Criticizing People without Repercussion

Ms. LoganEnglish I

Critique

• A paper on several detailed aspects of a work (novel, art, movie, food, etc.)

• Usually takes a positive or negative tone (is rarely ambivalent)

• Movie critics, food critics, book critics, and music critics all make a lot of money selling their opinions because they always have REASONS and DESCRIPTIONS behind their criticism

You’ve basically already done this with a literary analysis,

except now you are downright vehement about

your opinion.

A Sample Introduction:

The newly-resurrected Hattiesburg restaurant The Bottling Company is horrible. Their service, food, and frigid atmosphere are all even worse than when they were open before. No reason could possibly exist which would encourage people to eat here.

Sample Literary Critique

Anthem by Ayn Rand turns out to be a horrible read. Its lack of grace when it comes to dialogue, social issues, and character development makes it a poor choice for anyone who had, before this book, enjoyed the art of reading.

Editorial

• Makes a comment on a social issue (usually very strong for or against the issue)

• Presents real-life community examples to identify with the reader

• Usually is very formal in style

Sample Introduction

The mayor of Hattiesburg ignores the poorer folk constantly. He always gives the best local tax breaks to those who already have money. Businessmen for miles around flock to the city to take advantage of Hattiesburg’s weak tax system. No wonder the city is broke.

Review

• A commentary that COMBINES editorial and critique

So yeah, you get to be a d-bag without consequence, as long as you have evidence to support your ideas.