Here are sample Critique Forms which you may find useful as guides for your critique discussions within your group. Some in-person groups use a printed form which members complete … that way the person being critiqued has written comments to take home and review after the meeting.

Hook: Does the opening grab you? If so, why? If not, where do you suggest the author begin the story?

Endings: Chapter endings lead into next chapter? Make you want to keep reading? Is the climax predictable? Is the conclusion consistent and satisfying?

Plot: The plot involves the main character in conflict. Does this story include conflict? Is there enough conflict? Is the main character the one who solves or deals with the conflict? Does each scene move the plot forward?

Characterization: Are the characters believable? Stereotyped? One-dimensional? Developed enough? Is there enough physical description?

Dialogue: Does the dialogue sound natural? Age appropriate? Move the plot forward? Develop the characters/setting?

Is the setting developed enough?

Point of View: Is the point of view consistent? Would this story be better told from a different point of view?

Originality: Is this story original? Have you seen anything similar? If so, what.

Easily illustrated: Is there any scene you can’t picture? Enough illustrations for pb?

Were there questions raised that haven't been answered? Any inconsistencies? What is the theme? What did you like about this story and why? What caused you problems and why?

Note any of the following in a line-by-line critique, if requested: Punctuation, spelling, paragraph breaks, show instead of tell, sentence length, confusing words/paragraphs, any scene that you can’t picture.

Some areas to consider:

• Introduction (hook)- does it grab you, make you want to keep reading?
• Do points flow in a logical sequence?
• Are enough examples given for clear understanding?
• Do the facts and examples have “kid appeal?” Are they interesting and lively? Are lively, descriptive verbs and nouns used?
• Does the article keep your interest?
• Did the author “show” the facts or just tell about them by reciting information?
• Is the writing targeted correctly for age?
• Any inconsistencies? Unanswered questions?

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