How to Write a Commentary Essay Example: A Delve into Creative Criticism

In the realm of academic writing, a commentary essay stands out as a unique form of expression, blending personal opinion with analytical critique. This essay not only evaluates a subject matter but also offers an insight into the writer’s perspective. Here’s an example that explores the writing process in detail.

Introduction

It is essential to start with a clear introduction, which introduces the subject of the commentary essay and briefly summarizes the key points you want to cover. For instance, if you are writing about a literary work, you could begin by summarizing the work and highlighting what aspects you intend to focus on in your commentary.

Background Analysis

The next step is to delve into the background of the subject matter. Discuss the historical or cultural context that influenced the piece you are commenting on. For instance, if it’s a piece of literature, discuss the author’s background and how their experiences reflect in their work. If it’s a social issue, present the current situation and relevant past events that might have shaped it.

Critical Evaluation

In this section, offer your critical analysis of the subject matter. Discuss what works well in the piece and what could be improved. Use specific examples to support your points. For instance, if writing about a movie, analyze the director’s choices in terms of cinematography, acting, and how effectively they communicate the intended message.

Personal Perspective

One of the most significant aspects of a commentary essay is offering your personal perspective. This section should be a blend of your personal experience, emotions, and insights related to the subject matter. For instance, share how the subject matter resonates with you personally or how it has influenced your views on a particular topic.

Comparative Analysis (Optional)

If possible, make comparisons to similar works or situations to provide a broader perspective. This helps in validating your points and adding depth to your analysis. For instance, if writing about a particular book, compare it to other works in the same genre or by the same author to offer a broader understanding of its themes and message.

Conclusion

Conclude your essay by summarizing your main points and highlighting the overall impact of your commentary. This is also where you can offer suggestions or ideas for further exploration on the subject matter. For instance, suggest possible ways to improve a particular work or how people can learn from its insights.

This is just an example structure for a commentary essay; your own writing may vary depending on your subject matter and preferences. Remember, effective commentary requires deep understanding of the subject matter, critical thinking, and coherent organization of thoughts into a cohesive essay. Practice with various topics and forms of commentary will help you refine this skill further.

FAQs

Q: What makes a good commentary essay?
A: A good commentary essay is analytical, critical, and well-structured. It presents a clear argument, backed by evidence and examples, while also incorporating personal perspectives and insights.
Q: How should I start my commentary essay?
A: Start with an engaging introduction that introduces the subject matter and summarizes your key points.
Q: What should I include in my conclusion?
A: The conclusion should summarize your main points and offer insights on how readers can further explore or understand the subject matter. You can also offer suggestions or ideas for future exploration.
Q: How do I offer my personal perspective in a commentary essay?
A: In the ‘Personal Perspective’ section, share how the subject matter resonates with you personally or how it has influenced your views on a particular topic. Use personal anecdotes or experiences to support your points.
Q: How do I ensure my essay is critical?
A: Ensure that your analysis includes critical analysis by discussing what works well in the subject matter and what could be improved with specific examples to support your points.