The Critique Format for Nonfiction

Introduction

 name of author and work

 general overview of subject and summary of author's argument

 focusing (or thesis) sentence indicating how you will divide the whole work for discussion or the
particular elements you will discuss

Body

 objective description of a major point in the work

 detailed analysis of how the work conveys an idea or concept

 interpretation of the concept

 repetition of description, analysis, interpretation if more than one major concept is covered

Conclusion

 overall interpretation

 relationship of particular interpretations to subject as a whole

 critical assessment of the value, worth, or meaning of the work, both negative and positive

Take notice:
Coherence:
Organization of paragraph:
Development of literary elements
Use of factual information
Other qualities concerning form and content:

Here are the steps I follow when doing a thorough critique of nonfiction:

1. Overall Impressions:  Evaluate the work as a reader.

a. Content: Does it open with something that captures your attention and makes you want to keep
reading? Does the pace seem appropriate for the type of information being covered? Can you clearly
identify the subject or main idea? Is the main idea supported by evidence, anecdotes, interviews,
viewpoints, or some other method?
b. Audience: Is it clear who the target audience is for the book, article, or essay? Is the tone, language,
and reading level appropriate for that audience?
c. Format: Is it following standard submission guidelines for that type of work, or is it tailored towards
guidelines of a specific market? Is it organized logically, so the reader can follow the development of the
topic or progression of the events?
2. The Mechanics:  Evaluate the work for structural strengths and weaknesses.
a. Structure: Were paragraphs and sentences appropriate in length for the type of information presented?
Would varying their length add interest or adjust the pace more effectively? Does the choice of words feel
appropriate? Is the information presented in a way that the target audience will find easy to understand?
Does the conclusion summarize the main points effectively, or bring the work to a satisfying end?
b. Grammar: Are there obvious mistakes in grammar and spelling? Are there too many clichés in the
narrative or dialog?
c. Extras: If there are sidebars, charts, graphs, pictures, or other supporting documents, do they support
the premise, theme, arguments, or hypothesis? Are they formatted properly and annotated in the body of
the work?
 Critiquing of the text Activity
Group 1: Genre and Audience: What does commentary mean? What type of nonfiction is
commentary? What type of essay is the given text? Is it clear who the target audience is for the book,
article, or essay? Is the tone, language, and reading level appropriate for that audience?
Group 2: Coherence and Organization:
What makes the essay consistent and well-understood in terms of sentence construction,
paragraphing, and use of words? Are there mistakes in grammar and spelling? Is it organized
logically, so the reader can follow the development of the topic or progression of the events?
Group 3: Elements: What nonfiction elements are found in the text? Mention the use of figurative
language and idiomatic expressions; symbolism

Group 4: Structure: Were paragraphs and sentences appropriate in length for the type of information
presented? Would varying their length add interest or adjust the pace more effectively? Does the
choice of words feel appropriate? Is the information presented in a way that the target audience will
find easy to understand? Does the conclusion summarize the main points effectively, or bring the
work to a satisfying end?

Group 5: Use of factual information: Mention some of the lines that reflect the reality about Filipino
mentality and attitude. What makes these lines factual or existing in reality? Cite realistic evidences
and or related experiences.