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:
• Use the following checklist as a guide for
writing a critical book/story review
1) 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.
2) Who is the author and what are his or her
biases?
3) 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?
4.B Do the author’s ideas agree with your
experience and knowledge?
5) Are there special features about this
book which interest or disturb you, such
as unusual information or new ways of
looking at an issue?
7) If you have read other books on
the same general topic, how does
this book differ from that of the
others?
8) Are there any additional
comments you should include in
order to make the essence of this
book understood by someone
reading your review?
A book review, like any other piece of
writing, should observe the basic
requirements of literary discourse. There
should be:
1) An introduction that includes either a
thesis or a premise from which your thesis
will later emerge
2) A middle section in which you give a brief
synopsis of the book and develop your
arguments
3) Brief conclusion
Critique: Steps to write an
article review
• Begin by reading the book or article and
annotate as you read.
• Note the author’s main point/ thesis
statement.
• Divide the book/ article into sections of
thought 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.