critique writing article
TRANSCRIPT
CRITIQUE WRITING
What is a Critique?
A critique is a piece of writing that gives a critical assessment of a book or article.
You may not be a writing expert but you are THE reader of the given article and your response is a valid one.
Comment freely but respectfully
What about the essay most connects with your experience? Moves you? Provokes you? Entertains you?
How to Write a Critique Before the Critique
Before preparing a critique, we suggest reading the piece several times, taking notes on each reading.
Each reading will give you different insights that can benefit the author.
First, read the piece through from beginning to end, simulating the experience of an ordinary reader.
Take notes on your first impressions before reading the piece again.
Read the piece at least once more and take notes again. Subsequent readings will help you develop a global vision of the work's
structure and notice additional details.
Suggested Critique Format
Firstly, summarize and interpret. At this first stage, you are not judging the piece or offering suggestions.
You are just telling the author what you think it is about, and what you think it is trying to do.
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Secondly, say what you think is working well. Point out the best parts of the piece and the strengths of the author's writing.
Thirdly, give constructive criticism. Make sure that criticism is respectful and delivered in a form that allows the author to make specific improvements.
Give examples from the piece whenever possible to show your points.
Content
Consider the topic (its appropriateness and interest for the assignment) and the way the topic is developed (clarity sufficiency of its argument, its scope, subcategories, amount and type of examples, anecdotes, evidence, etc.).
Organization
Consider how the essay is introduced and concluded (especially looking for a “frame” to the essay, where the intro and conclusion refer to the same idea)
Find out whether the thesis is located in the most helpful place (direct or implied)
Consider how the essay is structured (clear topic sentences, appropriate and concrete evidence, logical organization of evidence).
Style
Style can refer to the overall style of an essay: whether the tone is appropriate (humorous, serious, reflective, satirical, etc.)
Style can also refer to the style of individual sentences: whether you use a variety of sentences styles and lengths.
Consider whether sentences are worded clearly, and whether word choice is interesting and appropriate.
Consider whether comparative or superlative degree of adjective is used.
QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED WHILE WRITING A CRITIQUE Are the beginning and ending paragraphs interesting and
appropriate for the specific audience? Consider the need for a “lead sentence” if intended for a newspaper.
Does the essay have a clear focus or implied thesis?
Do you have any suggestions for organizing the essay, such as focusing in on one event rather than many, providing more background, turning explanation into action, etc.?
Does it avoid being overly moralistic or heavy-handed?
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Does the essay contain suspense or tension that is resolved in some way?
Does the essay make good use of concrete description and anecdote?
Does the essay help you to feel the emotions rather than just describe the emotions of the author?
Does the author utilize vivid detail, interesting examples, and lively language?
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Does this article interest you? Do you think it will interest the intended audience? Can you suggest ways to increase interest?
Has the writer done sufficient research? What questions have gone unasked or unanswered? Whose point of view or what information would add further to the completeness of the feature?
Is the subject presented vividly with sensory images, graphic detail, and figurative language? Do you have suggestions of details or images to include?
