Writing a critical commentary

I have just been set a timed essay, in which I have to write an "evaluation of (a journal) extract in the form of a critical commentary". For some reason, I have been struggling with understanding what a critical commentary is exactly, and how one should be written. I have done one before, but it turned out that it was wrong and when I asked advice from my teacher he was very vague and didn't help in the slightest bit. So I was just wondering what people would define a critical commentary as and if anyone has any advice on writing one? I have to write it very soon, as the deadline is approaching!

Reply 1

Cambyses

I'm not exactly sure but I would hazard a guess that the question just requires you to analyse it in detail, focusing clearly on the text itself, not just general analysis surrounding it. Talk about syntax, vocabulary, style, intent, etc.

Reply 2

hobnob

I'd say a critical commentary means close reading, basically. It's about analysing what a text does and how it does it. And as Cambyses said, language analysis plays an important part in it.