Helpful Arguments For Writing A Critique Analysis

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The Academic Support Center Chesapeake College www.chesapeake.edu/asc/ 410-827-5854 Helpful Hints for Writing A Critique If you are asked to write a critique of an article or an essay assigned by your professor, you analyze the reading, identify your personal reaction to it, and develop a clear, concise explanation of support for your reaction. Your knowledge of the discipline in which you are working is the basis on which you build the explanation. Successful critiquing begins with the READING: ♦ Read the entire article, trying to identify the writer’s main point. Underline any unfamiliar words as you read, but do not stop to look them up until you have finished reading. ♦ Look up the unfamiliar words, and then carefully and slowly read the article again. This time look for the ideas the author uses to support the main point. ♦ Summarize the article in your own words,…show more content…
You can either paraphrase or quote directly. Also explain why the evidence supports your point. For example, you might say: The author uses many statistics to prove his point, but he fails to indicate his source. He notes that one out of two marijuana smokers go on to use more dangerous drugs; however, he never says how he acquired that information, nor does he include a reference at the end of the article. Should the reader trust that the statistics are accurate, or could they be the author’s invention because he is opposed to all legalization of drugs? If no sources are acknowledged for statistics, he author casts doubt on his entire argument. Each of your paragraphs should include these three elements: your point, evidence from the work, and explanation of why the evidence supports your point. • Conclusion: Here you can summarize your main points, restate your thesis statement in fresh words, and discuss the success or failure of the author to convince the reader. Is his or her work significant? How does it impact

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