Definition: A critique is a
systematic analysis of an idea or piece of literature that discusses its
validity and evaluates its worth.
Qualities of a good
critique: A good critique answers these questions:
1. Who is the author and
what are his/her qualifications?
2. What is the nature of
the work (type & intended audience)
3. What is its
significance—how does it rate against other material on the same subject? By
the same author?
4. How well does the
author meet his/her objectives?
5. What is the plan,
method? Is it well conceived? Does it help achieve the author's objectives?
6. What are the underlying
assumptions? Are they stated or do they lurk behind a stance of neutrality and
objectivity?
7. How do assumptions and
biases affect the validity of the piece?
8. Are the
assumptions/statements supported by evidence?
9. What evidence and ideas
has the author failed to consider?
10. Are the author's
judgments and conclusions valid?
Pre-Writing Process:
1. Read the piece to be
critiqued very carefully.
2. Reread the material.
a. Divide it into
paragraphs and sections
b. Label each
c.
Underline key ideas and terms
3. Review background facts
about the author and the issue or issues.
4. Choose your position.
.
List your major reasons for selecting this position.
a. List facts, examples,
and authorities that support each reason.
b. List facts, examples,
and authorities which opponents could use as arguments against your position.
c.
List counterarguments for "c."
d. List the possible
implications or outcomes of adopting, enacting, or putting your position into
effect.
Writing Process:
1. Write First Draft
a. Introduction
1. Identify your topic.
2. Use something (e.g.,
quote, story) to capture reader's interest.
3. Place your topic in a
context that justifies the reader's attention.
4. State your thesis clearly.
b. Body
1. Write an objective
summary of the work.
2. Discuss all information
(e.g., author's key assumptions) needed to make your points.
3. Discuss author's work
in light of your thesis.
(All points should relate directly to your thesis
statement).
c.
Conclusion
1. Restate your thesis.
2. Summarize your major
points and state their significance.
3. State/discuss the
implications of your thesis.
2. Check your paper for:
.
factual accuracy
a. logic
b. repetition
c.
word choice
d. style
e. critique criteria.
3. READ your critique ALOUD
and REVISE.
4. Edit/proofread (Check grammar,
punctuation, and spelling).
5. Write Draft 2.
6. Have a knowledgeable
person read your paper.
7. Rewrite, edit and
proofread as necessary.
8. Submit for grading.
From Webster University Writing Center, http://www.webster.edu/acadaffairs/asp/wc/critique.html