| This topic sheet was originally
devised for the Exciting
Writing Foundation Course. There is a table of
links to other teaching resources towards the bottom of
this page. |
WHAT MAKES CRITICISM "CONSTRUCTIVE" (FROM
THE WRITER'S PERSPECTIVE)?
- It highlights the strengths of the work, thereby encouraging
the writer and making her/him receptive to the views of the
critic.
- It uses questions whenever possible, rather than imposing
judgments (e.g. "Was the conflict between these two as
sharp as you would have liked?" rather than "These
two just didn’t spark for me").
- It speaks of potential for improvement rather than problems
(e.g. "I especially liked the pace of that scene —
I wanted more of that" rather than "I thought it was
really slow".)
- It is sufficiently specific to enable the writer to make
an effective evaluation of the need for any improvement (e.g.
"I didn’t like this character" is unhelpful,
whereas "Character A didn’t grab me — I’m
not sure I was convinced that A and B were talking like real
people in this chapter" is at least thought-provoking).
- It covers a broad range of relevant topics (e.g. based on
illustrative list overleaf) rather than having a narrow, repetitive
focus.
- It is conceived from the perspective of a reader/listener,
rather than addressing obscure technicalities (e.g. talk about
the sound of the words rather than criticising the quality of
the verse writing).
- It respects the writer’s ownership of the work and her/his
right to think differently.
A suggested process for formulating constructive
criticism.
- Formulate a list of issues (plot, characterisation, etc)
to be addressed in the appraisal.
- Devise one or more "open" questions for each issue.
(Open questions require complex answers and provoke thought,
whereas closed questions can be easily dismissed with a simple
"Yes".)
- Read/listen/appraise with the issues/questions in mind.
- Develop answers to the questions in the light of what you
have heard/read.
- Translate your thoughts into constructively critical comments
as discussed earlier.
ILLUSTRATIVE ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED
IN CRITICISM
Plot/Progress
- Gaining and maintaining the reader’s/listener’s
interest (including set-up and revelation of "mysteries")
- Quality/credibility of the "journey"
- Structure/Pace
- Conflict
Characterisation
- Depth
- Development
- Credibility
- Interaction
Language
- Visual/Evocative Imagery
- Subtext
- Rhythm/Rhyme
- Pace (including sentence length, speed of dialogue)
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