The guidelines for writing a commentary differ depending on the type of commentary being written. A commentary is typically an essay discussing a poem or prose passage and the effects the author has created. A commentary can also be written on a product, news article, or anything else of substance.Regardless of the type, most commentaries share similar guidelines. Examples of guidelines for
. writing a commentary can be found at http://intensecogitation.info/2010/08/15/writing-a-commentary-english-notes/ and http://writing.byu.edu/static/documents/org/67.pdf.While there is no set formula for a good commentary, the most important aspect of writing one is understanding the source material. A writer must have a definite subject about which to write a commentary. The writer should balance objective critical analysis with his or her personal impression. The depth of analysis is key. While "stating the obvious" is necessary, a good commentary relies upon questioning the material, challenging its principles, considering alternative interpretations, and offering personal responses to the subject, to form a conclusion about the subject's meaning, purpose, or value.The basic steps to writing a commentary are as follows: determine the goal of the commentary, determine a proper length, study the subject, use clear and concise language, identify aspects of the subject that are unclear and require further exploration and in conclusion consider the overall goal of the critique.The commentary should expound upon known elements of the particular subject. For example, when writing a commentary on a poem or prose passage, the writer would discuss the elements of a literary work: meaning, title, tone, mood, form, diction and syntax, sound, imagery, figurative language and literary devices.Overall, a commentary is an opinion piece, focusing both on objective analysis and subjective interpretation. It is important to provide factual evidence as well as interpretive investigation in a commentary. Proper citation of sources is the final requirement for writing a commentary, so that evidence can be confirmed. More reference links: http://intensecogitation.info/2010/08/15/writing-a-commentary-english-notes/ http://writing.byu.edu/static/documents/org/67.pdf
