How to Critique a Text
At its most basic, a critique of a text is an appraisal of what you read. You are making an evaluation that includes an argument or position, a brief summary of the text, your response to the author and your conclusion. When you allow yourself enough time to follow and develop your thinking about the writing, the results are often compelling.
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Instructions
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Thesis
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Carefully read the text with a critical eye and an open mind, taking notes on the major points presented.
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Develop a purpose statement in one or two sentences -- announcing your topic but not yet stating your conclusions. For example: “This paper will analyze the text to see if the author’s generalizations are valid.” The purpose statement functions as a placeholder until your argument is more fully formed.
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Revise your purpose statement after writing the first draft of your critique. Turn it into a thesis statement that presents a clear, focused and debatable argument supported with details contained in your essay. A strong thesis statement might read: “Schlosser makes several persuasive points demonstrating that America’s food supply is threatened by industrial agriculture. However, in his zeal to make his case, he overstates the seriousness of the threat.”
Summary
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Clearly summarize enough of the text for your readers to get a basic understanding of the points you're critiquing. Include the author’s main points and purpose.
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Keep it brief. As a general rule of thumb, your summary should comprise about 25 percent or less of your paper. The summary's length may vary, based on the complexity of your article and your audience’s prior knowledge.
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Remain objective about the original text. No matter how strongly you agree or disagree with the author, write your summary without any expression of approval or disapproval of his opinions.
Response
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Draft a well-formed response that is about twice as long as your summary. Remember that you are not writing a book report, but rather evaluating a specific part or aspect of the text.
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Focus on a specific evaluation criterion while writing your response. Examples include the credibility or logic of statements made, the value of the information, the clarity with which it is presented, evidence of any author bias, whether the text presents cutting-edge information, the author’s purpose and questions, or observations the text evokes from you.
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Use paraphrased or quoted examples from the text to support your critique.
Conclusion
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Remind your readers of the main points you want them to walk away with.
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Do not introduce any new ideas in your conclusion; simply restate what you have demonstrated in the body of your paper.
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Answer the question, “So what?” Point out the relevance of your thesis statement for your reader.
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Tips & Warnings
Write your critique in the present tense.
Check with your instructor for specific assignment requirements.
Use transitional statements such as “in contrast,” "an equally strong argument” or “moreover” to make clear connections between your ideas.
Consistently distinguish the author’s opinions from your own statements.
References
Resources
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