Critique & Review Paper Guidelines

• Argumentative papers include reviews, reactions, and critiques.

Argumentative Writing

• Argumentative writing is a genre focused on discussing a topic with the goal of persuading the audience to accept a specific viewpoint.
• Gathering information and using evidence is an important part of argumentative writing.
• It follows a standard format for clarity.

Basic Types of Argumentative Texts

• Argumentative writing can be presented in simple forms, such as editorials.
• Editorials are written by members of a newspaper's editorial board and represent the official stance of the newspaper on various issues.
• Opposite Editorials are authored by outsiders commissioned by a newspaper company.
• Opposite Editorials are typically found on pages opposite the editorial section to offer contrasting viewpoints.
• Letters to the Editor submitted are by readers expressing their opinions on previously published articles.
• Letters to the Editor allow public engagement and discourse on various topics.
• Advertisements are paid announcements created to persuade consumers into buying a product.

Structure of an Argumentative Text

• Title captures the reader's attention, piques their interest, sets the tone, and indicates the subject matter
• Introduction provides context for the discussion
• Introduction includes a thesis statement that serves as the main idea
• Introduction presents a compelling opening statement to engage readers
• Body presents detailed information and arguments that support the thesis statement
• Conclusion summarizes the key points discussed and reinforces the main message
• The conclusion encourages readers to reflect or take action

Elements of Argumentation

• Proponent refers to an individual who makes a claim and advocates for a particular position or stance
• Claim of Fact: Argument presented is based on verifiable data like figures and statistics
• Claim of Policy: Arguments either propose or challenge existing rules
• Claim of Value: Claims are based solely on personal opinions
• Counterclaim/Counterargument: This is an argument made to contradict or oppose a main claim/thesis presented.
• Refutation: This is a response to an opposing argument which presents evidence and reasoning that challenges the validity of the opposing viewpoint

Expressions of Facts and Opinions

• Separating facts from opinions is important in argumentative text.
• Expressions for Facts: According to, it was stated, the fact is that, studies reveal that, this proves that, there is no doubt that, in fact, it was reported
• Expressions for Opinions: As far as my understanding is concerned, I believe, I think, in my opinion, from my perspective, it seems to me that

Forms of Argumentative Writing

• Reaction Paper: This is a formal writing assignment for analyzing a prompt.
• This enhances one's critical thinking skills.
• Requires thoughtful reading, research, and writing.
• Key aspects for a good reaction paper include addressing counterclaims and providing refutations to strengthen the argument.
• It follows a clear Introduction-Body-Conclusion (IBC) format.

Steps in Writing a Reaction Paper

• Fully understand the material before writing the reaction paper
• Carefully analyze every detail and challenge yourself by answering questions to deepen your understanding
• Take detailed notes on the material to capture thoughts and insights
• Jot down emerging ideas while reading, without focusing on perfect wording
• Organize generated ideas into a cohesive hypothesis statement with supporting details to prepare for the draft
• Structure the reaction paper by outlining key sections
• Ensure each comment references specific sections of the source material Ensure the final draft adheres to the specified format

Reviews

• These are a critical analysis of a work, evaluating its content, quality, and significance.
• They are written by scholars to provide informed perspectives on materials like books, articles, and films.
• The main goal is to inform readers about a work's merit and relevance, aiding their understanding.
• A review is descriptive in nature.
• It summarizes the work and evaluates its value, helping readers assess its relevance to studies/interests.

Steps to Consider in Film Reviews

• Watch the movie multiple times to analyze details missed in one viewing
• Include general opinions about the film
• Support opinions with specific examples to justify claims and maintain objectivity.
• Conduct audience analysis to determine the target readers
• Choose appropriate tone and vocabulary for effective communication.
• Avoid revealing too many details in the review
• Analyze the narrative structure
• Note what elements are included, lacking, or new to its viewers in relation to its genre
• Discuss how actors brought their characters to life
• Suggest alternatives for any lacking portrayals.
• Discuss the film's technical elements like themes, editing, lighting, symbolism, and musical scoring

Steps to Consider in Book Reviews

• Mention the title of the book
• Include the author's name
• Provide a personal quality rating on a scale of 0 to 5, where 0 = Bad, 5 = Great
• Break up the review into the following subparts
• Summary: Provide concise overview of the book's plot without revealing too much detail
• Entice readers to explore further
• Social/Historical Context: Consider the author's background and historical events that influence the book's themes and characters
• Style: Analyze the author's tone, language, and narrative techniques
• Thoughts: Share personal reflections/insights on the book's impact and effectiveness

Steps to Consider in Paper/Article Reviews

• Insert the title being reviewed
• Abstract (200-300 words): Summarize the rationale behind the review
• Abstract (200-300 words): Highlight the importance of the topic being reviewed.
• Abstract (200-300 words): Provide an outline to guide readers
• Introduction Introduces the article/paper being reviewed; discuss the topic, and present the main points that will be covered
• Thoroughly discuss each point outlined in the introduction.
• Explain each point briefly.
• Support claims with reliable sources and evidence.
• Use clear headings/subheadings for organization if necessary.
• Conclusion Summarize the key aspects of the review, reiterate the importance/purpose, highlight the main points, and discuss implications for the field of study

Critique Paper

• A deep understanding of the topic is essential for critique writing (e.g., film, art, academic text)
• Critique papers are often confused with reaction papers

Comparison with Reaction Papers

• Similarities include both involving expressing opinions on a topic
• The key difference being that reaction paper writers only need general knowledge
• Critique writers should have expertise in their chosen material.

Types of Critiques

• APA Critique Format: Evaluates academic papers, focuses on publication in reputable journals.
• Art Criticism: Evaluates works of art, involves subjective integration and analysis

APA Critique Format

• Introductory Part (Summary/Description): Present the title and the writer's name
• Introductory Part (Summary/Description): State the thesis statement to clarify the topic and issues
• Introductory Part (Summary/Description): Summarize the material reviewed, including purpose and objectives
• Introductory Part (Summary/Description): Highlight key findings and the central message
• The Body/The Review: Analyze and interpret the paper.
• The Body/The Review: Serve as the core of the critique, providing information to the summary presented in the introduction.
• The Body/The Review: Present the writer's judgment and perspective.
• The Body/The Review: Offer analysis that supports the interpretation.
• Concluding Part (Implications and Recommendation): Reflects the writer's personal impressions rather than a summary.
• Concluding Part (Implications and Recommendation): Evaluates the worth of the materials and their benefits to the community.
• Concluding Part (Implications and Recommendation): Discuss implications for the community.
• Concluding Part (Implications and Recommendation): Offer tangible suggestions for improvement.
• Description Introduce the artwork with clear sensory details (sight, sound, taste, feel)
• Highlight distinguishing elements that set the artwork apart
• Aim for comprehensive portrayal that allows readers to visualize the artwork
• Analysis Offer a detailed examination of the artwork's structure and components
• Discuss the use of elements like color, form, and technique
• Explore how these elements contribute to the overall impact of the piece.
• Interpretation Share subjective impressions and emotional responses to the artwork
• Evaluation: Summarize evaluation, analysis, and interpretation
• Evaluation: Present personal thoughts/feelings and give an overall assessment

Explore guidelines for crafting effective reviews and critiques. Learn how to write introductions and conclusions, use evidence, and avoid common pitfalls. Understand distinctions between reaction and critique papers and the role of objectivity.