Collect all your reference materials in one work area. A large table where you have room to spread out is ideal.
Read critically, and take notes both on the work you will criticize and on the sources you are gathering.
Eliminate any sources you will not be referencing.
Catalog the remaining references on the 3x5 cards. Record the source's author, publisher, publication date and relevant page numbers.
Type the reference page following APA format. This page will appear at the end of your paper, but it needs to be compiled first so that you can properly cite these references. Center the word "Reference" at the top of the page. Use hanging indents by aligning the first line of each reference with the left margin and indenting by one-half inch any text that extends beyond one line.
Write down examples from the APA guide of each type of in-text citation you will be using. When you refer to any of the sources listed on your "References" page, you must use a properly formatted in-text citation. Writing down the types you'll need beforehand saves the time of browsing through the many APA citation forms each time you need to include one.
Memorize the formats you will use most. Knowing a few well-chosen in-text citation formats will save time now and on future papers as well.
Make an outline. Consolidate your notes, bringing them together in an outline that simulates the logical order your paper will follow. APA style has guidelines for formatting such as page numbers, margins and citations, but they do not issue guidelines specifically for critique papers. If you have not been given a specific format to follow, a summary and evaluation is commonly used.
Place the outline where it will be visible during the writing process and follow it.
Write the summary. This should be approximately one-third the total length of your completed critique. The purpose of the summary is to convince your reader that you have read and fully comprehend the author's meaning. Use in-text citations in APA format for all references.
Write the evaluation. This section should be approximately two-thirds the length of the paper. It evaluates both the positive and negative aspects of the criticized work, and may include suggestions for improvement and counter arguments. Support your opinions with reasons and authorities.