The following list of criteria and focus questions may be useful for reading the text and for preparing the critical review. Remember to check your assignment instructions for more specific criteria and focus questions that should form the basis of your review. The length of the review/ assignment will determine how many criteria you will address in your critique.
| Criteria | Possible focus questions |
| Significance and contribution to the field |
|
| Methodology or approach (This usually applies to more formal, research- based texts) |
|
| Argument and use of evidence |
|
| Writing style and text structure |
|
Links
A Concise Guide to Writing a Critical Book Review, University of Alberta
What makes a good critical review? (pdf file) Language & Learning, Arts Faculty, Monash University
Writing an Appraisal/Critical Review, Charles Sturt University
How to Write a Critical Article Review, University College, University of Maine System
Critical Reviews, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Write Reviews and Critiques, Virtual Learning Commons, University of Manitoba.