Critical Analysis and Writing the Critique

Abstract

A critique is the written analysis of the subject. Critical analysis skills are needed to write an effective critique, but it is also necessary to be able to communicate the analysis to a reader in a clear, effective way. Thus, it simply means thinking about whether or not the text is useful; whether or not its arguments are valid; and whether or not there are problems with the theory, methodology, or assumptions used by the author. Critical reading is the ability to read a text without automatically accepting everything it says. In other words, it means questioning what an author has to say about a topic. In order to read critically, it is essential to ask questions while reading, not only afterwards.