A critique is a genre of academic writing that briefly summarizes

and critically evaluates a work or concept.

Like an essay, a critique uses a formal, academic writing style and

has a clear structure, that has an introduction, body, and
conclusion.
1. A knowledge of the work’s subject area or related works.

2. An understanding of the work’s purpose intended audience,

development of argument, structure of evidence or creative
style.

3. A recognition of the strengths and weaknesses of the work.

1. Before you start writing, it is important to have a thorough
understanding of the work that will be critiqued.

2. Study the work under discussion. Make notes on key parts of the work.
Consider how the work relates to a broader issue or context.

3. Always find both positive and negative things to say. Sometimes called
“hedging,” using both positive and negative descriptors will make your
critique stronger.

4. Consider the author’s/creator’s purpose and the historical context.

5. Analyze your emotional reactions. Often, your first response to
something will be emotional. You may react strongly but not have the
ability to logically explain why you feel the way you do.

6. Do outside research.
1. The introduction is short (less than 10% of the word length) and
you should:

- Name the work being reviewed.

- Date it was created.
- Name of the author/creator.
- Describe the main argument or purpose of the work.
- Explain the context in which the work was created.
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.
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.

Examples of key critical questions:

- 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?
This is usually a very brief paragraph, which includes:

- A statement indicating the overall evaluation of the work.

- A summary of the key reasons identified during the critical
evaluation, why this evaluation was formed.
- In some circumstances, recommendations for improvement on
the work may be appropriate.
Include all resources cited in your critique. Check with your
lecturer/tutor for which referencing style to use.