How to Write a Commentary Essay (With Examples)

 Commentary essays are a common assignment in higher education, requiring students to express their opinions and back them up with evidence. This type of essay writing allows for deeper topic analysis, providing valuable insights and potentially sparking important discussions. However, many students struggle with the structure and format of these essays. Fear not, as this article will provide a step-by-step guide on How to Write a Commentary Essay, complete with examples to help you understand the process better.
Whether you’re analyzing a piece of literature, a current event, or a social issue, mastering the art of commentary writing is essential for any student looking to excel in their academic endeavors. Following the writing tips, guidelines for writing a commentary essay and examples provided in this article, you can craft a well-structured and persuasive commentary essay that will impress your professors and classmates. So, let’s dive in and learn how to write a commentary essay like a pro. 

What is a Commentary Essay?

A commentary essay is a written piece that provides an opinion on a particular subject. It is usually written in response to another work, such as a blog post, article, or book passage. In a commentary essay, the writer will offer their take on the subject, using evidence and examples to support their claims.

Commentary essays are commonly assigned in academic institutions to help students develop their critical thinking skills and provide an individual perspective on a subject. They are particularly useful for helping readers understand a topic in more depth and can be used to evaluate various concepts and analyze a subject in a broader scope.

Commentary essays are distinct from other types of essays in that they allow the use of the first-person pronoun “I” to present the writer’s point of view. They also do not require a general topic discussion or a thesis statement. Instead, the focus is on providing a detailed analysis and description of a specific text, such as a newly published article or story.

What is a literary commentary?

A literary commentary is a detailed analysis of a text, such as a poem or novel, that focuses on specific aspects of the work. The commentary often includes an examination of the author’s use of literary devices, themes, and figurative language. It can also delve into the historical or cultural context of the text. A stanza by stanza analysis is a common part of the commentary, where the reader breaks down the poem into smaller sections to examine the meaning of each. The author may provide their opinion on the work, but a literary commentary should also demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the text being analyzed.

While some literary commentaries can be formulaic in their approach, a truly insightful commentary will broaden the reader’s understanding of the text and its applicability to the world around us. By delving into the intricacies of a work and exploring its themes and symbols, a commentary can offer new perspectives and interpretations that enrich the reader’s experience of the text. It is a way to engage with literature on a deeper level and appreciate the artistry behind the words.

How to Write a Commentary Essay: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we understand what a commentary essay is let’s go through the steps to writing a literary commentary:

Step 1: Choose a Topic and Gather Information

Before writing your commentary essay, you must choose a topic and gather relevant information. This could be a newly published article or text you want to analyze and provide your perspective. Ensure you understand the text by reading it multiple times and noting any important keywords or ideas.

Step 2: Create a Commentary Essay Outline

Once you have gathered your information, it’s time to create a commentary essay outline for your essay. This will help you organize your thoughts and ideas and ensure your essay’s structure is clear. Your outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In the introduction, you should provide basic information about the text, such as the title, author, publication date, and genre. You should also include a hook to grab the reader’s attention and a thesis statement that states your essay’s main claim.

Step 3: Write the Introduction

In the introduction, you should be able to provide context for your analyzing text and state your thesis or main argument. You can also list the themes that you will discuss in the body of your essay. Remember to keep the introduction brief and assume that your reader has already read the text.

Step 4: Write the Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs are where you will support your thesis with specific examples and evidence. Each body paragraph should have a clear topic sentence that states what the paragraph will discuss and how it supports your thesis. Include relevant quotes or examples from the text and explain how they connect to your thesis. Make sure to use smooth transitions between examples to help your reader follow your argument.

Step 5: Write the Conclusion

In the conclusion, you will tie together the main points of your essay and emphasize the importance of the text you are analyzing. Summarize your argument and extend it by comparing it to other works or discussing its broader implications. However, avoid introducing new information in the conclusion.

Step 6: Revise and Edit

Once you have completed your first draft, it’s time to revise and edit your essay. Read it over multiple times to identify any areas that need improvement and make sure it follows your outline. You can also ask for feedback from friends or classmates to get a fresh perspective on your essay. Finally, proofread your essay for any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors.

Tips for Writing a Strong Commentary Essay

Here are some additional tips to help you write a perfect commentary essay:

• Create a strong and clear thesis statement that outlines the main points of your essay.
• Engage your readers by giving them food for thought and urging them to think about the topic.
• Treat your readers as co-thinkers and respect their intelligence, even if your perspectives differ.
• Don’t be too neutral or objective; be sure to present your own viewpoint clearly.
• Use the “This Shows That” Method to help you analyze and interpret the evidence effectively.
• Use color-coding or ratiocination to visualize the connections between different parts of your essay.
• Use the LET method (Literary Elements and Techniques) to identify literary techniques and devices used in the text and explain how they support your argument.
• Use the concept of four cells to analyze each piece of text and combine your comments into a cohesive whole.

What is LET method and how it can be used in a commentary essay?

The LET method is a useful tool for analyzing literary texts and can be applied when writing a commentary essay. It stands for Literary Elements and Techniques and involves identifying and examining the various literary devices and techniques used by the author. Here’s a more detailed explanation of each component:

• Literary Elements: These are the fundamental concepts and components of a literary work, such as plot, character, setting, theme, point of view, diction, syntax, and imagery. When using the LET method, you would identify and analyze the specific literary elements that the author has used and how they contribute to the overall meaning and effect of the text.
• Elements and Techniques: This involves looking at how the literary elements are employed and the techniques the author uses to craft the work. For example, you might consider the author’s word choice (diction) and sentence structure (syntax) to understand their impact on the tone and style of the text. You would also analyze the literary techniques, such as metaphors, similes, symbolism, and motifs, and how they enhance the themes and ideas presented.

By using the LET method in your commentary essay, you can demonstrate your understanding of the text’s construction and the author’s craft. It allows you to dig deeper into the text and uncover the symbolism and underlying messages that the author has woven into the work. This method helps you support your arguments and interpretations with specific references to the text, making your commentary essay more persuasive and insightful.

Here’s an example to illustrate how the LET method can be applied:

Let’s say you’re writing a commentary essay on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” Using the LET method, you might focus on the symbol of the green light and its repetition throughout the novel.

Literary Elements: The green light is a symbol that represents Gatsby’s longing for Daisy, who is always out of his reach. It is a recurring motif that appears in key moments of the novel.

Elements and Techniques: Fitzgerald uses the symbolism of the green light to explore themes of desire, social class, and the American Dream. The repetition of the symbol emphasizes the persistent nature of Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy and the elusive nature of his dream. The description of the light as “always distant, always glowing” reflects the unattainable nature of Gatsby’s desires.

Good Commentary Essay Examples

The Importance of Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace

The Value of Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Addressing Complex Global Challenges

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In Conclusion

Writing a commentary essay can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and practice, it can become easier. Remember to choose a topic that interests you and gather relevant information to support your analysis. Create a clear outline to structure your essay, and always revise and edit your work for clarity and coherence. By following these steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to writing a strong and effective commentary essay.

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Isabella Robertson

I am dedicated to creating engaging blog posts that provide valuable insights and advice to help students excel in their studies. From study tips to time management strategies, my goal is to empower students to reach their full potential.