Sample Outline for a Critique

1. Introduction
   1. State the name of author and title of essay (i.e., Georg Knapp's The State Theory of Money)
   2. Give a brief summary of essay or argument
   3. Write your thesis statement--(i.e., Knapp's The State Theory of Money, originally seen as the work of a crackpot inflationist, redefined currency theory.)

2. Body--supporting evidence
   1. Point One--(i.e., The crackpot inflationist from the source)
      1. Use quotes from the work which may indicate the work of a lunatic
      2. Explain why or how the quote demonstrates Point One
      3. Explain how and why this supports your thesis
   2. Point Two--(i.e., The crackpot inflationist from others)
      1. Use quotes from other economists stating Knapp is a crackpot
      2. Explain why or how the quotes demonstrates Point Two
      3. Explain how and why this supports your thesis
   3. Point Three--(i.e., currency theory redefined)
      1. Etc...

3. Conclusion
   1. Restate your thesis
   2. Summarize your critique

Steps in writing a critique.

Briant Gilbert, Writing Consultant
Send comments to wac@niu.edu
All contents copyright (C) 1997. All rights reserved.
Revised: April 21, 1997
URL: http://www.engl.niu.edu/wac/critique.html