This document provides a template for critiquing different types of writing. It lists questions to consider when evaluating informative, persuasive, and entertaining writing. For informative writing, it prompts the reader to check the accuracy and significance of the information, and whether it is presented fairly. For persuasive writing, it suggests evaluating the definition of terms, use of evidence, logical reasoning, and potential biases. For entertaining writing, it prompts considering interesting characters, believability, communication of ideas, language use, and fulfillment of purpose. It also includes questions for agreeing or disagreeing with the author's position and examining their underlying assumptions.

1. A Critique Template (Ch2, What
It Takes)

2. Close Read for Summary

3. Question One: Primary purpose?
Inform
Persuade
Entertain
• Evaluate Informative Writing
– Info accurate? Check facts 4 cred
– Info significant? Info important? Why or why not?
– Info fair? Interpreted by the author in fair light?
• Evaluate Persuasive Writing
– Terms clearly defined
– Fair use of the info provided
– Logical reasoning
• Any emotionally ‘loaded’ terms?
• Name calling?
• Faulty cause and effect
• My way or the highway reasoning
• Conclusion drawn from too little info
• Bad analogy/metaphor
• Oversimplifying
• Evaluate Entertaining Writing
– Interesting characters
– Believable
– Communicates central idea
– Use of language
– Fulfills purpose intended

4. Question Two: Agree or disagree or
both & why or why not
– Sum up the author’s position
– State your own position
• Your position is backed by your precise and particular
experience, your observations, and evidence from
others.
– Look over the author’s assumptions at the heart
of her arguments.