How to Critique Writing
As a writer, a valuable resource for improving your craft is online critique groups. You can submit samples of your writing and group members will give you feedback. However, as a member of such a group, it is also your responsibility to leave feedback for others. Each online critique group will have its own guidelines for leaving feedback. However, there are some basic rules for critiquing that are applicable to all sites. Below are some general guidelines for leaving appropriate feedback for other people's writing.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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How to Critique Writing
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Be mindful of the author's feelings. Writers, especially beginners, can be very sensitive when it comes to their work. Remember that everyone (including yourself) will improve with feedback and practice. Overly critical feedback can crush a new writer's willingness to seek out advice and feedback. Choose one or two problem areas to focus on and end with a flourish by addressing the author's strengths.
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It may seem easier to point out flaws, but always find some strength to praise. Try positively reframing an area of weakness. For example, if an author goes into endless detail about inconsequential elements, praise the author's attention to detail or descriptive ability. Then gently point out that sometimes the descriptions interrupted the flow of the story and give specific examples.
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Be very specific when giving feedback. Do not simply state "I liked the story" or "I did not like your article." State why you did or did not like it. Point out specific passages that work and certain paragraphs that still need work. If a passage needs work, let the author know what you think is missing. Does the author need more detail? Is the passage confusing? The more specific you are, the more helpful.
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Do not judge the content of the story or article. An author may write an article about a topic that you strongly disagree with. Do not leave feedback to that effect. The purpose of feedback is to comment on the quality of the writing, not the topic being written about.
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Do not look at other people's feedback before leaving your own. Looking at the critiques of others before writing your own will make it difficult for you to leave unbiased, original feedback.
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Spend time in the group before leaving feedback. This will help you to become familiar with groups rules and dynamics. You will also be able to see the general structure of the feedback, how detailed it is, and how casual or formal the tone of the group is.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have personal or factual information that will help an author make a passage or scene more realistic, share that information with the author.
Always be courteous and professional when leaving feedback.
Do not nitpick on grammar. Leave grammar-related feedback only if it is a consistent error.
If you find that you cannot be objective about an author's topic, it is better to not leave feedback for that particular article or story.
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