STEPS TO WRITING A CRITICAL RESPONSE

The Novel Essay

Interpret the task

Write a thesis

Construct a plan

Collect evidence to

support thesis

Write the introduction

Write the body

Write a conclusion

Proofread and edit

Writing a critical response to a novel requires careful

planning. Following these steps will help you to organise your essay

effectively.

Using Quotes

Short Quotes: …which is evident when Kylie says to Tom, “tell someone who cares, Tom” (Burke, 2005, p. 15).

Long Quotes (approx. more than 30 words):-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------which is demonstrated by the quote:

“We will leave these words with all of you, the words of a respected citizen of this town, words that seem to represent what so many of us feel – Daniel Brennan was an accident waiting to happen. What a shame his accident happened to others. Our family will be there in court next week, yet no sentence will be long enough” (Burke, 2005, p. 123).

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Things to avoid!!!!

Avoid personal pronouns – instead of ‘I think...’ state items as fact ‘It is clear that...’

Avoid using words that show gender biasAvoid colloquialisms or slangUse the author’s full name or surname, not

their first nameThe title of the novel should be distinguished

in some way (‘inverted commas’ or italics)Do not use headings, sub-headings or dot-

points