A List of Possible things to look for in a Critique

How you critique will depend both on what your strengths are and what your partner is looking for. Having a clear vision of what she wants from your critique is very important – keep this in mind throughout your reading.

Here are some things that might be included in your critique:

For Fiction

Big Picture Stuff to Look For:  

• Did you enjoy the story? Why or why not? 
• Does it work as a whole? 
• Consistency of main character
• Consistency of other characters
• Likability of main character
• Likability of other characters
• Are the motives of the characters understandable and logical to the story? Any awkward ones?
• Is it appropriate for the chosen audience? 
• How is the pacing? 
• Are there any holes in the story?
• Lack of information or description?
• Are the good guy(s) likable and the bad guy(s) really bad?
• Comments on the setting

Small Picture Stuff. Please watch out for:

• Any awkward phrases (try to explain why they seemed awkward to you)
• Typos, grammatical errors, punctuation problems, etc. (Some writers prefer to leave this until the editing stage)
• Poor transitions 
• Unrealistic dialogue 
• Did the first paragraph grab your attention?
• Balance of narrative and action
• Repetitive use of words
• Large sections of dialogue without hints to identify speakers
• Point of view issues – Is the POV consistent throughout the piece?

For Non Fiction

Big Picture Stuff: 

• Is it easy to read? 
• Is it entertaining?  
• Are there adequate illustrations or anecdotes and are they effective?
• Is there adequate information? 
  
• The overall structure – is it logical?
  

Small Picture Stuff:

• Does the title catch your eye? 
• Does the first sentence grab your attention?
• Are the facts accurate? 
• Are the references correct? 
• Does it transition smoothly?
• Are they any awkward phrases?
• Incorrect grammar, misspellings, and so on.