Critical Commentary vs. Reflective Essay

Attribute	Critical Commentary	Reflective Essay
Definition	An analysis and evaluation of a text or artwork	A personal account or reflection on an experience or topic
Tone	Objective and analytical	Subjective and introspective
Focus	On the strengths and weaknesses of the text or artwork	On personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences
Structure	May include introduction, analysis, evaluation, and conclusion	May include introduction, body, and conclusion
References	May include references to other sources	May include references to personal experiences or external sources

Introduction

When it comes to academic writing, two common forms of writing that students often encounter are critical commentary and reflective essays. While both types of writing involve analyzing and evaluating a particular topic, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will compare the attributes of critical commentary and reflective essays to help you understand the differences between the two.

Definition

Critical commentary is a type of writing that involves analyzing and evaluating a piece of literature or other text. It requires the writer to provide a detailed analysis of the text, focusing on its strengths and weaknesses, as well as its overall effectiveness. On the other hand, a reflective essay is a form of writing that requires the writer to reflect on a personal experience or event. It involves introspection and self-examination, as the writer explores their thoughts and feelings about the experience.

Objective

The objective of a critical commentary is to provide a thorough analysis of a text, highlighting its key themes, literary devices, and overall impact. The writer must critically evaluate the text, offering insights and interpretations that go beyond surface-level analysis. In contrast, the objective of a reflective essay is to explore and reflect on a personal experience, examining how it has impacted the writer and what they have learned from it. The focus is on personal growth and self-discovery.

Tone

When it comes to tone, critical commentary tends to be more formal and objective. The writer is expected to maintain a professional tone and avoid personal opinions or biases. The focus is on analyzing the text based on evidence and logical reasoning. Reflective essays, on the other hand, have a more personal and subjective tone. The writer is encouraged to express their thoughts and emotions openly, sharing personal insights and reflections on the experience.

Structure

The structure of a critical commentary typically follows a formal academic format, with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction provides an overview of the text being analyzed, while the body paragraphs delve into specific aspects of the text, such as themes, characters, and literary devices. The conclusion summarizes the main points and offers a final evaluation. Reflective essays, on the other hand, often have a more narrative structure. They may begin with an anecdote or personal reflection, followed by a discussion of the experience and its impact, and end with a reflection on what has been learned.

Use of Evidence

In a critical commentary, the use of evidence is crucial to support the writer's analysis and evaluation of the text. This evidence may come in the form of quotes from the text, examples of literary devices, or references to scholarly sources. The writer must provide concrete evidence to back up their claims and interpretations. In a reflective essay, evidence is also important, but it is more focused on personal experiences and observations. The writer may use anecdotes, examples, or reflections to support their insights and reflections on the experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, critical commentary and reflective essays are two distinct forms of academic writing that serve different purposes and require different approaches. While critical commentary involves analyzing and evaluating a text in a formal and objective manner, reflective essays focus on personal experiences and reflections in a more subjective and narrative style. By understanding the attributes of each type of writing, students can better navigate the expectations and requirements of these assignments.