How to Write a
C ritic a l R esponse
WE ARE
WRITING TUTORS
This PowerPoint is the property of Humber College’s Writing Centre and cannot
be reproduced without the consent of the Writing Centre – 2015
What is a Critical Response?
An opportunity to
respond to a spec ific
piece of writing.
What’s the Structure of a Critical
Response?
1. Introduction
2. Summary
3. Ana lys is
4. Response
5. Conclusion
How Do I Develop My Response?
1. Read actively
•With a pencil in hand, highlight, underline, and identify important elements of
the writing that you want to respond to.
2. Determine the author’s main point (the thesis)
3. Determine your position on the topic
•Look for elements that will support your response
Ok, great.
Now, how do I write this thing?!
Introduction
This is the rea der’s firs t impress ion of a piec e of writing.
– P rovide CONTEXT so your ideas and point of view are understood.
First sentence: Mention the name of the author and the title of the work
you’re responding to
Second sentence: A general statement about the topic
Next 3 or 4 sentences: Share the author’s thesis and mention the key
points
Last sentence: Your thesis (you can agree, disagree, build on, highlight, or
question the author’s point of view)
General opening statement
Relevant background information
Author’s thesis statement
1
2
