CRITIQUE
A careful analysis of an argument to determine what is said, how well the
points are made, what assumptions underlie the argument, what issues are
overlooked, and what implications are drawn from such observations. It is a
systematic, yet personal response and evaluation of what you read.
It is a systematic, yet personal response and evaluation of what you read.
critiquing a short story takes the form of an essay.
Criteria on how to write a critique paper:
Audience - Students evaluate the appropriateness of an item to the
audience. For instance, outstanding critique papers show the weaknesses
and strengths of the article or the object under evaluation. Besides, they
contain ways to improve the source and fit the readers’ needs discussed
in critique essays.
Information - Critique essays examine the usefulness of the material
under analysis. In particular, one considers if the information makes
sense to the audience or contributes to existing knowledge. This process
on how to write a critique paper helps to determine if the information
expresses the intended meaning.
Logic - Learners examine if specific information makes sense to readers.
Possible factors to consider may include conceivable jumps in logic,
among other weaknesses. As a result, this criterion determines the overall
quality of a piece of work under review.
Bias - Critique essays may focus on the balance between facts and
fiction. Basically, the criterion applies where two sides of an argument
exist. In this case, students determine the vagueness of the information
presented when organizing critique papers.
How to Write a Critique?
Before you start writing, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the
work that will be critiqued.
Study the work under discussion.
Make notes on key parts of the work.
Develop an understanding of the main argument or purpose being expressed
in the work.
Consider how the work relates to a broader issue or context.
First step: Make your Introduction
Typically, the introduction is short (less than 10% of the word length) and you
should:
Name the work being reviewed, date, and name of author/creator.
Describe the main argument or purpose of the work.
Explain the context in which the work was created.
Have a concluding sentence that signposts what your evaluation of the work
will be. For instance, it may indicate whether it is a positive, negative, or
mixed evaluation.
Second step: Make a Summary (Part of introduction)
Briefly summarize the main points and objectively describe how the writer
portrays these by using techniques, styles, media, characters, or symbols.
This summary should not be the focus of the critique and is usually shorter
than the critical evaluation.
Third step: Develop a Critical evaluation (Body)
This section should give a systematic and detailed assessment of the different
elements of the text, evaluating how well the writer was able to achieve the
purpose through these.
A critical evaluation does not simply highlight negative impressions. It should
deconstruct the work and identify both strengths and weaknesses. It should
examine the work and evaluate its success, in light of its purpose.
As a result, you must:
deconstruct the work.
consider questions like:
o What types of evidence or persuasion are used?
o Has the evidence been interpreted fairly?
o How is the work structured?
o Does it favor a particular interpretation or point of view?
o Is it effective?
o What literary devices and techniques were used?
o Are they effective in conveying the message of the writer?
o How did you respond to the piece?
o Did you like it?
o Did it appeal to you?
o Could you identify with it?
o Do you agree with the main ideas in the text?
o Did you find any errors in reasoning?
o Any gaps in the discussion?
o Are the text’s tone and language text appropriate?
identify the strengths and weaknesses; and
examine the success of the source in achieving the primary purpose
Fourth step: Make a Conclusion
The closing paragraphs contain a summary of the overall evaluation of the
work. Basically, one should include:
key reasons identified during the assessment process;
purpose of the evaluation;
recommendations for improving the whole work.
Additional Tips for Writing Critique Papers
The Analysis
This section of critique papers serves as the heart of the analysis. In particular,
students should use compelling examples to support the main ideas and arguments.
Moreover, the inquiry method used must align with the one mentioned in the thesis
statement.
Closing Paragraph
One must seek advice from the instructor on how to close the paper to learn how to
write a critique paper. For example, some instructors may require students to
restate the thesis statement at the end of critique essays. Effective conclusions:
link body paragraphs to the introduction;
do not present new information.
