GUIDELINES FOR ABSTRACT, CRITIQUE, and EVALUATION

Requirements
Locate a scholarly essay related to your research subject. (Reviews, poetry explications, dissertation
abstracts, and articles in popular magazines are excluded for this assignment.)
The combined length must not exceed two pages ; font size must be at least 10
Instead of a title, include bibliographic information in MLA format.

Abstract
The abstract portion summarizes the essay - .
(In other words - you are to consolidate the authors ideas and statements into your words. Identify the
major points of the article. Do not belabor the obvious or repeat needless details. Explain the author's
viewpoint clearly and logically; do not misrepresent the material. Do not include extensive quotations; if
absolutely necessary, you may use one or two brief quotations from the source. You may want to outline
the article; you will certainly want to read and reread the article to gain a complete understanding of the
author's approach and content.)
The abstract should constitute 2-3 paragraphs of the assignment and should contain the following items.
1. Topic of the article
2. The argument/interpretation the author presents (the thesis statement).
3. Techniques used by the author: theoretical approach, research method(s), type of support (direct
quotations, other authorities, case studies, etc.)
Critique
This portion of the assignment evaluates the article.
(Not everything printed online, in a book, or in a periodical is valid or valuable. You are to critique the
effectiveness and completeness of the article.)
The critique should constitute 2-3 paragraphs of the assignment and should respond to the following questions.
1. Are the thesis and approach clear?
2. Is the pattern of organization logical and easy to follow?
3. Has the author cited sources accurately?
4. Has the author cited sources effectively?
Evaluation
In the evaluation portion you are to examine the relationship between the content of the article and your project.
This portion of the assignment should constitute 2-3 paragraphs of the assignment and should respond to the
following questions.
*1. Do you agree with what the writer is saying? Do his or her ideas clash with your ideas or call into
question your opinion or interpretation? Does the article help you to define your interests?
2. Has the writer taken account of other views, opinions, or interpretations of
evidence? How?
3. How does this reading build on, add to, contrast with, or otherwise relate to other
sources?
4. Does the article have useful bibliographical material? Does the article and bibliography lead you to
other useful information? Other sources?
5. Will you use this source in your project? Why/how or why not?
* Kennedy, Dorothy, X. J. Kennedy, and Marcia Muth. Writing and Revising: A Portable Guide. Bedford/St.Martins 2007.

Fall 2013