1. INGL 3231: 001 Prof. Cristal Heffelfinger
The Critical Review
INGL 3231: 001
Prof. Cristal Heffelfinger

2. What is a critique? What does it entail?
Writing a critical review requires a careful observation and evaluation of the text. The first step involves a close reading of the piece. At an initial stage, it is useful to take notes and paraphrase the main arguments or themes discussed by the author. This should be followed by a brief summary that contains the essential points for discussion. However, a critical review is more than a mere summary; in fact, its most important element is your analysis of the content, the structure, and the overall significance/implications of the piece.

3. Critical Review Author Title and reference Critique (pros + cons)
Background information
Summary (content + structure)
Critique (pros + cons)
Supporting arguments
Significance

4. Introduction Title Author Background information, context
One-sentence summary
Author’s thesis/message
YOUR thesis

5. Summary Attention to structure
Content: main arguments / characters, setting, and plot
Findings / Message

6. Critique
Consider methodology, writing style, aesthetics, structure, organization of text
Evaluate purpose or objective
Debate main points or themes
Reconsider author’s interpretation of data / development of story elements
Provide examples and justify your arguments
Integrate your experience(s) and/or other sources
Offer suggestions and solutions
Analyze the validity and pertinence of the data or storyline. Bear in mind any counter-arguments that could be or have been made. / Should you include external sources, keep your references brief and concise, so that they do not overshadow your main text. / Avoid the excessive use of direct quotations, since they can easily become a distraction. Use them only as examples to illustrate a specific point or argument.

7. Critique vs. Criticism
Unlike criticism, a critique ought to include both your negative and positive evaluations of the text. You should try to achieve a balance between the strengths and weaknesses, so that your work is comprehensive, instructive, and constructive. This does not mean, however, that that you need an equal proportion or an exact amount of negative and positive comments; it will all depend on the text you have selected. Just be cautious not to intentionally favor one or the other. As utopian as it may seem, strive to achieve objectivity.

8. [K]eep in mind that a bad book takes as long to write as a good one, and every author deserves fair treatment.
The Writing Center at UNC-Chapel Hill

9. Conclusion Restate your thesis
State the author’s overall contribution (importance, value)
If applicable, suggest future studies / themes
Recommend the reading, or not

10. Sources Provide a list of references, if necessary
Follow alphabetical order
Use APA style

11. Sample reviews
Jackson, A. N. (2013). Downstairs stories [Review of the book The ladies are upstairs]. The Caribbean Review of Books. Retrieved from /downstairs-stories/
Vergne, A. (2011). Creoles in education: An appraisal of current programs and projects [Book review]. SARGASSO, (1-2), Retrieved from

12. References and links
Brizee, A. (2016). Writing a book review review. Retrieved from
Skene, A. (n.d.). Writing a critical review. Retrieved from
The Writing Center at UNC-Chapel Hill. (n.d.). Book reviews. Retrieved from
University of Calgary. (2014). Writing a critique or review of a research article. Retrieved from
UNSW Sydney. (2014). Structure of a critical review. Retrieved from