Writing a Critical Response A critical response is

Writing a Critical Response A critical response is an analysis of and a commentary on another literary work. It focuses on content and technique. Can be writing, media, film etc. Two missions for your response: Summarize the main idea. Respond with reactions based on your understanding of what you have read or viewed.

Read or view actively and thoughtfully Take notes, annotate and re-read!!! Seek answers to the following questions: ü What are the main points? What does it say? ü What evidence does the author give? What does it mean? ü What is the purpose? What does it matter? Take Good Notes!!

What Does it Say? • Look to the title and opening statements. Good writing will quickly indicate the purpose of the article or TED Talk. Opening paragraphs will have good structure with a thesis and support.

What Does It Mean? q. Does the work achieve its purpose? q. Was this a worthwhile topic? q. Was too much or too little support offered by the author? q. Is the writer credible and believable? q. Is the evidence clear? Digging Deeper!!!

What Does it Matter? Response to article in the 3 rd person showing your reaction based on your own prior knowledge and opinions and what you discovered by reading or viewing the article. Avoid “I statements” - stay objective and write in the 3 rd person.

Remember: The article is not written for you personally!!!! Therefore, to be critical you must consider the audience and purpose!!!