Notes on Critique Paper and Concept Paper
Lesson 2: Writing a Critique Paper
Objectives
Define what a critique paper is.
Identify the processes of critiquing a paper.
Identify the critique format.
What is a critique paper?
A critique paper is a detailed analysis or evaluation of a book, journal article, and artwork, among other sources.
Basically, these papers include a critical evaluation of the item under reflection.
Academic writing expectations
Learners must follow an academic writing style.
Include different sections: introduction, body, and conclusion.
Applicable across genres: Creative Works (novels, exhibits, films, images, poetry); Research (journal articles, systematic reviews, theories); Media (news reports, feature articles).
What to do in a critique
Describe → give the reader a sense of the writer’s overall purpose and intent.
Analyze → examine how the structure and language convey meaning.
Interpret → state the significance or importance of each part of the text.
Assess → make a judgment of the work’s worth or value.
Being critical requires…
Analysis of evidence
Making a judgment based on evidence
Understanding of the topic
Evaluating
Developing your argument
Questioning – Who? What? Why? How? So what?
Exploring – examining different perspectives on the same topic
Evaluating – look for strengths and weaknesses; consider credibility, reliability, and validity of information
Developing your critical argument in relation to the evidence presented (your opinion backed up with facts)
Tips in critiquing a piece of event
Make notes as you read.
Organize notes into different points relevant to the article you are critiquing.
Keep a list of all sources you have read.
Always keep a record of the full reference (books, journal articles, reports, etc.).
Structure and style
Like an essay, a critique paper uses a formal, academic writing style and has a clear structure: Introduction, Body, Conclusion.
The Critique Format for Nonfiction (key elements)
Name/title of the work being reviewed; Date created; Name of the author.
Describe the main argument or purpose of the work.
The introduction is typically short, less than of the word length of the entire paper being critiqued.
Explain how the perspective of the paper relates to social or political context.
Have a concluding sentence that signposts what your evaluation will be (positive, negative, or mixed).
Objective description of a major point in the work.
Detailed analysis of how the work conveys an idea or concept.
Interpretation of the concept.
A critical evaluation does not simply highlight negative impressions; it should deconstruct the work and identify strengths and weaknesses.
Conclusion: a brief paragraph including the overall evaluation and a summary of key reasons.
References: include all resources cited; check with your lecturer/tutor for the required referencing style.
Checklists and practice
Checklist of a critique (key prompts):
Have I mentioned the name of the work, the date, and the creator?
Have I accurately summarized the work being critiqued?
Am I mainly focusing on the critical evaluation of each element to achieve the overall purpose?
Have I used evidence from the work itself and other sources to back my assessment?
Have I formed an overall evaluation based on critical reading?
Is my introduction, body, and conclusion well-structured?
Is grammar, spelling, punctuation correct, with clear presentation and appropriate referencing?
Use of a formal structure and precise language helps ensure credibility.
Let’s wrap up (key questions)
What is a critique paper?
What are some varieties of works that critiques can be used for?
What are the general guidelines for critiquing a piece of writing?
What are some requirements to be critical in critiquing a piece of work?
What is the form of language and structure of your paper in writing a critique?
What are the suggested contents of your introduction, body, and conclusion?
Lesson 3: Writing a Concept Paper
Recap and context
Concept (con·cept): something conceived in the mind; thought or notion.
A concept paper aims to clarify a concept, which can be about any topic from any field.
It can be a short summary that tells the reader what the project is, why it is important, and how it will be carried out.
Project proposals vs research proposals: a concept paper captures thoughts and ideas; a research proposal structures ideas for approval to research.
It is not easy to write a concept paper, but careful study and research can yield one.
Methods to elucidate a concept include: Definition, Explication, and Clarification.
Ways to elucidate a concept
Definition: using illustrations, examples, and description to clarify the term.
Explication: analyzing and interpreting a text or piece of literature to uncover deeper meaning (involves preliminary identification, literature research, empirical description, and operational definition).
Clarification: organizing points from a general abstract idea to specific and concrete examples; goal is to remove confusion and ensure clear understanding.
Types of definition
Informal definition: giving a parenthetical or brief explanation (e.g., Tocopherol (Vitamin E) is found in vegetable oil, fish, and nuts).
Formal definition: term, category, and quality that differentiates it within a category (e.g., Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant).
Extended definition: when a brief definition is not enough, a longer, multi-sentence explanation is used (e.g., Vitamin E description with its roles and context).
Example (Vitamin E): a fat-soluble vitamin with forms; alpha-tocopherol is used by the human body; main role is antioxidant activity and immune support, plus cardiovascular benefits.
Concept paper elements (clarifying and exploring concepts)
Definition/Explication/Clarification as key elucidation methods.
Preliminary identification of the concept (main idea or theme).
Literature research (check other studies/works to explain the text).
Empirical description (describe observable details from the text).
Operational definition (clearly define how the concept is used in context).
Clarification helps remove ambiguity by organizing points from general to specific examples.
Examples and applications
Cancel culture: defined as collective withdrawal of support due to perceived moral or social unacceptability; includes public backlash, organizing efforts, and implications for free speech and justice debates.
The viral campaign and social impact projects: examples for applying concept paper to social campaigns and public issues.
Sample topics discussed include Safe Spaces Act campaigns in schools, and other social campaigns (e.g., #MeToo, anti-harassment efforts) with reference to policy and social context.
Uses of a concept paper
To interest potential funders.
To develop potential solutions or investigations into project ideas.
To determine whether a project is fundable.
To serve as the foundation of a full proposal.
Kinds and parts of a concept paper
Concept proposal for academic research (structure):
1. TITLE
2. INTRODUCTION
3. NEED FOR THE STUDY
4. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
5. OBJECTIVES
6. RESEARCH QUESTIONS & HYPOTHESES
7. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
8. REFERENCES
Example: Title – “Promoting Safe Spaces: A Campaign to Implement the Safe Spaces Act in Senior High Schools”
Introduction: overview of gender-based harassment and the Safe Spaces Act
Need for the Study: rising harassment cases; lack of awareness
Background: legal framework, prior studies, and campaign efforts
Objectives: increase awareness, reduce incidents, promote respectful behavior
Research Questions: level of awareness among students? effectiveness of campaign materials?
Methodology: survey, focus groups, implementation of campaign posters/events
References: cited laws, academic articles, campaign materials
Concept paper for a project/product development (structure):
1. COVER PAGE (Proponent's name, contact, agency, submission date)
2. INTRODUCTION
3. RATIONALE/BACKGROUND (problems to be solved; significance)
4. PROJECT DESCRIPTION (objectives, methodology, outcomes)
5. PROJECT NEEDS & COST (budget, item descriptions, amounts, equipment)
Templates and activities
Your Turn: NU: Nurture and Uplift
Elements to fill: Topic/Issue/Problem; Passion Project Name; Tagline; Brief Objective
Example project title ideas (e.g., MakeAGIF.com) used to illustrate project framing
Essential questions and agenda for the day (e.g., What values will you exemplify by creating a project?)
Additional notes on concept paper practice
Essential questions and brainstorming prompts to cultivate project ideas.
Springboard activity prompts encourage imagining unlimited resources to solve community issues.
Real-world samples such as Shark Tank-style presentations and community impact campaigns provide context for applying concept papers to tangible projects.
Key recap and terminology (scrambled terms from activity)
Understand the core actions you should perform in a concept paper: DESCRIBE, INTRODUCTION, ANALYZE, INTERPRET, ASSESS, CONCLUSION, REFERENCE, BODY, EXPLORE (EXPLORATION), etc. (useful reminders of the functions of each section)
End of lessons note
Objectives for concept paper: define what a concept paper is and identify its types and parts; determine how to elucidate a concept; write a concept paper for a project related to a chosen topic.
Quick index of major topics covered
Critique Paper: purpose, process, structure, and format
Concept Paper: purpose, elucidation methods, definitions, clarification, and proposal structures
Examples and practice prompts to connect theory to real-world projects