Ms.

Rima Hanna English 204 Fall 2011-2012 How to Write a Critique The purpose of this handout is to summarize the main structure of a well-written critique. Please keep in mind that there are different ways of structuring a critique, but this is a good plan to follow for beginners. The critique has 5 main parts: I. Introduction: targets the following points 1. Information about the author, specific text, and its thesis statement 2. Brief and general background information about the author 3. Importance of the topic in relation to consequences and who it may affect 4. Your thesis statement a general evaluation of the text showing its main strengths and weaknesses II. Summary: a brief summary of the article being critiqued 1. Include the authors purpose and restate their thesis 2. Note the main ideas and link them together in a logical way 3. Should be proportionate in length to the other body paragraphs III. Analysis: focus on the text 1. The 2 main questions to be answered in this part are: a. What is the authors purpose in the text? b. Did the author succeed in presenting their purpose? 2. Answer the following questions for informative texts: a. Is the information accurate, i.e. trustworthy? b. Is the information significant, i.e. any contributions to the topic? c. Is the data fairly interpreted, i.e. do conclusions follow from the data offered? 1

Answer the following questions for argumentative texts: a. Did the author clearly define all key words/concepts? b. Was there fair use of information i.e. is the information accurate, relevant, and up-to-date? c. Did the author use any logical fallacies such as emotionally loaded terms, ad hominem argument, faulty cause and effect, either/or reasoning, hasty generalization, stereotyping, begging the question, oversimplification, false authority? * Do not name the fallacy discuss where and how the logic fails. IV. Evaluation: focus on your contribution to the text 1. The 2 main questions to be answered in this part are: a. Do you agree or disagree with the authors argument? Be specific as to what part you agree and/or disagree with. b. What are your reasons for holding this stance? This is the part where your contribution to the topic and argument comes in. You could agree/disagree with the main point the author is making, but find that the evidence and the logic behind the argument is strong/weak and persuading/dissuading. Your opinion is valid as long as you are able to support your argument with evidence. V. Conclusion: bring the discussion to an end 1. Restate the authors thesis 2. Restate your thesis 3. Summarize your analysis and evaluation of the text 4. Conclude, leaving the audience with a lasting impression Do not forget to include an attractive title for your critique.

Based on How to Write a Critique in Behrens, L. and Rosen, L.J., A Sequence for Academic Writing. 3rd ed. New York: Longman, 2007.