Singapore University of Social Sciences

COM103e: Discourse: Critique and Evaluation.

July 2020 Semester

How to Write a Critique for TMAs

Before you begin writing, make sure you read the article a few times and try to pin down the
writer’s argument (i.e. his/ her reason and conclusion). You have to be very clear about what the
issue is, as it forms the basis of your critique. If you miss the point, your critique and evaluation will
stray and your writing will meander aimlessly.

Structure your answer in the following manner:

Qn 1a & b) INTRODUCTION
The introductory paragraph states the writer’s thesis (i.e. his/ her position/belief and reason). Use
your own words as far as possible. This can consist of a few short sentences, or a single all-
encompassing sentence that encapsulates the issue that is the focus of the writer's argument.

Begin your answer in this manner:

In the article “article title”, the author, (author’s full name) claims that “(thesis statement” (APA
citation; Surname, Year). He/ she argues that firstly... Secondly, he/ she suggests that... Thirdly,
he/ she also claims that.... I strongly agree/ disagree with him/her because.... Finally, he/ she
points out… (Provide a brief reasoning for each claim).

In short, besides the author’s thesis, your introduction should also contain a summary of the
writer’s key claims. You should state the claims clearly, enumerating them using signals such as
firstly, secondly etc. Provide a brief reasoning for each claim. (Your evaluation of these claims and
own point of view will be presented in subsequent paragraphs.) Finally, in this paragraph, you need
to state whether you overall agree or disagree with the writer’s reasoning and provide a brief reason
for your stance that would serve as an opening statement for your critique.

Q 1c) YOUR OWN ASSERTIONS

After the introductory paragraph, you should bring in your own assertions (three disagreement
points and one agreement point) about what has been stated in the paragraph above. Tackle the
reasons you identified in the introductory paragraph, identify the refutation and concession points,
and explain why they are unacceptable or acceptable.

You should mention the flaws in the argument (fallacies) and use concession-refutation structures
to support your counter-arguments. Explain in what ways the writer’s argument is flawed. Support
your refutation and concession points with evidence drawn from at least 3 external resources (the
more sources you have, the more credible your argument will be.) This incorporates and synthesizes
the views of others into your writing.

Q 1d & e) STRENGTH-WEAKNESS CRITIQUE & CONCLUSION

Towards the end of your assignment, you will need to write a brief paragraph highlighting the
strength and weakness of the writer’s arguments. (All academic arguments are bound to have both
strengths and weaknesses). You could expound and elucidate your concession point and the
biggest flaw in the writer’s argument identified in the earlier paragraph to formulate this
paragraph. You could also suggest how the writer could improve the discourse by making his/her
arguments more convincing.

Finally, you should end your critique with a concluding paragraph that relates your main points to
each other and gives a sense of unity to the whole essay. It should summarise your stand clearly.

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Singapore University of Social Sciences
COM103e: Discourse: Critique and Evaluation.
July 2020 Semester

Word Count Guide: Your critique and evaluation should be about 800-1000 words. The introduction
lets your reader know the purpose of your paper and generates interest in your writing. The
summary lets your reader know that you really have understood the writer’s viewpoint. The rest of
the essay will accomplish the following purposes:

• express your opinion based on your understanding of the issue and argument presented by the
writer
• explain the limits or implications of the writer’s claims
• synthesize the views of others into your own writing, so as to generate an academic conversation
(a meeting of minds)

Q 1f) ORGANISATION, CLARITY, CITATION, LANGUAGE

The marker will consider how well your answer holds together as a cohesive piece of academic
critique writing. You need to use paragraphs effectively, and indicate shifts in argument using
transitions e.g. Firstly, Secondly, Moreover, However etc. These should be used for a purpose and
used correctly. Take note that the expression “Moving on....” is NOT accepted as a transition in
academic writing, though it appears often in informal writing and speech.

You also need to attempt in-text citations and end-of-paper referencing, though you might not yet
be totally comfortable applying them. Methods of citation are dealt with on pages 55-89 of your
textbook. Remember that we are using the APA format. Answers without such citation or
acknowledgement of sources will be regarded as being plagiarised, and the appropriate penalties
will apply.

Undeniably, language is a significant element of academic writing. You answer has to be clear and
coherent. Choose you words judiciously. Remember that each word carries a mental association, so
try to pin down what you mean. For example, there are differences between argue, claim, reason,
assert, conclude and assume. Your words tell the reader what is in your mind. If you use an
unsuitable word, your intended meaning is also changed.

Grammar, tenses, sentence structure, diction and tone all contribute towards the quality of
academic discourse, and are therefore important in academic writing. Your assignment will be
marked for this as well.

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