The Lighthouse

How you write a critique will depend in part on what you are being asked to critique (e.g. a critical review of literature or a critique of a theory). However, in general when you are being asked to critique something you are being asked to assess it (e.g. in the case of a theory or argument is it overall strong/weak, significant?).

One good way to approach a critique is to break it into stages:

• Identify the argument/main point/s and the evidence/reasons given in support of them: Understanding what is being critiqued is an important first step in being able to evaluate it.
• Assess/evaluate the evidence/reasons given in the argument/main point/s: Are the evidence/reasons weak or strong, why?

One way of assessing/evaluating evidence/reasons is to ask relevant questions, such as:

• What other evidence is there to support this argument/point?
• Is the evidence/reason used to support this argument/point strong?
• What (if any) counter evidence is there against this argument/point?
• Do the conclusions follow from the premises?
• Are the premises true?
• Does the method suffer from any weaknesses/limitations?
• Does the argument/point/theory make a contribution?
• What strengths does the argument/point/theory have?

Also see:

• http://owll.massey.ac.nz/study-skills/critical-thinking.php http://owll.massey.ac.nz/pdf/studyup-critical-reasoning-handout.pdf
• http://owll.massey.ac.nz/pdf/studyup-critical-reasoning.pdf
• http://owll.massey.ac.nz/pdf/Academic-Writing-Guide-5-Critical-Thinking-and-Other-Useful-Tips.pdf