Writing a critical review 3

otb 2016
 Structure of a critique
• TWO main parts – i) a summary of the text
(one-third length of review)
– ii) an evaluation of the arguments /ideas (most
part of review)
• Summary section – describes what writer does
– Summarises main points
– Reviewer’s opinion NOT included
– Common words in summary section:
• The author describes . . .
• In discussing . . . the writer observes . . .

otb 2016
• Evaluation section – assesses and makes a
judgment of quality of ideas, etc.
– Expresses an overall opinion
– Expresses opinion on various features of text
– Common words in evaluation section, conveys
reviewer’s opinion:
• The writer affirms . . .
• X disagrees with . . .
• X challenges . . .

otb 2016
 ‘India’s missing girls’

Exercise – what are the authors’ purpose?

- Do the authors achieve their purpose?
- What is the issue about?
- Is it of national / global significance?
- Are the ideas convincing?
- What evidence do they use?
- Are they reliable?

otb 2016