How to Write an Article Critique
Critiquing an article is an effective and simple way to help your students learn how to combine evidence and reason in to a constructive and well-researched piece. Most students do not know how to write an article review, an important skill for writing research papers. This simple lesson plan helps build this vital skill.
Get six writing lesson plans with common core objectives, notes, graphic organizers, rubrics and instructions in a downloadable/printable pdf document. You can simply print it out, stick it in your lesson plan book and wait for administrative accolades. The lessons are “How to Write a Narrative/Reflexive Essay,” “How to Write a Descriptive Essay,”“How to Write an Article Critique,” “How to Write an Informational Article,” “How to Write a Literary Analysis” and “How to Write a Tall Tale.
ELA Common Core Standards
- Common Core Writing Standard 1. Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
- Common Core Writing Standard 2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
- W.9-10.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in W.9-10.1-3.)
- W.9-10.5 Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of L.9-10.1-3.)
- W.9-10.7 Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
- W.9-10.8 Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
Writing an Article Review Instructions
A good article review contains a summary of the article with a personal response supported by evidence and reason.
- Take students to the library and have them choose articles (option 1).
- Choose articles of varying difficulty for students (option 2).
- Give several examples.
- Have students point out bias and comments.
For best results, grade the critiques, critique them, and hand them back to be redone (if necessary).
Before the assignment is turned in, instruct students to give it a quality check. Use the following questions.
- Have I organized the article review in a logical fashion with ideas clearly and concisely stated?
- Does all information follow correct bibliographic format?
- Does the summary include a brief explanation of the article which includes the author’s point of view?
- Does the critique of the article include evidence of bias, my own or the author’s, identify the pros and cons of the article, and indicate my recommendation?
- Have I summarized my personal response in a concluding statement?
You can also use this as a mini-rubric.
Speaking of Rubrics
Here’s a simple rubric to help with grading.
- Organization: The article is organized and ideas are clearly stated
- Bibliographic Information: All the information follows the bibliographic format given.
- Summary: Examples are clear and accurate. There are reasons and/or details to support personal reaction.
- Critique: Concluding statement creatively and clearly summarizes the personal response.
- Organization: Ideas are clearly stated, but the review lacks solid organization.
- Bibliographic Information: Information exists but the format is not followed.
- Summary: Examples are accurate. There are reasons and/or details to support personal reaction.
- Critique: Concluding statement clearly summarizes the personal response.
- Organization: Ideas are clear but article takes too long to make a point. Article lacks organization.
- Bibliographic Information: Some required information is missing.
- Summary: Inaccurate examples. There are reasons and/or details to support personal reaction.
- Critique: Concluding statement does not clearly summarize the personal response.
- Organization: Ideas are not clear. Article rambles.
- Bibliographic information: not provided.
- Summary: There are few or no examples to support personal response.
- Critique: Contains no concluding statement or one that does not summarize the personal response.
Types of Essays
Step-by-step instructions for writing different types of essays can be accessed by the following links.