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Outline for a Critique of an Article

I. Heading  
    Bibliographical reference in the correct format (MLA, APA or other)
II.     Main Summary
    Remember that a critique is not only a summary but also an evaluation. Your summary answers the first question below. Take the form of the essay style used by the author. The summary may be more than one paragraph.
III. Critique  
   

In responding to the second question below, try to evaluate:

1) the validity of the information: When applicable, check the sources. Who was the writer and what qualified him to write on this subject? Did he credit his information? How valid are his sources, i.e. did he get his information from American Psychological Association studies or Ladies Home Journal? (You can avoid some of these questions by carefully choosing articles in professional journals that are authorities in your particular field. You should be able to trust the AMA Journal, but do not count on Reader’s Digest.)

2) the presentation of the information. Is it logical, one step building on another? Is it understandable or did the writer overkill with vocabulary? Did he explain his terms? Could the information have been presented in a more direct, concise, understandable manner? Don’t forget the style—was it new and stimulating or were you bored as you read? Was the conclusion logical? Did it summarize? Were you prepared for the conclusion?
IV. Reaction  
    Finally, the third question allows you, as a reviewer, to give your personal opinion. Was the information you gained new, relevant, or did it simply restate an old issue? How can you use or apply what you learned from the article? How does this information correlate with others you have read? Try to do this with some authority. You do not have to say “in my opinion” or “I think;” your reader can assume it is your opinion since you are writing the review.

Remember the general formula for writing a critique:

1)  What is the writer trying to say?
2)  Does he say it well?
3)  Is it worth saying?