Writing: High-Level Synthesis & Critique C2 - Lesson 2: Writing a Critical Review & Analyzing an Author's Subtext

C2 Writing: Critique

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The Iceberg

Explicit vs. Implicit

EXPLICIT (10%) SUBTEXT (90%)

Tap the tip or the mass to explore meanings.

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Find the Bias

Tap highlighted phrases to analyze

"We must protect the ordinary, hard-working citizens from these radical changes. I simply suggest we return to traditional values."

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Reviewer's Lexicon

Precise Critical Terms

Ostensibly... (Adv)

"Ostensibly a comedy, the film actually explores deep grief."

Underscore (Verb)

"The stark lighting underscores the protagonist's isolation."

Paradoxically... (Adv)

"Paradoxically, his silence spoke volumes."

Hackneyed (Adj)

"The plot relies on hackneyed tropes about romance."

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Mission

Deconstruct a Text

Task: Find a recent Opinion Article (Op-Ed).

Write a short paragraph analyzing what the author didn't say. Use these prompts:

• "While the author ostensibly argues for X, the subtext suggests..."
• "The use of emotive language underscores a bias against..."
• "The author conspicuously avoids mentioning..."