Are there supporting evidence?
• Are they relevant?
• Do they dominate the text?
• Are the supports in the form of:
Expert opinions
Statistics / figures
Personal stories /
experiences
Demonstrative evidence
eg. photos, videos, maps,
recordings, etc.
Sources of evidence
• Are the sources revealed?
• Are they credible sources?
Structure
• Is it well organized?
Is there an introduction and
a conclusion?
• Does the text flow smoothly?
• Is it too long or too short?
Writing style
• Is the style formal or informal?
• Is the language easy / hard to
understand?
• Are technical terms explained?
• Does the language suit the
intended audience?
Anything else?