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SHS-SLM-Guide Critiquing-Nonfiction Q2 W1 M1
SHS-SLM-Guide Critiquing-Nonfiction Q2 W1 M1
High School
Creative Nonfiction
Module 1: Week 1
Quarter 2
Critiquing Nonfiction
Marie Mahogany B. Ogoc
Jeah J. Zamora
Ridge C. Balolong
Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that no copyright shall subsist in any work of
the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or office
wherein the work is created shall be necessary for the exploitation of such work for profit. Such
agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties.
Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names,
trademarks, etc.) included in this book are owned by their respective copyright holders. Every
effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their
respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership
over them.
Creative Nonfiction
Week 1 – Module 1
Quarter 2
Critiquing Nonfiction
Introductory Message
This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators from
both public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or facilitator in helping
the learners to meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming
their personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.
This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help
learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration their
needs and circumstances.
As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module.
You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to manage
their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.
This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities for
guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to
process the contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.
ii
This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:
What I Need to Know This will give you an idea of the skills or
competencies you are expected to learn in the
module.
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At the end of this module, you will also find:
1. Handle this module with extra care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any
part of the module.
2. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
3. DO NOT forget to answer What I Know (Pre-Test) before moving on to the other
activities included in the module.
4. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
5. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
6. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
7. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, DO NOT
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you ARE
NOT ALONE.
We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and
gain a deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!
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What I Need to Know
You will mould letters into words and words into stories in this module.
Writing, like a duplicate of human speech to which we "lend our ears,"
attempts to borrow the reader's eyes. What the readers see is the result of our
efforts. Your hands reach for a pen and paper to begin writing. Your hands
type letters into the computer, which runs the word processor as its default
program. Let’s look at the eyes that make us read.
In order for you to be guided, you need to familiarize yourself to our
competency and our objectives.
HUMSS_CNF11/12-IId-e-18- Present a commentary/critique on a chosen
creative nonfictional text representing a particular type or form
(Biography/Autobiography, Literary Journalism/Reportage, Personal
Narratives, Travelogue, Reflection Essay, True Narratives, Blogs, Testimonies,
Other Forms)
At the end of this module, you are expected to:
Knowledge: Define and distinguish between different types and forms of
creative nonfiction.
Skills: Develop a clear and structured commentary or critique.
Attitude: Appreciate the importance of critiquing nonfiction text.
What I Know
At the start of school Dora was afrad of her new Teacher. Mrs. Davis
seamed nice, but she had so manny rules for the class to folow. Scare
someone to pieces. As the school year cotinued, Dora begun to understan
how the Teacher come up with the rules The rules were their so students
would be respecful of theyselves and each other. By the end of the year,
Dora though Mrs. Davis was the best Teacher she evere had!
Lesson
Critiquing Nonfiction
1
When determining which words to keep or discard, You must learn how to
critique. This is the method of systematically evaluating a printed word. Critique, a
French word originating from the Greek word kritiké, refers to the ability to assess
the worth of anything. It is a form of feedback and personal evaluation of what you
read. It is a better method to help fellow writers improve than to be a critic.
What’s In
Below are words that can be found in the story. Identify the meaning of the
italicized words by writing the letter in your notebook.
My first experience with a critique group was over twenty years ago. It was a unique
experience, so let me tell you what happened.
I was seated with an old, musty classroom, when my Drill Sergeant begin passing
out booklets. “This is a copy of the Newest Air Defense Artillery Manual”, he barked
while rhythmically placing the books on each desk. “You will review this document,
evaluate its contents and provide viable input for possible revisions. The words are
simple, so even pea-brains like you can understand them”.
Some poor private made the mistake of commenting that the manual started off
incorrectly and had to be completely rewritten. His critique was met by the full facial
screams of the Drill Sergeant.
“Private, the Army has spent thousands of dollars and man hours to produce this
document. Do you get my message, Soldier?”
“Obviously some of you have forgotten what I told you. You will evaluate its content,
not judge. Do I make myself clear?”
In the tradition of the military, we all shouted I unison, “Yes, Drill Sergeant!”
Taking a deep breath, I jumped to my feet and snapped to ‘parade rest’. “Drill
Sergeant”. My voice echoed in the room. He shot me a menacing look.
He folded his arms and began slowly nodding his head. Taking a deep breath he
looked around the room. “That, gentlemen, is a critique. Don’t just tell me what’s
wrong. Tell me how to fix it easily, and without rewriting the entire book.”
At that point I realized the difference between a critique and a critic. One provides
input, where the other judges. Also it is necessary to point out flaws to improve the
story without trying to completely re-write it.
I found out that critiquing is an art performed in a positive manner. When I critique,
I always compliment the work by mentioning a part that grabbed my interest. I try
to make good recommendations and back them up with reasons for the possible
change. I always try to evaluate and recommend rather than to judge. After all, I’m a
critique, not a critic.
Check your understanding: Write your answers in your notebook.
What is It
10. Other Forms: This category includes a wide range of creative nonfiction texts
that don't fit neatly into the above categories. It may encompass experimental
or hybrid forms, such as graphic novels, lyric essays, and unconventional
narrative structures.
You evaluate when you critique. As a reader and critic, you should not pass
judgment, point out flaws, and blame the author. Instead of criticizing, suggest ways
to make those flaws successful. The goal of the critique is to improve the writing.
The opposite of this is a critic who merely points out the flaws and does not
provide any recommendations for improvement. Can you provide feedback?
The most important guideline for a critique is to give an honest, constructive, and
polite assessment of the writing. All comments should be about the content being
written, not about the person writing them. Here are the steps to follow when doing
a thorough critique of nonfiction:
1. Overall Impressions: Evaluate the total work. The critique must consider the
whole write-up, rather than just its details or just portions of the work. Here
are what need to be evaluated:
a. Content: Does it open with something that captures your attention and
that makes you want to keep on reading? Is the pace appropriate for the
type of information being covered? Can you clearly identify the subject or
main idea? Is the main idea supported by evidence, anecdotes, interviews,
viewpoints, or some other method?
b. Audience: Is it clear who the target audience is for the book, article, or
essay? Is the tone, language, and reading level appropriate for that
audience?
b. Grammar: Are there obvious mistakes in grammar and spelling? Are there
too many clichés in the narrative or dialog?
What’s More
Every piece of writing has a point to express. Your criticism must also make
sense. Based on the elements presented, compose a 300-word analysis of the
MEMOIR below. The argument must be supported by your critique. Make the main
title of your critique the argument, and the subtitle should be the memoir's title. Put
this in your notebook. To give your critique, however, take into account the rubric
before writing.
Needs
Criteria Excellent (4) Proficient (3) Adequate (2) Improvement (1)
Overall
Impression
Content The content is The content is The content is The content lacks
highly informative, informative and somewhat clarity, depth,
insightful, and demonstrates a informative but and engagement.
demonstrates a good may lack depth or It is insufficiently
deep understanding of clarity. It requires informative and
understanding of the subject additional does not provide
the subject matter. It evidence and adequate
matter. It engages effectively conveys examples to
Needs
Criteria Excellent (4) Proficient (3) Adequate (2) Improvement (1)
Audience The writing is The writing is The writing is The writing is not
perfectly tailored well-suited to the somewhat aligned aligned with the
to the intended intended with the intended intended
audience, audience, audience but may audience, making
demonstrating a addressing their require minor it challenging for
keen awareness of needs and adjustments to readers to
their needs, interests. It better meet their connect with the
interests, and engages the needs and content.
knowledge level. It audience interests. Significant
effectively engages effectively. Engagement could adjustments are
and persuades the be improved. needed.
audience.
The
Mechanics
Needs
Criteria Excellent (4) Proficient (3) Adequate (2) Improvement (1)
Structure The writing is The writing is The writing is The writing lacks
exceptionally well- well-structured, somewhat effective
structured, with a with logical structured but structure, making
clear and logical organization and may have it challenging for
organization of mostly smooth occasional lapses readers to follow
ideas. Transitions transitions that in organization the flow of ideas.
are seamless and aid and transitions. Transitions are
enhance comprehension. Improved abrupt or
comprehension. structure would missing.
enhance
comprehension.
Grammar The writing is The writing The writing has The writing is
virtually free of contains only noticeable errors riddled with
errors in minor errors in in grammar, errors in
grammar, grammar, punctuation, grammar,
punctuation, punctuation, spelling, or syntax punctuation,
spelling, and spelling, or syntax that occasionally spelling, or
syntax. It that do not hinder syntax, severely
consistently significantly comprehension. impeding
follows detract from Consistency in comprehension.
conventions and comprehension. It following Conventions are
enhances generally follows conventions could disregarded.
readability. conventions. be improved.
Extras The writing goes The writing The writing The writing lacks
(Creativity, beyond displays creativity includes some creativity, style,
Style) expectations by and style that creative elements and additional
demonstrating enhance the and style but may elements that
exceptional reader's lack consistency could have
creativity, style, experience. It or depth in enriched the
and extra includes some enhancing the reader's
elements that additional reader's experience.
enhance the elements that add experience.
reader's value.
experience.
Needs
Criteria Excellent (4) Proficient (3) Adequate (2) Improvement (1)
Overall The writing excels The writing is The writing is The writing needs
Assessment in all aspects, proficient in all adequate in all substantial
offering aspects, meeting aspects, though improvement in
outstanding the expected there is room for multiple aspects
content, audience standard for improvement in to meet the
engagement, content, audience some areas. expected
format, structure, engagement, standard.
grammar, and format, structure,
extras. grammar, and
extras.
As soon as the use of speech had prepared my infant reason for the admission
of knowledge, I was taught the arts of reading, writing, and arithmetic. So remote is
the date, so vague is the memory of their origin in myself, that, were not the error
corrected by analogy, I should be tempted to conceive them as innate. In my
childhood I was praised for the readiness with which I could multiply and divide, by
memory alone, two sums of several figures; such praise encouraged my growing
talent; and had I persevered in this line of application, I might have acquired some
fame in mathematical studies.
The curiosity, which had been implanted in my infant mind, was still alive and
active; but my reason was not sufficiently informed to understand the value, or to
lament the loss, of three precious years from my entrance at Westminster to my
admission at Oxford. Instead of repining at my long and frequent confinement to the
chamber or the couch, I secretly rejoiced in those infirmities, which delivered me
from the exercises of the school, and the society of my equals. As often as I was
tolerably exempt from danger and pain, reading, free desultory reading, was the
employment and comfort of my solitary hours. At Westminster, my aunt sought only
to amuse and indulge me; in my stations at Bath and Winchester, at Beriton and
Putney, a false compassion respected my sufferings; and I was allowed, without
controul or advice, to gratify the wanderings of an unripe taste. My indiscriminate
appetite subsided by degrees in the historic line: and since philosophy has exploded
all innate ideas and natural propensities, I must ascribe this choice to the assiduous
perusal of the Universal History, as the octavo volumes successively appeared. This
unequal work, and a treatise of Hearne, the Ductor historicus, referred and
introduced me to the Greek and Roman historians, to as many at least as were
accessible to an English reader.
All that I could find were greedily devoured, from Littlebury's lame Herodotus,
and Spelman's valuable Xenophon, to the pompous folios of Gordon's Tacitus, and a
ragged Procopius of the beginning of the last century. The cheap acquisition of so
much knowledge confirmed my dislike to the study of languages; and I argued with
Mrs. Porten, that, were I master of Greek and Latin, I must interpret to myself in
English the thoughts of the original, and that such extemporary versions must be
inferior to the elaborate translations of professed scholars; a silly sophism, which
could not easily be confuted by a person ignorant of any other language than her
own. From the ancient I leaped to the modern world: many crude lumps of Speed,
Rapin, Mezeray, Davila, Machiavel, Father Paul, Bower, &c., I devoured like so many
novels; and I swallowed with the same voracious appetite the descriptions of India
and China, of Mexico and Peru.
1. Overall impression.
2. Mechanics
Follow the same rubric stated above. Write the output in the journal.
Assessment
Summary
• The goal of the critique is to improve the writing. The opposite of this is a
critic who merely points out the flaws and does not provide any
recommendations for improvement.
• The different form of nonfiction text are the following: Biography,
Autobiography, Literary Journalism/Reportage, Personal Narrative,
Travelogue, Reflection Essay, True Narratives, Blogs, and Testimonies.
• The steps to follow when doing a thorough critique of nonfiction:
1. Overall Impression: Content, Audience, and Format
2. The Mechanics: Structure, Grammar, and Extras
Answer Key
15.Reflection Essay
A 5. Answers may vary. 14.Testimonies
B 4. 13.Blog
B 3. What’s More 12.Autobiography
A 2. 11. Travelogue
A 1. 10.Audience
Answers may vary. 9. Grammar
What’s In 8. Structure
What I Have Learned
7. Mechanics
6. Extras
5. Overall Impression
Answers may vary. 4. Critic
3. Critique
What I Can Do
2. Critique
1. kritiké
Assessment
References
Carol Benedict. “Guidelines for Nonfiction Critiques.” September 28, 2009. Retrieved
from https://thewritingplace.wordpress.com/2009/09/28/guidelines-for-
nonfiction-critiques/
Edward Gibbon. “Memoirs of My Life and Writings (An Excerpt). Retrieved from
https://canvas.harvard.edu/courses/8371/files/1798368/download?verifier=OrQ
PnQxT9FpwiKvL3j11hUcMTUaR4jMytywnc33i&wrap=1
Zining Mok. “10 Types of Nonfiction Books and Genres.” (January 25, 2022).
Retrieved from https://writers.com/types-of-nonfiction