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

Writing: High-Level Synthesis & Critique C2

Lesson 2: Writing a Critical Review & Analyzing Subtext

Listen to key concepts for C2 writing.

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to deconstruct an author's unstated assumptions (subtext) and write a high-level critical review that evaluates a text's validity, bias, and contribution to its field.

C2 Writing: Summary vs. Critique

At a B2 level, you write a summary (What does the text say?). At a C2 level, you write a critique (What does the text do, and is it valid?). You are no longer just a reader; you are an analyst in conversation with the author.

B2 Summary (What it SAYS)

"In this article, the author lists three reasons why solar power is good. First, she says it is cheap. Second, she says it is clean. Third, she says it is available everywhere. In conclusion, the author is in favor of solar power."

C2 Critique (What it DOES)

"The author's argument relies heavily on an appeal to economic benefit, but it deliberately omits the high initial cost of installation. While her points on environmental impact are valid, her unstated assumption is that technology, not policy, is the only barrier to adoption. This oversimplifies the issue."

Analyzing Subtext: The 3 Lenses of C2 Critique

To write a C2 critique, you must first read like a C2 analyst. Use these three "lenses" to find the subtext (the hidden meaning).

Lens 1: The Author

Who is writing this, and why? Look for bias.

• "Who funded this research?"
• "What is the author's known political or corporate affiliation?"
• "What is the author's background (epistemological bias)?"

Lens 2: The Language

What rhetorical strategies are they using to persuade you?

• "Is this an appeal to emotion or appeal to authority?"
• "Why did they choose the word 'freedom' instead of 'deregulation'?"
• "Is this a false dichotomy (presenting only two choices)?"

Lens 3: The Gaps

What is the author *not* saying? The silence is often the real argument.

• "What data is deliberately omitted?"
• "Which major counter-arguments are conspicuously absent?"
• "Does the conclusion logically follow from the evidence provided?"

How to Structure a Critical Review

Your written review should follow a clear, academic structure.

1. Introduction: Introduce the author and the text. State their main argument (their thesis). Then, state your thesis—your overall evaluation of the text's validity and contribution.
2. Summary (Brief): In one short paragraph, summarize the text's main points objectively.
3. Critique (Main Body): This is the most important part. Use 2-3 paragraphs. Analyze the text using the 3 Lenses.
   • Critique its assumptions and bias (Lens 1 & 2).
   • Evaluate its evidence and logic (Lens 2 & 3).
   • Point out its strengths and weaknesses.
4. Conclusion: Restate your thesis in new words. Give a final judgment on the text's overall value and importance to the field.

Practice Your C2 Analysis 🎯

Quiz: Analyze the Subtext

Read the excerpts and choose the best C2-level analysis of the author's subtext or strategy.

1. Text:

"In his groundbreaking book, Dr. Srun, a 20-year veteran of the Ministry of Economy, argues that the new tax policy is the only logical path forward."

What is the *rhetorical strategy* of mentioning "a 20-year veteran of the Ministry"?

• A) To provide a simple, neutral fact about the author's age.
• B) To establish an "Appeal to Authority," suggesting the argument is credible and should not be questioned.
• C) To suggest that Dr. Srun is old and his ideas are outdated.

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2. Text:

"The 'common sense' solution is to simply lower taxes for businesses. Any other proposal is just complex, bureaucratic nonsense that will tangle us in red tape."

What is the *subtext* (the unstated argument) here?

• A) The author wants to find a solution that is both simple and bureaucratic.
• B) The author is asking for help to understand the complex proposals.
• C) The author is creating a "false dichotomy" (simple vs. complex) and using loaded language ("nonsense," "red tape") to dismiss all opposing views without analyzing them.

Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)

• Critique (Verb/Noun) | រិះគន់ (เชิงวิเคราะห์)
  To analyze and evaluate a text's strengths, weaknesses, and biases.
• Subtext | អត្ថន័យ​ ẩn
  The unspoken, implied meaning or bias *behind* the literal words.
• Assumption (Unstated) | ការសន្មត់
  A belief that the author holds but does not say directly.
• Validity | សុពលភាព
  The quality of being logical, factual, and sound.
• Rhetorical Strategy | យុទ្ធសាស្ត្រវោហារសាស្ត្រ
  A technique used to persuade (e.g., Appeal to Authority, False Dichotomy).
• Discourse | វาทកម្ម
  The specific language and assumptions used by a group (e.g., academic, legal, or political discourse).
• To Omit | បោះបង់ចោល
  To leave something out, sometimes deliberately.

Your Writing Mission ⭐

Write Your First Critical Review

Your mission is to move from B2 summarizer to C2 critic.

1. Find a short (1-2 page) academic paper or a strong opinion editorial (e.g., from The Economist, The Guardian, or Project Syndicate).
2. Read it using the 3 Lenses. Who wrote it? What words did they choose? What did they *not* say?
3. Write a 4-paragraph Critical Review (approx. 300-500 words) using the structure from this lesson:
   1. Introduction (Author's thesis + Your thesis)
   2. Brief Summary
   3. Critique (Analyze the subtext, bias, and logic)
   4. Conclusion (Your final judgment on its value)