Essay Tips:
Writing Commentary
How to articulate your thoughts and make them clear!
What is Commentary?
 Commentary is better known as your original thoughts, ideas, and
connections that are explained when you discuss or write on a
topic.
 Commentary is NOT a SUMMARY of what you have read or
discussed.
 Students often find it difficult to create commentary, why?
 Well, you are expected to CREATE and that’s the highest level of
critical thinking according to Bloom’s!
So… How does one create commentary?
Anytime your explain your feelings, opinions, judgments,
ideas, connections, or analyze you are creating
commentary!
Think about how your offer up answers during class
discussion or in Socratic seminars… That’s considered
commentary!
Creating commentary will come more naturally as we
practice skill of critical reading, discussing, and writing.
Examples of Weak Commentary
Evidence Used: “That is my command; you can see the
wisdom behind it” – Creon
Commentary: This shows that Creon is arrogant and set
in his decision. He has made his command and will not
change it for anyone.
Discuss: What appears weak about this explanation?
Examples of Weak Commentary
Evidence used: “You will remember what things I
suffer, and at what men’s hands, because I would not
transgress the laws of heaven” - Antigone
Commentary: Antigone says this to Creon when they
are arguing about her crime. She is telling him that her
values are good and right while he is wrong and evil.
Discuss: What is wrong with this commentary?
Examples of Strong Commentary
Evidence used: “That is my command; you can see the
wisdom behind it” – Creon
Commentary: Creon is beginning to show his hubris,
pride, and arrogance as a leader. Here Creon is so
confident in his command that he cannot fathom
anyone opposing him and thus he becomes more and
more steadfast in his laws. With his fatal flaw beginning
to overtake his every action, he continues to display the
characteristics of a tragic hero, illustrating for the
audience the negative outcomes that can result when
power corrupts an individual.
Examples of Strong Commentary
 Evidence used: “You will remember what things I suffer, and at
what men’s hands, because I would not transgress the laws of
heaven” – Antigone
 Commentary: Antigone highlights her righteous actions and
casts blame on Creon for his unjust punishment. As she
specifically notes that she has been condemned at “men’s
hands”, Antigone shines a light on the overtly patriarchal
nature of her society and the injustice to women that can arise
from this social structure. Creon punishes her not only because
she disobeyed but also because she is a woman standing up
against a man in power, which conveys the theme that
women are expected to be submissive and obedient to men.
Commentary Sentence Starters
Use the Commentary Starters helpful
handout when you need support.
WARNING: Try not to use it as a crutch.
Let’s take a look at the various ways
you can use this document!