What is Critique?, or, How to write effective reader responses

Reader responses are brief writing pieces that critique the readings assigned. Reader responses should be 1 single-spaced page long, 12pt Times New Roman font, and printed black on white paper, margins set at 1pt. When I say 2 pages long, I mean it. Shorter than that 1 page1 will result in an immediate 0.5 pt. penalty. Longer than 1 pg long will not earn you extra credit. 

What is Critique?, or, How to write effective reader responses (Note that this is only a rough guideline and not a structure to be followed point by point):

1. Choose a paragraph, sentence or concept in the text that strikes you as indispensable/important in illustrating the argument of the reading. 
2. Discuss and illustrate how that paragraph, sentence or concept is indispensable/important in illustrating the argument of the reading. That is, show how an intellectual engagement with that particular passage of the reading will enhance the readers understanding of the text.
3. Evaluate the passage: did the author achieve his/her task? That is, given that you have identified this particular passage as crucial, did the rest of the text explicate and back up the theory/argument in that passage?
4. Can you draw any useful connections with other texts (including videos) that we have read in class?
5. Any shortcomings in the text?