This document provides guidance for writing a critique in 3 steps: 1. Thoroughly read and analyze the work by underlining key words and organizing observations. Consider the author and intended audience. 2. Examine how the author uses pathos, ethos, logos, rhetorical modes, voice, and other elements. Organize points using the VAPID framework of voice, audience, purpose, ideas, and details. 3. Develop a thesis, write a first draft organizing around rhetorical points, and revise the critique using specific examples from the work.

1. Writing a Critique

2. Be sure to read several timesUnderline, circle words that you noticeOrganize as you goREAD thoroughly

3. What do you observe?How might your observation lead you to draw a conclusion about the work?Use Inductive Reasoning

4. Find out where the work was first publishedFind out something about the authorThink about his/her likely audience(s)Consider “para” text

5. Does he or she use pathos? Ethos? Logos? Or some combination?Look for rhetorical modes

6. Voice?Audience?Purpose?Ideas?Details?Now, go through VAPID

7. Organize by rhetorical points (VAPID) rather than in the order of essayAvoid summary, but use specific examplesStart to construct TEA paragraphsOrganize your points

8. Establish the framework for your essayNow, you are ready to write the first draftDon’t forget your thesis and that your intro should be more than one sentence!Construct Thesis

9. According to Ellen Ullman, we are “Dining With Robots.” The general idea is that with our long hours at work, well organized lives and automated lifestyles we lose human qualities and are becoming robots. She questions the idea of building robots versus becoming the robots. Our “appetites” for making life easier with robots becomes a reality check. When looking in the mirror, we no longer see ourselves but the robots we have become

10. Don’t forget to reviseIf possible, leave some time between revisions.Write and Revise