HOW TO WRITE

A CRITIQUE
 What is a critique?
• A critique is a paper that gives a critical
assessment of a book or article
• A critique is a systematic analysis of a
piece of literature that discusses its validity
and evaluates its worth
• Its main purpose is not informational, but
analytic and persuasive
• In analyzing the content and context
within which the book (or article) was
written, the writer of a critique argues
whether it is worth reading or not
Writing a critique
(also known as a
critical response,
critical book
review or book
review)
• A good review should provide critical
commentary on the quality of the book
• It contains:
1. The thesis and major argument
2. The organization and style
3. The author’s values and assumptions
• The review should pay more
attention to evaluating the strengths
and the weaknesses of the book
• It should ultimately answer the
question:

Is this a good
book/story that would
be worth reading?
•
Use the following
checklist as a guide
for writing a critical
book/story review
What does the book cover?
Summarize briefly. When reviewing
fiction, never give away the ending or
the intricacies of the plot that are
meant to surprise the reader.
Who is the author and what
are his or her biases?
What are the major points
that the author makes in the
book?
• 4) Do you think these ideas are correct? Do you
accept them? Why or why not? Specifically:

• 4.A. Does the author substantiate his or her

points satisfactorily with information, logic,
examples?

• B Do the author’s ideas agree with your

experience and knowledge?

• Are there special features about this book

which interest or disturb you, such as unusual
information or new ways of looking at an issue?
• If you have read other books on the same
general topic, how does this book differ from
that of the others?

• Are there any additional comments you

should include in order to make the essence of
this book understood by someone reading your
review?

• These questions may be answered in any

order, but all of them should be addressed,
however briefly.
 An introduction that
A book review, includes either a thesis
or a premise from which
like any other your thesis will later
emerge
piece of writing,
should observe
the basic A middle section in
which you give a brief
require- ments synopsis of the book and
develop your arguments
of literary
discourse.
There should
be: Brief conclusion
 Critique: Steps to write an article
review

1 2 3
Begin by reading the Note the author’s main Divide the book/ article
book or article and point/ thesis statement. into sections of thought
annotate as you read. and write a brief
summary of each
thought in your own
words.
 Introduction
• Start your critique with sentences giving
the following information:

- Author’s name
- Book/ Article title and source
- Author’s thesis statement
 Summary

• Summarize the author’s

purpose and main points/
evidence cited that are
used for back up.
 Review and evaluate
• To critically review the piece, answer the
following questions:
• What are the credentials/
areas of expertise of the
author?
• Did the author use
appropriate methods
to gather the evidence?
• Was the evidence used by the
author accurate?
• Does the author’s use and
interpretation of this evidence
lead the
reader to the same conclusion?
• Did the author build a logical
argument?
• Is there other evidence that
would support a counter-
argument?
• Are the article and the
evidence still valid or are they
outdated, leading to an invalid
conclusion?
• Was the author successful
in making his/ her point?
 Conclusion

• Wrap up by:

- Stating whether you

agree with the author.
- Back up your decisions by stating
your reasons.

Give a general opinion of the work.