Chapter 7 Writing A Critique
Chapter 7 Writing A Critique
Chapter 7 Writing A Critique
Writing a
Critique
Critique
A critique is a genre of academic writing that
briefly summarizes and critically evaluates a work
or concept. Critiques can be used to carefully
analyze a variety of works such as:
Creative works – novels, exhibits, film, images,
poetry
Research – monographs, journal articles,
systematic reviews, theories
Media – news reports, feature articles
Critique
Introduction
Typically, the introduction is short
(less than 10% of the word length) and
you should:
Name the work being reviewed as
well as the date it was created and
the name of the author/creator.
Describe the main argument or
purpose of the work.
Parts of a Critique
Introduction
Briefly summarize the main points
and objectively describe how the
creator 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.
Parts of a Critique
Critical Evaluation
This section should give a systematic and
detailed assessment of the different elements of the
work, evaluating how well the creator 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.
Parts of a Critique
Critical Evaluation
Examples of key critical questions that could help your assessment
include:
Who is the creator? Is the work presented objectively or
subjectively?
What are the aims of the work? Were the aims achieved?
What techniques, styles, media were used in the work? Are they
effective in portraying the purpose?
What assumptions underlie the work? Do they affect its validity?
What types of evidence or persuasion are used? Has evidence been
interpreted fairly?
How is the work structured? Does it favor a particular
interpretation or point of view? Is it effective?
Does the work enhance understanding of key ideas or theories?
Does the work engage (or fail to engage) with key concepts or
other works in its discipline?
Parts of a Critique
Critical Evaluation
Reference list
Include all resources cited in your
critique. Check with your
lecturer/tutor for which referencing
style to use.
Approaches in Writing Critique
Inter-textual criticism is
concerned with comparing the work
in question to other literature, to get
a broader picture. One may compare a
piece of work to another of the same
author, same literary movement or
same historical background.
Approaches in Writing Critique
Reader-response criticism is
concerned with how the work is
viewed by the audience. In this
approach, the reader creates
meaning, not the author or the work.
Once the work is published, the author
is no longer relevant.
Approaches in Writing Critique