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Questions and Answers
What is the main purpose of giving a detailed assessment of the different elements of a work in a critical essay?
Why should you avoid starting your ideas with phrases like 'I think' or 'In my opinion' in a critique?
What is the recommended approach to help readers understand a story better in a critique?
In a critical essay, what should be included in the conclusion regarding the story's assessment?
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Why is it important for a writer to know well about what they are critiquing?
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What is considered the main bulk of a critical essay according to the text?
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What are some of the main elements a critique evaluates in a narrative?
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According to David Farland's questions for critics, what is an essential question about the setting of a story?
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In terms of characterization, what question should critics consider according to David Farland?
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Why is it important for the plot of a story to be interesting, original, and well-developed according to David Farland's guidelines?
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What does the theme evaluation in a critique focus on according to David Farland?
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Why should critics consider the writing style's uniqueness according to David Farland's advice?
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Study Notes
Critique Definition and Purpose
- A critique is an in-depth evaluation of a story, novel, film, or other reading/viewing materials to provide the public with insight into the text.
- The purpose of a critique is to give the public an understanding of the text's strengths and weaknesses.
Key Elements of a Critique
- Characterization: How well-drawn are the characters in the story?
- Setting: How well was the setting developed and does it appeal to more than one of the senses?
- Conflict and Plot: Is there a conflict in the story and is the plot interesting, original, and well-developed?
- Theme: How well does the story speak to the readers and does it raise questions about life or provide profound insights?
- Style: How distinctive or unique is the writing style and are there literary devices or techniques used?
Questions to Ask When Writing a Critique
- Setting: Does it inform or connect to other aspects of the story such as character development and narrative style?
- Characterization: Do we know enough about the characters to make them interesting and relatable?
- Conflict and Plot: Are there unnecessary and confusing subplots?
- Theme: Does it raise questions about life or provide profound insights?
- Style: Is it purposeful and does it remind you of any other authors you have read?
Steps to Develop a Coherent and Cohesive Critique
- Introduction: Mention the name of the author and the title of the work, give a summary, and indicate the elements you want to examine and state the purpose of your critique.
- Body: Give a systematic and detailed assessment of the different elements of the work, supported by specific details such as quotes or examples from the work itself.
- Conclusion: State your overall assessment of the story's value, worth, and significance, both positive and negative.
Writing Tips for a Critique
- Avoid introducing your ideas by stating "I think" or "In my opinion" because this weakens the analysis.
- Always introduce the work and provide context for the reader.
- To write a good critique, you should have a thorough understanding of the material you are writing about.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the elements of critiques focusing on characterization, setting, conflict, plot, dialogue, theme, and style. Learn about the key aspects to evaluate in a narrative for a thorough critique.
