How to write an article critique

1. How to Write an Article Critique
An article critique is an analysis of an article that evaluates the success of a work.
Critiques give additional insight into an articles strengths and weaknesses, as well as
provide an analysis of its main points. Some formatting styles, such as APA have specific
guidelines on how to write a critique however, the necessary components of a critique are
generally the same. To adequately critique an article you must have a thorough
knowledge of what it is you are critiquing.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preparation
1Read the article. Try not to make any notes when you read the article for the first time.
2Read the article again, paying close attention to the main point or thesis of the article and
the supporting points that the article uses.
3Read the article again. To write a thorough article critique you must have thorough
knowledge of the article. Reading it more than once helps to ensure that you haven't
missed any important details.
4Consider the credentials of the author. Does the author of the article have the
necessary credentials to be considered a reliable authorial voice? It is important to
consider the author's expertise and possible biases that may be tied to his perspective.
5Consider the credentials of the sources used in the article. Are the sources used to
support the author's claims authentic and respectable? Published works such as books,
journals and other scholarly sources are a few of the adequate sources of information that
an author may source.
2. Writing the Critique
6 Begin by writing APA style bibliography of the reference in which you are critiquing at the
top of your page.
7Compose an introduction. In paragraph form, the introduction should include the
author's name, the name of the article, its source and the thesis or main point of the
article.

2. 8Summarize the article's supporting points. "How to Write a Critique" suggests that you
"summarize the author's purpose and main points/evidence cited that are used for back
up." (this is part of the body of your written article critique)
9Determine whether or not the supporting points provided hold up the article's main points
adequately and compile your evaluation and review of the article. The University of
Waterloo's guide, "How to Write a Critique," recommends that your evaluation contain the
answers to the following questions: What are the author's credentials or areas of expertise?
Do you agree with the author? Did the author use appropriate methods to gather the
evidence? Was the evidence used by the author accurate? Are the article and the evidence
still valid or are they outdated, leading to an invalid conclusion? Was the author successful
in making his/her point?. The University of Waterloo's website also advises that you "divide
the article into sections of thought and write a brief summary of each thought in your own
words...[and] back up your decisions by stating your reasons." (This is a part of the body of
your written article critique)
10Write your conclusion. According to "How to Write a Critique," your conclusion
should contain a general opinion of the article, state your agreement or disagreement
with the author and the reasons for your conclusion.
11 Create a reference page. On a separate page, all sources cited in your paper
should be included in the reference page. (See this site
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/07/)
12 Edit your written critique. It is suggested that you let your written work sit for awhile
and then go back and edit your work. Have someone edit your work. Remember your best
finalized written work should be presented to your college instructor. (Use the course
Written Scoring Rubric as an editing guide)
13 Attach a copy of your article to your completed written critique and hand in to your instructor
as complete.