CRAFTING A CRITIQUE ESSAY

The purpose of the critique essay is for you to think about the elements of the genre you are studying, and to analyze the effectiveness of the authors' use of these elements. Your critique essay should be submitted before you submit your final piece in each genre; completion of the critique will help you focus on your own piece and the effectiveness of it.

For each unit of study, you should submit a critique essay to Google Classroom, analyzing two examples from the genre. Your essay should include the components listed below, as well as any appropriate links, screenshots, or images for the works you are critiquing.

Description of the genre 

What is the genre? What is the purpose of this genre? What are the elements of this genre? Briefly summarize what should be included in a piece written in this genre.

Critique of the works

Critique each piece and how it applies the elements of the genre. What works? What doesn't work? What do you like about it? Why? What confused or bothered you? Why do you think this is?

Summary of the works 

Describe and summarize each piece you are critiquing. Who created it? Where was it published? What is it about? In essence, this essay is a compare/contrast essay with thoughtful criticism throughout.

Purpose and Effectiveness of the works

What was the purpose of each piece? How effectively did each piece achieve this purpose?  How effective is each piece overall?

A Video Tutorial

Your critique does not need to be written exactly as described in this video. However, this video gives good pointers that you can apply now and also in your future classes in college.