The document provides instructions for writing a critique of a book or article. It explains that a critique should provide a summary and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the work, including the thesis, organization, style, and values/assumptions of the author. The critique should ultimately answer whether the book or article is worth reading based on a critical analysis of its content and context.

1. HOW TO WRITE A CRITIQUE
BY:
Muhammad Fayyaz Ahmad
03003839690

2. What is a critique?
• A critique is a paper that gives a critical
assessment of a book or article
• A critique is a systematic analysis of a piece
of literature that discusses its validity and
evaluates its worth
• Its main purpose is not informational, but
analytic and persuasive
• In analyzing the content and context within
which the book (or article) was written, the
writer of a critique argues whether it is worth
reading or not

3. Writing a critique (also known as a
critical response, critical book review or
book review)
• A good review should provide critical
commentary on the quality of the book
• It contains:
1. The thesis and major argument
2. The organization and style
3. The author’s values and assumptions

4. • The review should pay more
attention to evaluating the strengths
and the weaknesses of the book
• It should ultimately answer the
question:
Is this a good book/story
that would be worth
reading?

5. • Use the following checklist as a guide for
writing a critical book/story review
1) What does the book cover? Summarize briefly.
When reviewing fiction, never give away the
ending or the intricacies of the plot that are
meant to surprise the reader.
2) Who is the author and what are his or her
biases?
3) What are the major points that the author
makes in the book?

6. 4) Do you think these ideas are correct?
Do you accept them? Why or why not?
Specifically:
4.A. Does the author substantiate his or
her points satisfactorily with information,
logic, examples?
4.B Do the author’s ideas agree with your
experience and knowledge?
5) Are there special features about this
book which interest or disturb you, such
as unusual information or new ways of
looking at an issue?

7. 7) If you have read other books on the
same general topic, how does this book
differ from that of the others?
8) Are there any additional comments you
should include in order to make the
essence of this book understood by
someone reading your review?
These questions may be answered in
any order, but all of them should be
addressed, however briefly.

8. A book review, like any other piece of
writing, should observe the basic require-
ments of literary discourse. There should
be:
1) An introduction that includes either a thesis or a
premise from which your thesis will later emerge
2) A middle section in which you give a brief
synopsis of the book and develop your
arguments
3) Brief conclusion

9. Critique: Steps to write an
article review
• Begin by reading the book or article and
annotate as you read.
• Note the author’s main point/ thesis
statement.
• Divide the book/ article into sections of
thought and write a brief summary of each
thought in your own words.

10. Introduction
• Start your critique with sentences giving
the following information:
- Author’s name
- Book/ Article title and source
- Author’s thesis statement

11. Summary
• Summarize the author’s purpose and main
points/ evidence cited that are used for
back up.

12. Review and evaluate
• To critically review the piece, answer the
following questions:
- What are the credentials/ areas of
expertise of the author?
- Did the author use appropriate
methods to gather the evidence?
- Was the evidence used by the author
accurate?
- Does the author’s use and
interpretation of this evidence lead the
reader to the same conclusion?

13. - Did the author build a logical argument?
- Is there other evidence that would support
a counter- argument?
- Are the article and the evidence still valid
or are they outdated, leading to an invalid
conclusion?
- Was the author successful in making his/
her point?

14. Conclusion
• Wrap up by:
- Stating whether you agree with the
author.
- Back up your decisions by stating your
reasons.
Give a general opinion of the work.