How to Critique an Essay (In order of Importance)

When critiquing a piece of writing, the goal is to offer up feedback, which means to flag errors and offer comments. Editors and proofreaders point out errors, but it is up to the writer to make the corrections.

Likewise, your job is to only point out errors and offer comments on correction. So when you critique, use your word processor's (Word, GoogleDocs, etc.) comment feature to add comments to the writing. Be as detailed as you can as to why what you're flagging is wrong, and how to make corrections. But your job is not to fix the errors for the writer.

Check the format

• This is fundamentally the most important part of a critique. Professors, employers, and even book publishers ask for writing to be formatted according to their instructions. Incorrect format demonstrates that the writer cannot follow directions. If the format is incorrect, no one will read the essay.

Requirements

• Requirements can focus on the specific subject matter, what goes into the introduction, the use of citations, specific word choices and vocabulary to include. Review and check off each requirement.
• Length: If an essay needs to be X number of words, it must be at least X number of words. An essay that needs to be Y pages long must completely fill Y pages. Even one line or one word missing is incorrect.

Logic

• The writing must make sense. If something doesn’t make sense to you as the critiquer, then it won’t make sense to the average reader. You need to point this out to the writer. Don’t assume that the writer understands it, and that you missed something. Point it out.

Fact Check

• Whenever a quote or fact is offered, it must be checked. One incorrect fact makes all others suspect, and destroy a writer’s authority on the subject. Double-check all facts, especially statistics, dates, and names.

Grammar & Punctuation

• While not a dealbreaker, readers cannot take a writer with poor grammar and punctuation seriously. They can also misrepresent the point or confuse readers.

Checklist

Format
Font	Set font for entire document to Times New Roman 12 pt.
Title	Title must relate to essay's argument.
Spacing	Set line spacing to double spaced (2.0).
Margins	Set all margins to 1 inch.
Indent	Indent the first line of all paragraphs.
Other	Other formatting as specified by instructor
Required
Length	Verify word count or page count (to the end of the page).
1st & 2nd POV	Remove 1st & 2nd person POV pronouns as specified.
Support	Include appropriate quotations and paraphrases as specified.
Citations	Include citations of requested style for quotations and paraphrases.
Other	Other requirements as specified by instructor.
Logic
Ideas	Paragraph topic sentences contain main argumentative ideas.
Progression	Logical progression of idea and support sentences through paragraph.
Organization	Logical grouping of paragraphs reflect main ideas.
Statistics & Dates	Verify all statistics and dates referenced.
Names	Double-check the spelling of all names.
Context	Ensure facts and quotations are not misrepresented in essay.
Grammar
Fragments/run-ons	Eliminate sentence fragments and run-ons.
Clarity	Make sure sentences are clear and free of awkward constructions.
Passive Voice	Use active voice verbs whenever possible.
Spelling	Check spelling, homophones, definitions, and ensure word choice.
Punctuation
Commas	Commas with coordinating conjunctions, in a series, dates, etc.
Apostrophes	Apostrophes used correctly for possession and contractions only.
Quotation Marks	Opening and closing marks placed next to their words.
Question marks	Eliminate most rhetorical questions
Exclamation Points	Eliminate exclamations from formal writing