▪ What assumptions does the author make?

Logic ▪ Does the author account for all of the data?

▪ What alternative perspectives remain neglected?
▪ Are there any logical failings in the construction of the argument?

2. Writing

a. Formulate a thesis based on your overall evaluation. A strong thesis acknowledges both
strengths and limitations. After you describe the author’s argument, provide your argument
in the form of your thesis statement at the end of the introduction. You must make certain
that your thesis answers the assignment.

b. Use each of the body paragraphs to evaluate each of the author’s points. After you
summarise the text, start going through the points that support your thesis.
Synthesise information by creating a dialogue between your ideas and the sources you
used in your work. You should also create a dialogue between your sources.

c. Conclude with your final judgment of the author’s argument. This is where you can
summarize the main points of your analysis and give your overall opinion of the
effectiveness of the article.

*** For information in regards to the structure of a Critical Review please read Brief and
Guidelines – Assignment 3a- Writing a Critical Review.

3. Choose a structure that will best allow you to support your thesis within the required word
constraints. The first example below is more suitable for shorter assignments, but the risk is that
too much time will be spent developing the overview, and too little time on the evaluation. The
second example works better for longer reviews because it provides the relevant description with
the analysis and evaluation, allowing the reader to follow the argument easily.