How to Write a Critique Essay? 7 steps

Guide for writing influential Critique Essays with easy to understand instructions and compelling tips. Being able to write a critique essay will serve a student well in their academic career and in some cases professionally. This article provides the necessary guidelines to producing a well reasoned critique essay.

 

What is a Critique Essay?

A critique essay analyzes a work of art. It can be a book, painting, movie or music. It evaluates both the good and the bad, and works to reveal its meaning and purpose. The analysis done in a critique essay is meant to be unbiased so as to fairly represent and acknowledge both sides of the argument.

The focus of the essay is on evaluating the work impartially and not forming a personal opinion. It is for this reason that the first person is not used in writing this essay.

Instructions (7 Steps)

1. Take In The Art Form

In order to critique an art form, the writer must first experience it. If it is a book, it should be read and if it is a movie, it should be watched. In order to evaluate the piece of work, this first step must be taken to understand it. The way the writer will respond to it and the emotions it will trigger should be carefully noted. If necessary, carry along a notebook and jot down notes of your impressions. Also try to get the experience more than just once. You may find your impression altered the second time around.

2. Focus your Critique

The writer should decide on which aspect of the art work to focus on. As it will be an in depth analysis of the topic then the writer should consider examining just a single aspect of the work rather than taking a broad view that may not be adequately covered in a single essay. For instance rather than focusing on all aspects of a song, the writer can critique the music video to the song.

3. Organize your Notes

Using the notes you have collected, you can create an outline. This will allow you to organize the notes in a coherent manner. Most critique essays follow the standard format of an introduction, three-paragraph body and a conclusion.

4. The Introduction

Start by identifying the piece and its creator. Give a bit of background on the creator especially if the readers may not be aware as to who he or she is. Mention whether the creator is a pro in their field or is just starting out. Also talk about the piece, is it part of a collection or single? If it is part of a collection, what is the general opinion on the other pieces and the collection as a whole? Has it been reported as being controversial? Is this the first viewing or part of an ongoing tour?

Explain in a brief summary what it is about and what the creator expected to convey. Give your hypothesis about the work and the areas you will cover in trying to prove your suppositions. This brief summary gives the reader an idea of what the essay is going to cover. It should be written in an interesting manner so as to entice the reader into continuing on to the body of the essay.

5. The Main Body

Three paragraphs is the standard number but if the writer feels he or she has more to say then they can add on. This part of the essay is not about providing a summary of the work but rather an analysis. The focus is to see whether the intended outcome of the creator was met. Did the impression the writer receive, what the creator intended? Provide clear evidence of your argument and give unbiased reflections. Do not get personal and do not provide unsubstantiated commentary. Give reason as to how the creator managed to create the intended impression and in what ways he or she failed.

The writer may however make reference to other people’s opinions and impressions of the work. This can help to support the writers view or provide a contrast.

The writer should however be able to give reason as to why his or her hypothesis is stronger than any other opinion. He or she should use quality reasoning when making their case.

The writer may make comparisons with similar bodies of work, make reference to statistics and provide anecdotes to fill out the main body. These additional references should help to support the writers’ argument. Making use of other essays on the same work or even information on the creator of the work is also permissible.

6. The Conclusion

It can give a brief summary of what has been covered in the main body and it should clearly show how the points raise clearly support the hypothesis put forward in the introduction. It should bring to a sound end the essay. Remember to state whether you agree with the creator. Be sure to mention the title of the work and its creator in the conclusion.

7. Proofread

This is to ensure that the essay is written in grammatically correct language and the spelling of words is in order. It also ensures the flow of the essay makes sense and all parts of the essay come together properly.

7. Tips

1. Read the Entire Essay

Be sure to read through the entire essay to ensure that the flow of argument makes sense. Perform a rewrite if necessary to correct any anomaly. Ensure each paragraph makes the point it is supposed to clearly.

2. Third person

Write the essay in the third person and ensure that every impression is backed up with clear evidence.

3. Make Good use of Notes

Make good use of the notes you compiled while observing or experiencing the art work. This is what you will use in creating an outline and will remind you of your firsthand impressions of the work.

4. Advices to Novice

Remember that by offering a critique essay, a writer is giving an impression that he or she is an expert in the field written about. It would be advisable that novices should avoid formulating such an essay as it may lead to their own criticism.

5. Sources of your Evidence

Also be sure of the sources of your evidence. The essay may come under scrutiny and if there is no evidence to support the comments, the reputation of the publisher and the author will suffer.

6. Controversial Stand

Be careful of any controversial stand you take in your critique. It is the kind of thing to attract bad publicity and even legal repercussions. Be sure that the evidence on which you base your conclusions is legitimate

7. Reference

If you are going to make reference to other critics’ opinions on the body of work, be sure that you chose reputable experts. Repeating the opinion of someone with no credibility could affect your own.

8. Criticism

Any critique done often attracts its own criticism, so the writer should be ready for either a backlash or support depending on public opinion and how the essay came out.

9. Formatting Rules

Check if the publisher of the essay follows certain formatting rules. For instance, those who follow APA style, have to adhere to a strict format for their critique essay. Be sure to submit your work as per the requisite formatting rules.

May I know your favorite Critique Essay Topic? I am feeling excited to read and reply your valuable comments.