10. CRITIQUE
is a genre of academic writing that
briefly summarises and critically
evaluates a work or concept. A simpler
definition is a review of something.
11. CRITIQUES
can be used to carefully
analyse a variety of works
such as:
• Creative works – novels, exhibits, film,
images, poetry
• Research – monographs, journal articles,
systematic reviews, theories
• Media – news reports, feature articles
12. WRITING A CRITIQUE ON A WORK
HELPS US TO DEVELOP:
1. a knowledge of the work’s subject area or related
works;
2. an understanding of the work’s purpose, intended
audience, development of argument, structure of
evidence or creative style; and,
3. a recognition of the strengths and
weaknesses of the work.
14. PARTS OF A CRITIQUE PAPER
Introduction It includes the name of author and work,
the brief summary/description of work as a whole, the
focusing sentence indicating what element you plan to
examine, and the general indication of overall
significance of work.
15. EXAMPLE
We just finished reading an adventure-fantasy-fiction-
heroism story entitled “Story of Keesh”. The story was
about a thirteen-year old boy hunting bears for his tribe,
proving them that he can be a great hunter and hunting a
fair share of meat at their village. The story takes place in a
cold area. We can conclude from the word “Igloo” that is
used in the story. Furthermore, Keesh hunted bear, as we
know that the bear is just found in cold area.
16. PARTS OF A CRITIQUE PAPER
Body - The body of the critique includes
literal description of the major elements or
portions of the work, the detailed analysis,
and the interpretation.
17. EXAMPLE
At first, the story was kind of boring and not interesting but it actually turned
out pretty good. It teaches us values that we, as humans, should fight on what
we believed for and not let anyone step in our dignity. It also teaches us to be
fair with others. We have to appreciate people’s work and sacrifice. We
should not give prejudice before we can prove someone else work. It was
indeed a great story. The author used imagery, paradox, irony, simile, and
onomatopoeia. These are used to illustrate a subject, which thus gains a
clearness that could be given in no other way. The symbol elaborates the
important things that happened to make it more real and interesting. It leads
us to understand easier all the situations shown in the story.
18. PARTS OF A CRITIQUE PAPER
Conclusion -The conclusion includes the overall
interpretation of the elements studied, the consideration of
those elements within the context of the work as a whole,
and the critical assessment of the value, worth, meaning, or
significance of the work, both positive and negative.
19. EXAMPLE
The story ended happily because Keesh was able
to prove himself to them as he became a great
hunter like his father and he fairly distributed the
meat to the people in their village.
