CRITICAL REVIEW

The evidence cited in the text does not support the overall conclusion that playing violent games improves grade point
average (GPA). One study only examines educational games in relation to GPA, so it is questionable whether the same
findings will hold true for other types of games. Another study does not distinguish between different types of computer use,
making it difficult to assess whether it is game playing or activities such as research and writing that contributed to
improvements in GPA. Further, the author disregards relevant data that indicates that students with the highest GPAs are
those who report low computer use, which means that a direct correlation between game playing and GPA cannot be
supported.

What is a critical review?

A critical review is the summarization and evaluation of the ideas and information in a text. Reviewing critically means
thinking carefully and clearly and taking into consideration both the strengths and weaknesses in the text under review.

How to review critically?

Critical reviewing requires an awareness of the gist (central idea), the purpose and the intended audience of the text. This
evaluation involves analyzing the content and concepts of the text, separating them into their main components, and then
understanding how these interrelate, connect and influence each other.

What are the steps to writing an effective critical review?

1. Skim the whole text to determine the overall thesis, structure and methodology. This will help you better understand
how the different elements fit together once you begin reading carefully.
2. Read critically. It is not enough to simply understand what the author is saying; it is essential to challenge it. Examine
how the text is structured, the types of reasons or evidence used to support the conclusions, and whether the author is
reliant on underlying assumptions or theoretical frameworks. Take copious notes that reflect what the text means AND
what you think about it.
3. Examine all elements. All aspects of the text—the structure, the methods, the reasons and evidence, the conclusions,
and, especially, the logical connections between all of these—should be considered.
4. Ask key questions: The types of questions asked will vary depending on the discipline in which you are writing, but the
following samples will provide a good starting point:
o Structure: What type of text is it? (For example: Is it original research or a comment on original research?) What
are the different sections and how do they fit together? Are any of the sections particularly effective (or
ineffective)?
o Reasons/Evidence: What sources does the author use (experts’ opinions, theory-based arguments, personal
opinions, etc.)? What types of reasoning are employed – inductive (from specific to general situations), deductive
(from general to specific situations), or abductive (from some considerations to the most probable explanation)?
Are there any gaps in the evidence (or reasoning)?
o Conclusions: Does the evidence support the conclusions? Are the interpretations plausible? What does the text
contribute to the field?
5. Write the review: Formulate a thesis based on your overall evaluation. A strong thesis will acknowledge both strengths
and limitations.

How to best structure the critical review?

Choose a structure that will best allow supporting a strong thesis within the required page constraints. The first example
below works well with shorter assignments. The second example works better for longer reviews because it provides the
relevant description with the analysis and evaluation, allowing the reader to follow the argument easily.

Educational aims

The aims of this task are:

• To encourage learners to analyze their reading material in a logical and organized way.
• To familiarize learners with critical reviews and to encourage them to use it as a learning tool.
• To encourage small collaborative group work

Evaluation

CRITERIA 5.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0

Development and Develops paper as assigned, providing a robust and accurate

content summary and analysis of text; comments on author's ideas
with great insight and shows a thoughtful, in-depth analysis
of main contents.
Organization Arranges ideas clearly and logically to support the purpose
or argument; ideas flow smoothly and are effectively linked;
reader can follow the line of reasoning.
Writing mechanics Writing demonstrates a sophisticated clarity, conciseness,
and correctness
Adapted from myedison.tesc.edu/.../rubrics/FinalPaper_rubric_GLM550-JUN09.htm

References

Skene, A. (n.d). Critical review. Canada: University of Toronto. Retrieved from

ctl.utsc.utoronto.ca/twc/sites/default/files/CritReview.pdf
Çavuşoğlu, C., & Saydam, D. (n.d). Writing a critical review. Turkey: Middle East Technical University. Retrieved from
www.awc.metu.edu.tr/handouts/Writing_a_Critical_Review.pdf