WRITING CRITIQUES AND

REACTION PAPERS

THE CONTENT AND

ORGANIZATION OF CRITIQUES
AND REACTION PAPERS
A good critique paper is….
ACCURATE

It provides an accurate
description of the work being
evaluated by giving its
summary and/ or background
details, like answers to basic
questions- who, what, when,
where, and why.
EVALUATIVE

It gives the writer’s overall

judgment of the work. It
makes this judgment
convincing by giving three or
more supporting evaluations
of selected analytical
elements of the work.
BALANCED

The writer achieves balance

by evaluating positively
reviewed works with a critical
lens, pointing out their flaws
while also acknowledging
their merits.
BALANCED

Conversely, when critiquing

negatively reviewed works,
they give credit to their
strengths amidst the overall
negative evaluation.
 Sample: A Paragraph from a Critique Paper
Opinion

Inception is a "mind-bending masterpiece" that challenges

conventional storytelling. Nolan's visionary approach to
Supporting Fact 1
filmmaking is evident throughout, as he skillfully weaves
together layers of dreams within dreams to create a
captivating and immersive experience. The ensemble cast,
led by Leonardo DiCaprio, delivers powerhouse Supporting Fact 2
performances that bring depth and emotion to their
respective roles, enhancing the film's impact. Hans
Zimmer's haunting score adds another layerSupporting
of intensity,
Fact 3
perfectly complementing the film's surreal atmosphere.
 Sample: A Paragraph from a Reaction Paper
"Watching 'Inception' was nothing short of a mind-altering experience.
Christopher Nolan's ability to construct such a complex yet coherent
narrative is truly remarkable. As the layers of dreams unfolded before me, I
found myself completely immersed in the world he had created. The
performances, particularly by Leonardo DiCaprio, were mesmerizing,
drawing me deeper into the characters' struggles and motivations. What
struck me most was the film's exploration of the nature of reality and the
power of the mind. It left me questioning the boundaries between dreams
and reality, and the idea that our perceptions might not always be as
reliable as we believe. 'Inception' is not just a movie; it's a thought-
provoking journey that lingers long after the credits roll."
 An Overview of the Writing Process
Step 1. Know well the nature of the writing
assignment, especially the subject of the critique
or reaction paper and the analytical elements to be
included in the paper.

Step 2. See, listen to, or otherwise experience the

work to be evaluated, considering some
important details.
An Overview of the Writing Process
Step 3. Outline your presentation, following the
conventional organizational pattern for critiques
and reaction papers.

Step 4. Draft and edit your paper, paying careful

attention to mechanical and grammatical
concerns.
Step 1. Know the writing assignment.

Understanding the writing

assignment involves grasping
its type, purpose, length, and
format, as well as considering
the intended audience, criteria
for evaluation, submission
deadline, and any additional
instructions.
Step 1. Know the writing assignment.
KNOW THE DETAILS OF THE WRITING ASSIGNMENT

Do not be afraid to ask your

teacher or to clarify
instructions. What details of the
assignment do you need to find
out?
Step 1. Know the writing assignment.
KNOW THE DETAILS OF THE WRITING ASSIGNMENT
Step 1. Know the writing assignment.
KNOW THE DETAILS OF THE SUBJECT

Who
A. Who are the people involved
in creating the work? What
other previous works have
they done?
B. Who is the intended audience
for the work?
Step 1. Know the writing assignment.
KNOW THE DETAILS OF THE SUBJECT

What
A. What event is the work a part
of?
B. What is the work about? What
are the different analytical
elements that make up the
work?
C. What is the creator’s purpose?
Step 1. Know the writing assignment.
KNOW THE DETAILS OF THE SUBJECT

Where and When

A. Where and when is the work

staged or exhibited?
B. Where and when was the
work staged before? Where
and when will it be staged
after?
Step 1. Know the writing assignment.
KNOW THE ANALYTICAL ELEMENTS OF THE SUBJECT

Explain what makes it good or

bad or identify the different
components of the work that we
find effective or not, also called
the analytical elements.
 Step 2. View or Experience the Assigned Subject.

Immerse oneself in the assigned subject,

such as watching the movie to gather
insights and form opinions for the critique
paper. This entails dedicating focused time
to the viewing experience, taking notes on
plot elements, character dynamics, and
cinematic techniques.
 Step 2. View or Experience the Assigned Subject.

Additionally, it requires critically analyzing

the movie's storytelling effectiveness,
thematic depth, and emotional impact.

Contextual understanding, including

awareness of the film's background and
cultural influences, enriches the viewing
experience.
 Step 2. View or Experience the Assigned Subject.

After viewing the work, take time to process. Try

answering these questions:

1. How do I feel about the work as a whole? (for

reaction paper)
2. What did I like about it? (for reaction paper)
3. What did I not like about it?
4. What would I suggest to the creator to make
it better? (for reaction paper and critique)
 Step 2. View or Experience the Assigned Subject.

After viewing the work, take time to process. Try

answering these questions:

5. What message does the creator wish to

convey? Or what purpose is the work trying to
fulfill? (for critique)
6. What did the creator do to achieve this? (for
critique)
7. Do I think the creator succeeded in this? Why
or why not? (for critique)
 Structure of Critique and Reaction Paper
Part Content
Introduction Summary of the work being evaluated
Background Information
Overall judgment of the work. This serves as the thesis
statement.
Body Supporting opinions to the overall judgment.
Supporting facts / details to back up the opinions
Conclusion A restatement (using different wording) of the overall
judgment. Some final thoughts of the critic or reactor
such as suggested actions or thoughts on the significance
or practical use of the work.
 Step 3. Draft and Edit the Paper.
After outlining, start drafting your paper.
Remember that a draft is your initial
attempt at writing so expect it to have
plenty of room for improvement.

Then, take time to edit and revise your

work. Check grammar, mechanics, and
format. Also, check the accuracy of the
factual details.
STRUCTURE OF A
CRITIQUE
I. Introduction
II.Summary
III.Analysis/Evaluation
IV.Conclusion/Recommend
ation
 INTRODUCTION
⮚Give relevant bibliographic information;
⮚Give the reader a clear idea of the nature,
scope, and significance of the work;
⮚Indicate your evaluation of the work in a
clear 1-2 sentence thesis statement.
 SUMMARY
⮚Briefly summarise the main points and
objectively describe how the creator portrays
these by using techniques, styles, media,
characters or symbols.

This summary should not be the focus of the critique

and is usually shorter than the critical evaluation.
 ANALYSIS/EVAL
UATION
⮚This section should give a systematic and
detailed assessment of the different elements
of the work, evaluating how well the creator
was able to achieve the purpose through
these.
 ANALYSIS/EVAL
UATION
⮚A critical evaluation does not simply highlight
negative impressions. It should deconstruct
the work and identify both strengths and
weaknesses. It should examine the work and
evaluate its success, in light of its purpose.
 CONCLUSION/RECOMM
ENDATION
This is usually a very brief paragraph, which includes:
⮚A statement indicating the overall evaluation of the
work
⮚A summary of the key reasons, identified during
the critical evaluation, why this evaluation was
formed.
⮚In some circumstances, recommendations for
improvement on the work may be appropriate.
LET’S HAVE A
DRILL
 Watch this animated short film.
Then, answer the following questions as a way of
critiquing its content.

• What is the film about?

• Do you like the film? Why or why not?
• What relevant issue is exposed in the film?
• Was the message clearly conveyed?
• What are its strengths and weaknesses?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cBZrr2
ZUsg

The
Controller
Food for Thought
In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk
very little, yet enjoy a position over those who offer
up their work and their selves for our judgment.
We thrive on negative criticism which is fun to
write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics
must face is that, in the grand scheme of things,
the average piece of junk is more meaningful than
our criticism designating it so. But there are times
when the critic truly risks something and that is the
discovery and the defense of the new. The world is
often unkind to new talent, and new creations. The
new needs friends.
-From Ratatouille