Critiques Purpose and Audience
Content and Format
  Writing Process
Citing Course Material
Content & Format

A critique should be written in standard essay form, with this general format:

1. Begin with an introduction that defines the subject of your critique and your thesis. The thesis usually consists of a statement of evaluation, based on what you have learned in the course.

2. Develop your analysis in the body of your paper. It's generally best not to follow the author's organization when organizing your analysis, since this approach lends itself to summary rather than analysis. Rather, organize your information in a way that best supports your thesis, perhaps by measuring the material you are critquing against certain explicit or implicit criteria, or by comparing it to other similar material.

It is usually a good idea to use precise terminology from your class lectures, discussions, and readings. It is also good idea to cite course material, especially your instructor if you are using course notes from lectures or class discussions.

3. End with a conclusion that summarizes your argument and re-emphasizes your thesis.

From material prepared by:
Jennie Skerl and Maureen Murphy
The Writing Center
4508 Sage Laboratory
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute