Theory and Critique

1. First Paragraph and Introductory Sentences


2. In a Theory and Critique Model, the author will begin by establishing what the current or conventional view or most commonly held opinion is about a particular phenomenon. What you will discover is that in most introductory paragraphs, the author will also state that this particular belief or opinion is wrong or flawed in some way.


3. This sets you up to either be persuaded to the author's way of thinking, or to read the passage in complete disagreement. Either way, the author has written the piece to be persuasive and you can expect more details that support the author's position to follow in the body.

2. Body


3. In the body, be prepared to notice that the author will focus on one (maybe two) more modern or radical (enlightened) views. Often the author will cite a study done by a notable institution or a particular scientist or researcher in that particular school of thought.


4. The author will then provide very specific examples that support his/her position. These may be observations, data collected, or other evidence. You may also be confused when the author presents even more conflicting data that might leave you with the understanding that while the older, more established position is wrong, no clear-cut new theory can be established at this point. For example, how many people have written diet books in the past 15 years? Each author has their own specific opinion about their diet. When these diets are then compared to traditional advice, there is evidence that older advice might be wrong, but that these new theories are not necessarily the correct answer yet, either. If they were, all medical personnel would be recommending the very same book/diet -- and yet, that has not happened.

3. Final Sentences


4. In the Theory and Critique model, the final sentences usually follow one of the following patterns:


• The author puts forth that both ideas have merit, but neither is especially persuasive.


• The author indicates that all theories are flawed, and possibly incomplete, in their data, understanding, etc.-- and that further study needs to be done (as is often the case in a new experimental medical procedure).


• The author may have yet one more idea to present that involves new evidence that might give an explanation for the conflicting views, or a combination of several positions.

In any case, the author has written this piece with a very firm opinion position, and this is what you should be on the lookout for.


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