Typical Parts of a Critique/Reaction Paper

  • Introduction

    • Contains basic information about the work being critiqued

    • Explains why the work is being critiqued

    • Discusses the creator’s purpose/intention

    • Provides the writer's initial assessment of the work

  • Body

    • Extensive discussion of the work’s intended purpose

      • Discusses how the work could be beneficial

      • Argues how the work may have failed its purpose

      • Offers suggestions on how it can be improved

    • Evidence-based arguments/proofs supporting the writer’s evaluation

  • Conclusion

    • General evaluation of the critiqued work

    • Wraps up key points and evidence presented

    • Includes reference list in APA Style

Critical Approaches in Writing a Critique

Structuralism

  • Analyzes material by examining underlying structures:

    • Focus on characterization and plot

    • Aims to show how these patterns are universal

    • Develops general conclusions about works and the systems from which they emerge

Formalism

  • Focuses on:

    • Thematic meaning of the work

    • How the form conveys its meaning

  • Believes all elements for understanding are contained within the work itself

  • Key aspects include:

    • Author’s technique in resolving contradictions

    • Central passages summing up the work

    • Contribution of various parts to aesthetic quality

    • Importance of rhyme and rhythm to meaning

    • Use of imagery to develop symbols

    • Interconnectedness and unity of parts

Feminism

  • Analyzes how literature presents women as subjects of oppression:

    • Socio-political, psychological, and economic aspects

    • Reveals patriarchal culture dynamics

  • Focuses on:

    • How culture determines gender

    • Presentation of gender equality in texts

    • Social, political, psychological, and economic oppression of women

Marxism

  • Concerned with:

    • Economic class differences and implications of capitalism

    • Conflicts between the working class and elite

  • Analysis involves:

    • Representation of social classes within the work

    • Class background of the writer/creator and characters

    • Conflicts and interactions between economic classes

Other Critical Approaches

  • Reader Response Criticism

  • Postmodern Criticism

  • Psychological Criticism

  • Biographical Criticism

  • Historical Criticism

  • Mythological Criticism

  • Deconstructionist Criticism

Techniques in Offering Praise or Suggestions

Use of Qualifying Adjectives and Adverbs

  • Identifies degree affected by a view:

    • Example: "Some users find the new interface difficult to navigate compared to the first."

    • Compares specific experiences of different users

Use of Modal Verbs

  • Attaches appropriate certainty to claims:

    • Example: "Some users may find the new interface difficult to navigate compared to the first."

Use of Tentative Verbs

  • Expresses uncertainty:

    • Example: "It appears that users find the new interface difficult to navigate compared to the first."

Offering an Ideal State

  • Statements expressing what could improve the work

Principles on Writing a Good Critique

  • Objectivity and Balance

  • Comprehensiveness

  • Constructiveness

  • Conciseness and Clarity

  • Correctness and Completeness