Based on Behrens and Rosen

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.