What are the key elements to consider when writing a sample critique of a short story?

You need a good plot that keeps the readers engaged. Also, interesting characters and a clear theme are important.

Well, when considering the plot of a short story, you should look at the conflict. Is it a person - against - person conflict, like two friends fighting over a girl? Or is it a person - against - society conflict, such as a character trying to change an unfair law? The pacing of the plot matters too. A fast - paced plot might keep you on the edge of your seat, while a slow - paced one can build a more detailed and moody atmosphere. The plot twists are also a great aspect to think about. A sudden unexpected turn in the story can make it really engaging and memorable.

Plot is crucial. It should be engaging from start to finish. For example, having a clear beginning, middle, and end. Characters are also important. They need to be well - developed so that readers can relate to them. Another key element is the setting. It can set the mood of the story. If it's a spooky story, a dark and isolated setting would be appropriate.

The first key element is a clear and interesting beginning. You need to grab the reader's attention right away, like introducing a unique character or a strange situation. For example, starting with a character in a difficult dilemma. Secondly, the middle paragraph should build on the beginning. It could introduce a conflict or a new discovery. This keeps the story moving forward and makes the reader wonder what will happen next. Finally, the last paragraph needs to provide some sort of resolution. It could be a happy ending, a sad realization, or just a new understanding. This gives the story a sense of completeness.

First, a clear and simple plot is crucial. For example, in a story about a lost dog, the plot could be just about its journey home. Second, vivid characters are needed. A unique name or trait like a dog with a white patch can make it memorable. Third, a quick - paced start. Don't waste words at the beginning. Just jump into the action like 'The dog was lost in the big city'.

The plot is crucial. It should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. For example, start with an interesting situation or character. In the middle, build up the conflict and challenges. At the end, resolve the conflict. Character development is also key. Make your characters believable and relatable. Another element is the setting. It sets the mood. A spooky forest will create a different mood than a sunny beach. And don't forget the theme. It's the underlying message of the story, like love conquers all or the importance of friendship.

The main things to think about are the theme of the story, the character development, and the plot structure. You need to clearly explain how these elements work together to make the story effective.

For short stories, a strong opening to hook the readers is essential. Develop characters that people can relate to. And keep the language simple yet evocative.

The most important thing is probably having a passion for contemporary fiction. If you don't love the genre, it'll be hard to write engaging critiques. You also need to do extensive reading of contemporary works. This gives you a basis for comparison and helps you identify what makes a particular piece stand out or fall short. Additionally, you should be able to communicate your thoughts in a concise and engaging manner, as the journal likely has a readership with different levels of literary knowledge.

When writing a first draft short story, the most important thing is to start writing. Just let your ideas flow. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. A simple but effective element is dialogue. It can bring your characters to life. For instance, if two characters are arguing, the way they talk can show their personalities. Also, think about the conflict in the story. It could be internal, like a character's struggle with their own fears, or external, like a battle against a villain. This conflict drives the story forward.