A simple understanding about book review.

2.  A critique is not (only) a criticism. A critique is a specific
style of essay in which you identify, evaluate, and respond to
an author’s idea, both positively and negatively. It is usually
applied to academic sources.

3.  You are expected to engage with the article rather than
just summarize it, by considering its content carefully, and
from different angles. Your critique must be objective, so
support it with evidence rather than instinct or emotion.
 When you engage in a critique you are demonstrating to
your marker that:
o You have read extensively
o You can identify the particular strengths and weaknesses of those
readings
o You can identify different positions and perspectives in the
readings
o You are developing the skills and knowledge to engage with the
experts

4.  Critiquing means that you are developing an understanding
of more than a single article: it means that you are developing
an understanding of ‘big picture’, of the discipline as a
whole. Later in your study you may be expected to contribute
new understandings to the discipline, so it is important to
understand the current state of knowledge.

5. Identify
o What is the article’s background and purpose?
o What is the main idea (the main argument) that the article is
communicating?
 Evaluate:
o How convincing is the argument?
o What does the argument assume?
o How useful or applicable is the article?
 Respond
o What is your assessment of the article?
o What issues does it raise?
o What issues does it avoid?

8.  Read through the article once to get the main idea.
 Mark up the text as you read through it again.
 Create a legend for your markings.
 Take some longer notes during subsequent readings.
 Develop a preliminary concept for your critique.

10.  Question whether the writer’s overall message is logical.
 Search the article for any biases, whether intentional or
unintentional.
 Consider the author’s interpretations of other texts.
 Notice if the author cites untrustworthy evidence.
 Don’t completely ignore stylistic elements.

11.  Question research methods in scientific articles.
 Dig deep.
 Remember that a critique doesn’t have to be entirely
positive or negative.

13.  Begin with an introduction that outlines your argument.
 Provide evidence for your argument in the body
paragraphs of your critique.
 Complicate your argument near the end of the critique.
 Present your arguments in a well-reasoned, objective
tone.

14.  Conclude your critique by summarizing your argument
and suggesting potential implications.

17. 1. Article critique is not only a criticism.
2. Author’s purpose is not important.
3. Negative responses are not allowed in making an article
critique.
4. Your critique must be supported with instincts and
emotions only.
5. You must fully understand what the argument is about.