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Commentary Essay Guide

If you are a high school, college, or university student, you might have to write a commentary essay sooner or later. And whatever the subject may be, it’s better to be sure to provide substantial content and analyze the written discourse thoroughly. A commentary is quite good for completing that task.

There are several ways of writing a commentary, and we will examine all of the major ones. Depending on the subject and the requirements, you might write your commentary in the form of a separate paper with its own characteristics (usually assigned and explained by your tutor), a literary analysis, and data commentary.

Plus, a commentary can be part of any complete essay. If you are assigned a specific type, you are free to jump to it directly. If not, make sure to read the whole article and learn more about every kind of commentary essay.

Essay definition – read our general article to learn more about essays.

What Is a Commentary Essay? (As a Separate Paper)

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

A commentary essay as a separate assignment is widely used among academic institutions. Such a paper aims to make students enable and use their critical thinking, analyze a subject, and provide an individual commentary essay.

For instance, the Purdue University Fort Wayne course ENG W131 relies on a commentary essay as a distinct type because it simply helps the reader understand the topic more in-depth and provides a strong stance regarding the given subject. It would be reasonable to point out the most notable attributes of this commentary essay and what professors of the Purdue University course require to pass the program.

The list of assignmend handouts by PFW with commentary essay highlighted

The commentary essay’s primary goal is to help the audience understand the topic better. Many subjects may be quite unclear to an ordinary reader—meaning many points can be misunderstood. Students write commentary essays to evaluate various concepts and analyze the subject in a broader scope.

Audience and Genre

The writer’s primary audience should be interested in the issue and have some connections with it. In other words, if you are to discuss innovations in the business sector, your audience may comprise business owners.

A commentary essay speaks for itself. The genre is a commentary—however, an official one.

Language and Style

Almost every paper has to be written according to academic rules, i.e., by following formal language and avoiding slang and personal pronouns. A commentary essay, however, allows you to include the first-person pronoun “I” to present your point of view.

Make your work coherent by providing effective transitions between the essay’s paragraphs and minding the word choice .

Like any academic paper, a commentary essay must contain an introduction with a thesis statement , a body part, and a conclusion. A word count might vary, but it is usually four to six pages long, double-spaced, typed with Times New Roman, with a title page and scholarly sources formatted in APA style.

Note: To learn more about essay format and structure, read our dedicated guide – How to Format an Essay .

Make sure to add one academic article or any other authoritative source per page. If your commentary essay has three pages, you need to find three up-to-date scholarly or any other competent materials. Such shreds of evidence support your arguments and thus make your work more trustworthy.

The following are some brief tips to help you succeed in writing a commentary essay:

Create a strong and clear thesis that will outline your paper’s main points.
Make sure to give your audience food for thought or something that will urge them to act or try making sense of the topic.
Treat the readers as co-thinkers and demonstrate your position with reason, regardless of whether your perspective on the subject and theirs coincide.
Don’t be too objective or neutral but try to show your viewpoint, whatever it is.

Literary Commentary Writing and Analysis

Many students might think that commentary and analysis are two different things. They ask what the difference is since teachers can talk about commentary and analysis and use these terms interchangeably. The truth is, these are basically the same words in the context of essay writing. In simple terms, a commentary requires a person to analyze a certain block of text and explain their understanding to the audience.

As we already know, a commentary essay can be written in various ways. A commentary essay can examine different subjects and areas, which is hard to say about literary analysis. Literary commentary writing focuses on literature and sometimes news. Moreover, it follows the two most used methods: “This shows that” and “LET.”

“This Shows That” Approach

To be brief but precise, this method makes students read between the lines and provide a complete understanding of the given text. However, although this method is relatively simple (but very effective), students tend to make mistakes when using it. Instead of going into the content, they remain about water. As a result, students don’t analyze the chosen section but simply paraphrase it. Let’s take a look at two examples:

A weak approach: In Essay On Criticism by Alexander Pope , the author states that “Those RULES of old discover’d, not devis’d; Are Nature still, but Nature Methodiz’d. Nature, like Liberty, is but restrain’d By the same Laws which first herself ordain’d.” The author says that only Nature sets the rules of our universe and can alter them.

A stronger approach: In Essay On Criticism by Alexander Pope , the author states that “Those RULES of old discover’d, not devis’d; Are Nature still, but Nature Methodiz’d. Nature, like Liberty, is but restrain’d By the same Laws which first herself ordain’d.” This shows that Nature dictates its own rules that no one can alter but her. Moreover, such rules are tightly connected with criticism during Classicism. The author wanted to emphasize that often such criticism was hostile to poetry, which was then called “criticism for the sake of criticism.”

“LET” Approach

This approach stands for “Literary Elements and Techniques,” which helps determine components used within the section and explains how such techniques correlate with the thesis statement. As a matter of fact, these elements are point of view, conflict, plot, character, style, and setting .

Analyzed quote : “It is much easier to make good men wise, than to make bad men good.”

Thesis statement : Henry Fielding used digressions and extensive descriptions to show how a single event can be depicted, extended, and mocked.

Commentary : In this example, the narrator uses digressions to change the topic and provide something completely different, which, however, as the author states, is very important to know beforehand. By men , the author demonstrates the entire humanity and its development, false values, and shallow life. The quote works to show that every piece of text can mock every life aspect, and it wholly relates to the thesis statement.

Note: To learn more about academic analytical writing, check our comprehensive article – How to Write an Analytical Essay .

What Are Commentaries in an Essay?

Commentaries in an essay can be written in different ways. Depending on an essay’s type you have to analyze, you can use several kinds of commentaries to interpret the body paragraphs’ evidence . These comments ultimately allow you to build a full-fledged paper and are essential in most essays.

Each body paragraph in essays usually has a set structure, which looks something like this:

Topic sentence (with your claim or argument)
Supporting evidence, examples, quotes, etc.
Your commentaries analyzing the previous part
Concluding sentence with a transition to the next part

There are five different ways of writing a commentary (analysis) in an essay. Each of them requires thorough analysis to identify which type is the most pertinent to use. Comments can be composed in the form of:

Opinion: When you analyze a piece and provide your take about it.
Interpretation: When you explain a concept that is hard to understand.
Character and Subject’s Feelings: When you depict the person’s emotional state.
Personal Reaction: When you present your personal stance on the topic.
Evaluation: When you evaluate a section and provide your critical judgment.

Now, each type is unique and has to be used within the relevant context. Suffice to say, you can’t use a character’s and subject’s feelings when analyzing statistics or a biology essay. How to identify which type is the most pertinent to the essay? Let’s find out.

Opinion Type

This one simply means to walk through the piece, comprehend it, and give the audience a short thought on the subject. The “what and why” method is the best way to provide sound analysis. Topics may be different, but argumentative essays with pieces of evidence are the prevalent paper type.

An exemplary statement might be: Considering a slow increase in vaccinated people, it will take over 70 years to vaccinate all the globe’s population.

When sticking to the “what and why” method, you want to show what your opinion is and why it is important.

So, the answer might follow this way: The statement demonstrated very slow progress in vaccinating people. If we want to get back to the pre-covid times sooner than 70 years from now, we have to speed up the vaccination process to grant people safety and hope.

Interpretation Type

This type would suit argumentative essays with evidence-based statistics and numbers. Likewise, the “what and why” strategy would be the best for this and succeeding types.

The example of the body paragraph’s main thought can be: Researchers empirically identified that of 100,000 participants, 80,000 started feeling better after strenuous workouts.

Your commentary: The research indicates that the vast majority of participants made use of intense exercises. However beneficial it may be, there are still a substantial number of people who didn’t feel any improvement, and some even started feeling worse.

Character’s or Subject’s Feelings

This type is applicable when providing commentaries on different descriptive or narrative essays.

For instance, the subject matter may well be related to some biographies and reflections, such as Sylvia Evans, observing her poor mental state, had to give up higher education and merge with solitude for the rest of her life.

Then, your commentary can be: Sylvia faces disastrous feelings at a young age, resulting in her university expulsion. Consequently, she has to leave everything and become alone, which can be even more perilous for her and people who share similar feelings.

Personal Reaction

Here, you can touch on topics that can somehow relate to you. Issues you cover might be various and relate to the expository , narrative , or descriptive essays . An excellent example can be the topic of ethnic discrimination.

For instance: People don’t accept individuals of various backgrounds, sticking to the ideas of a polygamous nation and excluding others from their group.

The following may be your response: It is unacceptable to observe such pseudo-notions and see how people from different countries are perceived. Such an attitude spawns hatred, isolation, and even violence from both groups.

Assessment

This type relies on authoritative papers, credible statements, law, and other widely known rules.

For example, Owners whose private property is trespassed can use firearms and fend off the intruders.

Your evaluation can be as follows: Although this might be unnecessary, people are prone to defending their territory in any possible way. In fact, they are protected by the law and constitution that allow them to use firearms to protect their possessions.

Data Commentary

Last but not least, the data commentary. Data commentary analyzes and discusses various data. In many fields, especially in engineering, it is critical to be able to make a point or develop an argument based on data.

The data can be presented as a table, graph, chart, or diagram; it can be your own data (e.g., gathered via a survey) or data from other sources, such as research papers and third-party surveys.

In data commentaries, one of the essential points is showing your position. And one of the main mistakes is to simply describe the data without providing your own point of view or any interpretation. However, here’s where another danger often arises. When drawing a conclusion based on data, make sure that conclusion is well-supported and that your claim is reasonable.

You can regulate the strength of your claim by using different verbs based on the strength of your stance. For example, if your stance is strong, you can say “caused,” indicating that one thing is definitely the reason something else happened. But if you want to make it less asserting, you can word it like “might have contributed to.”

All in all, here are the elements your data commentary can consist of:

Summary : You need to write a study’s synopsis and provide critical pieces of information the reader should know about.
Graph or Chart : To help the reader understand the numbers better and be able to compare them easily, you can include diagrams, charts, or other visual representations of data.
Conclusion : When writing a conclusion, not only do you help the reader remember key points, but you also provide your viewpoint.
Bibliography : You might need to create a reference page listing the sources you used when composing the data commentary.

Data Commentary Example (image)

Here’s an example of a data commentary with a good explanation, transitions, and a strong conclusion.

a data commentary excerpt about online misbehavior

Key Takeaways and Tips

With the abundance of types a commentary essay has, it comes as no surprise that students often get overwhelmed when professors assign them to write this paper. Still, the assignment is manageable, especially if you are aware that a commentary essay can be written in the form of:

Separate essay
Literary analysis
Data commentary
Evidence interpretation

Each of them is unique and has characteristics that students need to be familiar with before writing.

Once you define which type of commentary essay you need, you might find the following tips useful:

Commentary is analysis, but not every analysis is commentary.
Try color-coding when writing an essay to highlight its parts with different colors to see if your paper is balanced and well-structured. Read more about essay elements in our guide on how to write a standard essay .
Always remember that in a commentary, your opinion and interpretation matter the most.
In a literary commentary, avoid using first-person pronouns (I, me, my, we, us, our).
Don’t simply summarize the quote, data, or evidence but draw logical conclusions and present your perspective.

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When You Write

From Summary to Insight: A Guide to Writing Commentary Essays with Depth

Writing an essay can be daunting, let alone if you’re also providing commentary on it. But the reward of a job well done is worth the effort when you’re finished!

It has been noted that essays with thoughtful commentaries have a higher chance of being accepted for publication. So I’m here to help make it clear that essay writers need to understand the power of commentary and how to incorporate it into their work.

In this article, I’ll share my experience as a writer and provide insight on how to make your voice heard in an essay by using effective commentary. By following my advice, you’ll be able to craft a piece that stands out from the crowd and makes your thoughts shine through!

What Is Commentary In An Essay?

Over the course of your writing, you may have heard of the term ‘commentary’ in relation to essay writing. But what does it mean?

Simply put, commentary is analysis. It’s when you take a text and try to identify the deeper implications at play. In literary texts this could be symbolism, metaphors or dual meanings; with non-fiction texts it could include examining how an author makes use of evidence and arguments to support their position.

Writing a commentary essay requires close reading skills and the ability to interpret a wide range of information. It also requires you to think critically about how ideas are connected and draw conclusions about why certain elements are included in the text.

Commentary is an essential part of any essay because it allows your reader – who may not be as familiar with the text as you – to understand why you have drawn certain conclusions based on your interpretation.

It’s like giving them a guided tour through your thoughts and ideas so they can explore what makes your argument unique and interesting. Commentary also enables you to make connections between different aspects of the text that might not be obvious on first glance, helping bring out its significance even further.

By using commentary effectively, you can write an engaging essay that really gets your point across clearly.

The Significance Of Commentary In Essay Writing

Writing commentary in an essay can be a powerful tool for communicating ideas and arguments. It is essential to engage in critical thinking, interpretation, and analysis when writing commentary. Writing effective commentary requires the ability to construct a well-developed argument that supports the main point of the essay.

Here are 4 key elements of effective commentary:

A clear thesis statement
Relevant evidence that supports the argument
Interpretation and analysis of the evidence
A conclusion that summarizes the argument

Commentaries should be written with an engaging style that encourages readers to think critically about the topic at hand. Good literary commentary should be accessible, yet thought-provoking; it should both inform and entertain the audience. Additionally, it should challenge preconceived notions about a subject and provide an insightful perspective on why something matters or how it affects our lives.

In order to write effectively, one must first understand their audience and what they hope to communicate through their words. With this knowledge in mind, one can craft a compelling commentary that offers fresh insight into any given topic.

Transitioning seamlessly into the next section…

Key Elements Of Effective Commentary

Like the rising sun that signals a new day, effective commentary can offer a fresh perspective to an essay. With the right words and emphasis, it can engage readers in an entirely new way and bring them closer to understanding your argument.

Like a shimmering beacon of light, it has the power to grab their attention and draw them into your ideas.

Commentary does more than just summarize facts or provide background information – it also evaluates, interprets, and analyses information.

It’s an opportunity for you to delve into the heart of what you’re writing about, offering insight into its significance and exploring potential implications. By taking this approach, you can evaluate the importance of each point and develop your thesis with greater clarity.

Through thoughtful commentary, you can make connections between ideas that your readers may not have previously considered and help them reach their own conclusions about your argument.

Strategies For Writing Potent Commentary In Essays

Writing potent commentary in essays is essential to making a successful argument and gaining the reader’s interest. Here are four strategies that can help you write a good essay commentary:

Develop a strong thesis statement

A thesis statement serves as the core of your essay, and it should be explicit, engaging and supportable by evidence. It should also be concise so that readers can understand your main message immediately.

Understand the topic better

Spend some time researching the topic before you start writing to ensure you have a thorough understanding of it. This will give your commentary more depth and clarity.

Body And Paragraphs Organized

Make sure your body paragraphs are organized logically and clearly explain how your points relate to the overall theme or argument of your essay.

Each paragraph should have a single purpose, and make sure that all sentences within each paragraph work together to support that purpose.

Use literary analysis

When writing your commentary you can draw on elements like tone, imagery, diction, and syntax to make your argument more persuasive and compelling for readers. This will also help them better understand what you’re trying to communicate in your essay.

By incorporating these strategies into your essay writing process, you can create powerful commentary that effectively supports your argument and engages readers with meaningful insight into the text or topic at hand. With these tips in mind, let’s look at how to use quotations and examples in commentary to further enrich our arguments!

The Use Of Quotations And Examples In Commentary

Now that we’ve discussed strategies for writing powerful commentary in essays, let’s explore the use of quotations and examples when constructing these sentences.

Quotations and examples are essential for making strong commentary sentences that support an argument or analysis. When used correctly, they can be a great way to illustrate a point and add interest and texture to your argument.

When including a quotation in your commentary, it is important to make sure it is properly attributed. You should include both the author’s name and the source from which the quote was taken. This not only strengthens your argument by adding credibility, but it also shows you have done your research.

Examples are also effective for proving a point or introducing a new concept. They help to break up longer paragraphs, explain difficult concepts in more detail, and provide evidence or substantiation for an idea or opinion. When using examples in commentary sentences, it is important that they are relevant to the topic at hand and accurately represent what you are attempting to say in your essay.

With this information in mind, let’s move on to examining types of commentary in essays; comprehending the contrasts.

Types Of Commentary In Essays: Comprehending The Contrasts

As a student writing a commentary essay, it is important to understand the differences between analyzing, summarizing, and evaluating. To help comprehend these contrasts, let’s take a look at four main points:

1. Analyzing – Looking closely at something and breaking it down into smaller parts to better understand it.

2. Summarizing – Taking the information from a larger group of data and boiling it down into its key elements.

3. Relating – Exploring how two or more ideas are connected and how they affect each other.

4. Evaluating – Examining different aspects of an issue or argument and determining its worth or value by expressing an opinion about it.

Using these four points as a framework for writing your commentary essays can help you to be more effective in your analysis, summary and evaluation of any given topic.

Furthermore, this knowledge will also serve you well when crafting strategies for writing literary essays that contain thoughtful commentary elements.

With this in mind, let us now turn our attention to creating such strategies…

Strategies For Writing Commentary In Literary Essays

Having discussed the differences between types of commentary, let’s now turn to strategies for writing effective commentary in literary essays.

When it comes to providing commentary, it is important to understand that you are making a statement about something; whether it be an interpretation or opinion, you need to make a clear statement.

You should also comment on any phrases or passages that have stood out and explain why they are significant.

It is also important to identify the underlying message of the text. This means going beyond surface-level analysis and delving into the deeper meaning of the work.

To do this, think about what is not being said as much as what is being said.

Make sure your comments add depth to your analysis and provide new insights for your readers.

Finally, take care when constructing your sentences so that your points come across clearly and convincingly.

Writing Commentary For Convincing Essays

I’m sure you’re excited to finally get started on writing your commentary for a convincing essay! It can be intimidating to write about something without knowing what type of essay you’re working on. But if you take the time to read through the assignment and passage, you’ll have a much better idea of what you need to write.

When it comes to writing your commentary, try not to worry too much about “sounding smart” or “having all the right answers.” Instead, focus on writing like yourself—in your own voice, with your own ideas. The more authentic and engaging your writing is, the more persuasive it will be to readers.

So don’t be afraid to express yourself—you may just surprise yourself with how creative and interesting your thoughts can be! With that said, let’s move on to creating commentary that supports your thesis statement.

Creating Commentary That Supports Your Thesis Statement

As the saying goes, hindsight is 20/20. Looking back now, it’s clear that writing an effective commentary for a convincing essay requires some finesse and insight.

When starting to write, it’s important to have a good understanding of the topic you are discussing and to provide enough context for your audience to understand what you are discussing. Additionally, it helps to have an understanding of opposing viewpoints before you start writing so that you can avoid falling into common traps.

To create commentary that supports your thesis statement effectively, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

1. Make sure your argument is sound and won’t be easily refuted by an opposing point of view.

2. Avoid introducing new evidence or topics in your commentary; instead focus on the evidence already presented in the essay body.

3. Take the time to help explain why certain evidence matters and why readers should care about it.

The goal of commentary is not just to express an opinion but also provide meaningful analysis that will help prove or disprove a point of view. By being mindful of these considerations when writing, it is possible to create effective commentary that will help readers better understand your argument and its implications.

Common Mistakes To Avoid In Commentary Writing

I think one of the biggest mistakes I can make when writing a commentary essay is to overgeneralize my points. It’s important to provide specific examples and evidence to back up my opinion and avoid making sweeping conclusions.

Additionally, when writing a commentary essay, it’s also easy to forget to include evidence to support my argument. Making sure to include evidence will make my piece of writing much more convincing and credible.

Avoiding Overgeneralization

When writing a commentary essay, it’s important to avoid overgeneralizing your topic.

Sure, it may be tempting to make sweeping statements about the issue at hand, but this won’t do justice to your argument.

Instead, try to focus on concrete evidence and facts that back up your opinion.

For example, include statistics or subjective accounts from experts in the field.

This will ensure that you don’t come off as too biased or uninformed in your commentary.

By avoiding overgeneralization and being specific in your evidence, you can present a much more convincing argument and captivate readers with innovation.

Remember: always strive for accuracy when building an argument!

Lack Of Evidence

When it comes to commentary writing, one of the biggest mistakes people make is not having enough evidence to back up their argument. Without any supporting evidence, your argument can easily be dismissed as biased and uninformed.

This is especially true when discussing contentious topics like politics or religion. It’s important to remember that you’re usually assigned a commentary essay for a reason—so make sure you have enough facts and figures to give your readers an informed opinion. Otherwise, you may struggle to convince them of your point of view.

To make sure your argument stands out from the crowd, research extensively and use concrete evidence whenever possible. This will show that you’ve put in the effort and will help ensure a more innovative outcome for your audience.

Tips For Revising And Editing Commentary

Revising and editing your commentary is an important step in writing an essay. It helps to ensure that you are conveying the most accurate and persuasive message.

To do this, it’s important to read through your writing again and summarize any points that you noticed while reading. This will allow you to make sure that each point is clear and concise. As students need to be able to write effectively, it is also important to pay close attention to the language used throughout the essay.

Looking for words that could be replaced with more precise ones or focusing on certain aspects of literature can help bring life to a paper.

It is also essential to check for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and other errors before submitting the essay. Making sure all of these elements are correct can help enhance the paper’s overall quality.

Additionally, as you review your work, look for any areas where clarification may be necessary. Taking a second look at what you wrote will help ensure that the reader fully understands all of your points and implications.

By following these tips when revising and editing commentary in an essay, readers can gain a clearer understanding of the author’s intended message.

Examples Of Strong And Poor Commentary In Essays

A necessary part of writing an essay is the commentary. It’s the all-important part that allows for a deeper understanding of what is being written and allows the reader to get a fuller picture of the writer’s thoughts.

Unfortunately, not everyone understands the need to understand commentary. Many writers think they can simply paraphrase their sources without paying attention to how they are using irony or antithesis, missing out on valuable opportunities to add depth and complexity to their work.

Commentary should be used to engage readers in a way that speaks directly to their subconscious desire for innovation. It should be written in a personal tone of voice with contractions and an engaging style that will grab readers’ attention and make them want more.

If done correctly, it can bring new life and insight into an essay, allowing it to stand out from the rest.

Paragraph Construction With Commentary

In this section, I’m going to be talking about paragraph construction with commentary. As part of writing an essay, it is important to think about how you are going to use literary elements and techniques to convey your main idea or argument. I was always taught by my instructor that the way you structure your paragraphs can really make a difference in how effective your message is.

So, let’s take a look at some tips for constructing well-crafted paragraphs that provide an engaging commentary.

First of all, try not to write too long of a sentence as this can lead to confusion for the reader.

Secondly, make sure that each paragraph has one clear point that ties back into the main argument or idea you are trying to convey in your essay.

Finally, use transition words and phrases as needed throughout the essay so that readers can easily follow along with your discussion.

All these steps help ensure that readers understand and appreciate what you have written in your essay. With these tips in mind, let’s move on to discussing transition words and phrases for commentary.

Transition Words And Phrases For Commentary

In the world of higher education, commentary is a powerful tool that can bring literature to life in a way that no other piece can. It’s almost magical how one can take an otherwise mundane poem and turn it into something extraordinary with just a few words. Commentary has the ability to transform isolation into coherence in ways that are simply astounding!

Here is a 4-point list for successful commentary:

1. Read the text multiple times before writing any comments.

2. Take notes on what stands out most to you.

3. Use concrete examples from the text to better illustrate your points.

4. Be sure to engage with your audience in a way that encourages them to think more deeply about the subject matter at hand.

Commentary is an invaluable skill for anyone looking to make their mark on a piece of literature, so use it wisely and always strive for excellence! With this knowledge, we can now move on to exploring how to write a conclusion with commentary – do’s and don’ts included!

Writing A Conclusion With Commentary: Do’s And Don’ts

Now that you know the transition words and phrases for commentary, it’s time to learn how to write a conclusion with commentary. It can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be.

One of the most important things to remember is not to rely too heavily on your homework. Spending too much time memorizing facts and figures won’t help you in the long run when it comes to showcasing your opinion. Therefore, try to focus on critical thinking skills instead of wasting time studying for hours on end.

While two sentences are usually enough for a conclusion, make sure that each one packs a punch and is full of insight and analysis. Hone your skills by getting feedback from others so you can refine your writing and develop a style that resonates with any reader.

This can help ensure that your concluding remarks leave an impactful impression on those who read them.

Overall, effective commentary is essential for producing a successful essay.

Writing commentary allows you to demonstrate your understanding and personal thoughts on the topic and can really amplify your argument.

By incorporating examples, quotations, and other evidence into your commentary, you are able to bring life to your writing in a manner that will make it stand out from the crowd.

As an age-old proverb says, “A picture paints a thousand words”; similarly, strong commentary paints an even grander picture of your argument.

With these tips in mind, I look forward to seeing you all write some truly standout essays!

How to Write a Commentary

Last Updated: October 14, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Richard Perkins . Richard Perkins is a Writing Coach, Academic English Coordinator, and the Founder of PLC Learning Center. With over 24 years of education experience, he gives teachers tools to teach writing to students and works with elementary to university level students to become proficient, confident writers. Richard is a fellow at the National Writing Project. As a teacher leader and consultant at California State University Long Beach's Global Education Project, Mr. Perkins creates and presents teacher workshops that integrate the U.N.'s 17 Sustainable Development Goals in the K-12 curriculum. He holds a BA in Communications and TV from The University of Southern California and an MEd from California State University Dominguez Hills. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 685,320 times.

At some point in your life, you'll probably have to write a commentary. Whether you're a teacher, editor, student, or amateur critic, knowing how to constructively analyze someone's work is a useful skill. There isn't a magical formula for writing a commentary. The commentary you write depends upon what you're reviewing, why you're giving feedback, and what you think about the work. No matter what you’re working on, having a clear goal and strong writing will help make your commentary successful.

Writing a Literary Commentary

Your thesis is your argument or your point of view. This is where you take a stance, and spend the rest of the essay supporting your thesis.
Maybe you are writing a commentary on Great Expectations . Your thesis could be, “Not only is Dickens’ tale engaging, it is also an insightful commentary on the differences between social classes in industrial Britain.”

You might write at the top of your outline, “Important Themes in Great Expectations”. You could then make bullet points such as “Setting”, “Ambition”, “Class”, etc.

You might start by saying, “ Great Expectations is full of imagery that makes the reader feel as if they are in 19th century England with Pip. Dickens’ novel about class, ambition, and love sheds important light on the social divides of the time.”
You could then list the themes that you will discuss in the body of your commentary.

Step 4 Use specific examples to support your thesis.

An excellent specific example to illustrate this theme is pointing out that the character remains in her wedding dress, despite being jilted decades before.

Step 5 Connect your examples back to the theme.

You might write something like, “Miss Havisham is an example of the theme that love can sometimes go terribly wrong. This is also an important theme when examining the relationship between Pip and Estella.”
Make sure to use smooth transitions. When you move to a new example, use a good transition word or phrase. Some examples are “similarly”, “conversely”, and “again”.

In your commentary on Great Expectations , you would want to make sure that you emphasize your summary again: this is a good example of class divisions and how ambition is not always the best quality.
You might also choose to compare it to another book from the same period to illustrate why the work by Dickens is significant. However, you generally shouldn’t introduce new information in your conclusion.

Creating Data Commentary

You might also be asked by your boss or teacher to write a data commentary. Make sure to ask about their expectations, such as length.

For example, if the research is about the graduation rate in the Chicago Public Schools, you need to explain the numbers and illustrate why the results are important.

You might say something like, “As shown in Figure 1.2, the costs of healthcare have risen at a steady rate since 2000.”

As in the rest of your data commentary, your conclusion should refer to specific pieces of data.

You should include a specific section for resources at the end of your data commentary.
Any time you cite numbers or a quote, make sure to provide a reference.

Commentary Outlines

Expert Q&A

If you are writing a commentary for a class, make sure to carefully follow the instructions. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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↑ https://www.bucks.edu/media/bcccmedialibrary/pdf/HOWTOWRITEALITERARYANALYSISESSAY_10.15.07_001.pdf
↑ Richard Perkins. Writing Coach & Academic English Coordinator. Expert Interview. 1 September 2021.
↑ https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/modernlanguages/intranet/undergraduate/skills/commesswriting/commentarywriting/
↑ https://files.udc.edu/docs/asc/Outline_Structure_for_Literary_Analysis_Essay_HATMAT.pdf
↑ https://germanna.edu/sites/default/files/2022-03/Literary%20Analysis.pdf
↑ https://opentextbc.ca/writingforsuccess/chapter/chapter-9-citations-and-referencing/
↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/writing-data-commentary/
↑ https://ebooks.hslu.ch/academicwriting/chapter/4-5-results/
↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4789530/

About This Article

To write a commentary, write about your observations and analysis of the text you read. You should craft a clear and specific thesis statement about the novel, poem, or play you are evaluating. Your thesis statement should explain your stance or argument about the text. Use this thesis statement to build a brief outline of your commentary and then choose specific details from the text to support your argument. Then, add an introduction to give your reader some context for the themes you will discuss. For tips from our Education reviewer on how to write a data commentary, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to write a commentary essay: tips and examples.

Updated: May 3, 2024

Ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of writing a commentary essay? It can be daunting to express your thoughts coherently and engage your readers effectively. A commentary essay requires you to analyze a text critically, offering your perspective in a structured and detailed manner. This blog will guide you through understanding what a commentary essay is, exploring its types, and providing steps and tips to write one effectively, including examples and essential do's and don'ts.

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Understanding what a commentary essay is.

A commentary essay is a type of writing where you, the author, provide your personal interpretation and analytical comments on a given text. This could be a book, an article, a film, or any other form of media. The purpose of this essay is not just to summarize the content but to dive deep into its elements and offer insights based on your understanding. This kind of essay helps in sharpening critical thinking skills and allows you to convey your perspectives in a structured manner.

In academic and professional settings, the importance of a commentary essay lies in its ability to demonstrate your ability to critically engage with texts and articulate your thoughts clearly. Here are some key aspects that highlight its significance:

Enhances analytical skills : By analyzing different layers of the text.
Improves writing skills : As it requires clear and coherent expression of your thoughts.
Encourages independent thinking : You interpret the text in your unique way without relying solely on external commentaries.

Exploring Types of Commentary Essays

Commentary essays come in various forms, each serving a unique purpose and audience. One popular type is the literary commentary , which focuses on analyzing a specific passage from a literary work. This type of commentary delves into the text's themes, stylistic choices, and overall significance within the larger context of the work. It's not about summarizing but rather interpreting and offering new insights about the text. Literary commentaries are particularly useful in academic settings where deep textual analysis is required to understand the nuances of literature.

Another distinct type is data commentary . Unlike its literary counterpart, data commentary does not deal with traditional texts. Instead, it focuses on interpreting and discussing data, often presented in formats such as graphs, tables, or charts. The key points of a data commentary might include the data's reliability, trends, and what these imply about the broader research context. This type is commonly found in scientific or technical fields, where understanding data is crucial for advancing knowledge and making informed decisions.

Steps to Writing a Commentary Essay

Writing a commentary essay involves a systematic approach that starts with thorough planning. Initially, you must carefully read and analyze the text to fully grasp its content and subtleties. This critical first step sets the foundation for your commentary, as it allows you to form a clear understanding of the text's main points and underlying messages. It's not just about understanding what the text says, but also about interpreting and evaluating its deeper meanings and implications.

After your initial analysis, the next step is to outline your essay. This outline should include an introduction that sets up your thesis statement, a body where you will expand on your main points with detailed commentary, and a conclusion that ties all your insights together and reinforces your thesis. The key to a successful commentary essay is linking your observations back to your main thesis , ensuring that each section of your essay contributes to a cohesive and persuasive argument.

Specific Methods for Crafting Commentary

One effective method for crafting insightful commentary in your essay is the "This Shows That" method . This technique involves starting your analysis sentences with the phrase "this shows that," which prompts you to explain the significance of a quotation or a detail from the text. This method helps in steering clear of mere plot summary by encouraging a deeper analysis of how specific elements of the text contribute to its overall meaning or theme.

Another powerful strategy is the "LET" method , which stands for Literary Elements and Techniques. This approach guides you to focus on the literary devices used in the text and discuss how they enhance the narrative or argument. For instance, you might analyze the use of metaphor, symbolism, or irony, and explain how these elements support the text's themes. By using the LET method, you can provide a more nuanced interpretation that highlights your ability to engage critically with literary texts.

Example of a Well-Written Commentary Essay

Let's consider an example of a well-written commentary essay on the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. The essay begins with an introduction that contextualizes the poem and presents the thesis: Frost uses the road as a metaphor for life's choices. The body paragraphs delve into detailed analysis:

Exploring the metaphor : The essay discusses how the "two roads diverged" symbolizes life decisions.
Imagery and tone : The commentary highlights how Frost's use of serene and contemplative imagery enhances the theme of choice.
Reader’s personal reflection : The essay includes the author’s personal interpretation, suggesting that the poem resonates with readers who face significant life choices.

In the conclusion, the essay synthesizes the analysis by reaffirming how Frost’s use of literary techniques, such as metaphor and imagery, effectively underscores the poem's deeper meaning about choices and consequences. This example demonstrates the key elements of a commentary essay:

Thesis-driven : It is centered around a clear, arguable thesis.
Textual evidence : It uses specific examples from the poem to support claims.
Personal interpretation : It reflects the writer’s unique perspective on the text.

Tips for Writing an Effective Commentary Essay

a person writing in a notebook with a pen

When embarking on writing a commentary essay, it's crucial to focus on structure, style, and content . Begin with a clear and concise thesis statement that will guide the flow of your essay. This statement should not only state your main point but also set the tone for the arguments you will present. Here are some style tips to consider:

Use a formal yet engaging tone to connect with your reader.
Vary your sentence structures to keep the essay dynamic and interesting.
Employ rhetorical questions sparingly to provoke thought without overusing them.

Structurally, your essay should have a logical flow that makes it easy for readers to follow your analysis. Start with an introduction that hooks the reader and provides a roadmap of your commentary. The body of your essay should then elaborate on your thesis statement, with each paragraph focusing on a single idea supported by evidence from the text. Finally, ensure your conclusion ties all your points together and reinforces your thesis, leaving the reader with a strong impression of your analytical skills. Remember, the key to an effective commentary is not just in what you say, but in how you say it.

Concluding Your Commentary Essay Properly

Concluding your commentary essay is crucial as it's your final opportunity to make an impact on the reader. A strong conclusion will not only summarize the main points but also reinforce your thesis statement and show how your analysis adds to the understanding of the text. Consider linking back to your introduction or using a quotation that emphasizes your main point. This creates a sense of completeness and leaves the reader with a lasting impression of your insights.

To ensure your conclusion is effective, try these strategies:

Synthesize, don't just summarize : Briefly reiterate your main points to show how they interconnect and support your thesis.
Include a provocative insight or quotation : This can give your conclusion depth and resonance.
Propose questions or suggest further areas of study : This encourages the reader to think beyond the essay and apply your analysis in broader contexts. By implementing these methods, your conclusion will serve as a powerful capstone to your commentary essay.

Key Terminology in Commentary Writing

Understanding the key terminology in commentary writing is crucial for anyone looking to master this style of essay. Terms like "thesis statement" refer to the main idea or argument that your essay proposes and defends throughout the text. Another important term is "textual evidence," which includes quotations, summaries, or paraphrases from the text to support your thesis. These elements are vital as they provide the foundation and support for your commentary, ensuring that your analysis is grounded in the text itself.

Additionally, the term "analysis" in commentary writing involves breaking down the text into its components to understand its meanings, themes, and implications more deeply. This process is often supported by identifying and discussing various literary devices such as metaphor, symbolism, or irony used by the author. Recognizing these devices helps to enrich your interpretation, offering a more nuanced view of the text. Personal interpretation , another key term, refers to your unique perspective and insights on the text, which adds originality and depth to your essay.

Do's and Don'ts in Commentary Essay Writing

When writing a commentary essay, it's crucial to adhere to specific best practices while avoiding common pitfalls. Do ensure you always cite your sources to back up your analysis and provide credibility to your essay. Do include a clear and concise title that reflects your thesis and the essence of the commentary. It's also important to thoroughly understand and present the original content you are discussing, including details about the author and publication.

On the flip side, there are several things you should avoid to maintain the quality of your commentary essay. Don't merely summarize the entire content; instead, focus on analyzing and interpreting the text. Avoid including irrelevant citations just to fill space—every source should add value to your argument. Lastly, don't overlook the importance of proofreading ; always review your work to correct any grammatical or structural errors, ensuring your final piece is polished and professional.

Enhance Your Commentary Essay with Samwell.ai

Samwell.ai significantly simplifies the process of writing commentary essays by providing AI-powered writing assistance. This tool is designed to help you craft well-researched, insightful essays that adhere to academic integrity. With features like advanced plagiarism checks and access to authentic sources , Samwell.ai ensures that your essay is not only original but also rich in content and analysis. This is crucial in commentary essays where depth and originality are key.

Using Samwell.ai, students and professionals can focus more on developing their analytical skills without the stress of extensive research and citation management. Here’s how you can benefit:

Ease of use : The interface is user-friendly, making essay writing more accessible.
Time-saving features : Quick access to data and citations speeds up the writing process.
Enhanced learning : Provides multimedia integrations for a comprehensive understanding of topics. To experience these benefits firsthand, visit Samwell.ai and start enhancing your essays today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you start a commentary in an essay.

Starting a commentary essay effectively involves setting up a clear and engaging introduction. Begin with a hook to capture the reader's interest, followed by background information on the text you will be analyzing. Then, introduce your thesis statement, which will guide the flow of your essay and state your main point. This structure not only prepares the reader for what is to come but also sets the tone for a coherent and persuasive argument.

What is an example for commentary?

An example of a commentary essay is analyzing the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. The essay could start with an introduction that contextualizes the poem and presents the thesis that Frost uses the road as a metaphor for life's choices. The body paragraphs would delve into detailed analysis, discussing the metaphor of the roads diverging, the use of serene and contemplative imagery, and the personal reflection of the reader. The conclusion would then synthesize this analysis, reaffirming how Frost’s literary techniques effectively underscore the poem's themes about choices and consequences.

What is the format of writing commentary?

The format of writing a commentary essay includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. Begin with an introduction that includes a hook, background information, and a thesis statement. The body should consist of several paragraphs, each focusing on a specific part of the analysis linked back to the thesis. Each paragraph should contain textual evidence and detailed commentary. Conclude the essay by synthesizing the main points, reinforcing the thesis, and suggesting further implications or questions for the reader to consider. This structured approach helps maintain a clear and logical flow, making your analysis easy to follow.

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Commentary Essay: Student Guidelines & Examples

Icon Calendar 7 September 2024
Icon Page 7343 words
Icon Clock 33 min read

When people need to express their thoughts or ideas about something, they need guidelines on how to write a commentary essay. Basically, this article begins by defining what is a commentary essay, its meaning, and outlining its basic format and structure. Then, some insights students can learn are that introductions should have hooks, background information, and thesis statements. In writing, body paragraphs of this type of essay should have topic sentences; evidence, mainly quotes; comments after the evidence; and transitions. Finally, a conclusion part should restate a central thesis and summarize main ideas. This writing guideline also gives an outline, template, possible topics, and a practical example of a commentary essay. Lastly, a presented article teaches students 10 dos and 10 don’ts as 20 tips for writing a high-standard commentary essay, as well as what to include in such compositions and what to avoid.

General Aspects

Reading is an academic exercise that develops a person’s mental faculties of intellect, memory, reason, intuition, perception, and imagination. In principle, these faculties develop when people utilize what they have acquired through reading to write different types of essays , including reports and research papers. Therefore, reading and writing are related because they both induce intellectual development. As such, this guideline on how to make a correct commentary in an essay teaches students and anyone passionate about writing how to create a good argumentative position that meets quality standards for intellectual discourse and publication. A provided guideline also offers vital insights, including a simple definition of what is a commentary essay, its basic format and structure, different types, possible essay topics, 10 dos and 10 don’ts, 20 tips, what to include and what to avoid for producing a high-standard essay. Therefore, reading this guideline is beneficial to students and others who may, from time to time, write a commentary in an essay to communicate ideas to specific audiences.

What Is a Commentary Essay and Its Purpose

According to its definition, a commentary essay is a form and type of academic writing where an author provides a detailed analysis and interpretation of a particular subject, such as a text, event, or issue. For example, the main purpose of writing a commentary essay is to analyze and critique a subject matter while providing a personal perspective, helping readers to understand deeper meanings or implications (Rogers, 2024). Unlike a summary, which simply recounts information, a commentary essay engages with a specific material, exploring how and why certain aspects are significant. Further on, students may examine different themes, underlying messages, or societal impacts, offering their viewpoints to spark discussion or further thought (Hackett, 2021). In writing, such papers include evidence to support interpretations, such as quotes, data, or real-life examples, ensuring an entire argument is well-grounded. Moreover, through this reflective process, this writing type of composition encourages readers to question, interpret, and explore different perspectives, fostering a more comprehensive engagement with a topic at hand (Lauritzen, 2021). In terms of pages and words, the length of a commentary essay depends on academic levels, assignment requirements, and subjects under analysis, while general writing guidelines are:

High School

Length: 2-4 pages
Word Count: 500- 1,000 words

College (Undergraduate)

Length: 4-6 pages
Word Count: 1,000-1,500 words

University (Advanced Undergraduate)

Length: 6-10 pages
Word Count: 1,500-2,500 words

Master’s

Length: 10-20 pages
Word Count: 2,500-5,000 words
Length: 20-30 pages
Word Count: 5,000 to 7,500+ words

What Is a Commentary in an Essay | Writing Guide & Examples

Section	Content
Title	Develop a concise, descriptive title that reflects a subject or main focus of a commentary essay.
Introduction	Briefly introduce a chosen topic, event, or text being commented on.
	Provide background information or context.
	State a central thesis or main argument for writing your commentary in an essay.
Summary	Write a brief summary of a text, event, or issue if necessary for context.
Analysis	Present your interpretation or analysis of specific elements (themes, arguments, messages, etc.).
	Discuss why these elements are significant and how they contribute to an overall meaning.
	Use evidence, examples, or quotes to support your interpretation.
Personal Reflection	Explain your personal viewpoint and connection to a given subject.
Personal Reflection	Highlight how this subject resonates with you or your perspective on broader societal issues.
Evaluation	Critique some strengths or weaknesses of a subject.
Evaluation	Offer suggestions or insights on how it could be improved or expanded.
Conclusion	Summarize your main points and restate a thesis in an essay.
Conclusion	Emphasize broader implications of your analysis.
List of References	Include a list of sources cited and use a required citation format, such as APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago/Turabian.

Note: Some writing sections of a commentary essay can be added, deleted, or combined with each other, depending on academic purposes and instructor’s requirements. For example, a standard commentary essay format involves an introduction that presents a specific topic and thesis, followed by body paragraphs that offer analysis, personal interpretation, and evidence, and concludes with a summary of insights and final thoughts (Rogers, 2024). Basically, commentary writing involves providing an individual’s analysis, interpretation, or personal insight on a specific topic, text, or event, often supported by evidence and critical reflection. Further on, in literature, a commentary is a specific act of providing an explanation, analysis, or personal perspective on a topic, text, or event, often focusing on its deeper meaning, significance, or implications (Lauritzen, 2021). A commentary example might be a person analyzing a specific novel by discussing some themes of identity and self-discovery, explaining how a protagonist’s journey reflects broader societal issues, and using quotes from a text to support various interpretations. Moreover, in an argumentative text, commentary refers to a person’s explanation of how the evidence supports a central claim, providing analysis, interpretation, and insight to strengthen a main idea (Hackett, 2021). In turn, to start a commentary essay, people introduce a unique topic, provide necessary context, and present a clear thesis that outlines their interpretation or argument regarding a specific subject.

Defining Features

From a simple definition, a commentary is a descriptive account of an event, an expression of opinions about a political, economic, social, or cultural issue, or elucidating a point or topic of public interest. From this perspective, a commentary essay is a document that students write to express opinions about an issue or topic through a descriptive expression and explanation of ideas (Hackett, 2021). In writing, a commentary essay differs from other types of texts, including an argumentative, personal narrative, cause and effect, compare and contrast, or problem and solution compositions, as well as a report and a research paper, because it means expressing an individual’s perspective concerning an issue or topic. For example, commentaries are products of a critical analysis of societal problems across political, economic, social, and cultural dimensions (Iskander et al., 2018). When writing a commentary essay, students should analyze and interpret a specific source under discussion, such as a text, film, article, video, advertisement, event, object, subject, book, poem, speech, presentation, literary work, novel, sculpture, or image, among others, using a basic sandwich rule: giving a commentary after each quote or citation.

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Basic Structure

Like other texts, a commentary paper has a basic essay structure that dictates how students should organize their content. For example, this writing structure has 3 components: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion (Rogers, 2024). Firstly, an introduction section is where people introduce their assigned topics using a hook, context, and an argumentative thesis statement. Although this type of essay is not a persuasive paper, an argumentative thesis indicates a person’s perspective on a chosen issue, which can be contentious in the eyes of readers. Then, a body section of a commentary essay is where authors construct a defense of their perspectives through writing body paragraphs; each body paragraph should have a topic sentence that establishes a claim; supporting evidence, like quotes, data, or examples; a commentary that analyzes and explains information cited in an essay; and a concluding sentence with a transition to create a logical connection to a next paragraph (Lauritzen, 2021). Finally, a conclusion section restates a central thesis and makes a final remark of writing. In turn, some examples of sentence starters for beginning a commentary essay are:

In today’s world, a subject of [topic] presents numerous challenges and questions that demand deeper examination, particularly when considering its impact on [societal issue, group, or theme].
An entire work of [author, event, or text] provides a fascinating exploration of [theme or idea], revealing complex layers of meaning that prompt readers to reflect on broader societal, cultural, or personal implications.
At a heart of [related topics], a hot discussion surrounding [subject] becomes more than a surface-level debate, offering valuable and challenging insights into the ways in which [issue] shapes people’s understanding of [related field or societal impact].
In an analysis of [topic or text], it becomes clear that there is a deeper, often overlooked element at play, one that forces people to reconsider their assumptions about [theme, issue, or perspective] and its relevance to contemporary discourse.
A narrative presented in [text or event] brings to light significant themes, such as [name some themes], which not only shape an entire story but also offer commentary on broader implications of [issue or topic] in modern society.
While at first glance, [topic or text] may appear straightforward, a more thorough investigation reveals underlying complexities related to [specific issue], encouraging readers to engage with a material on a more critical level.
By examining intricate details of [topic], this essay will analyze different arguments and themes that contribute to a deeper understanding of [related field or idea], ultimately highlighting its relevance in today’s world.
A controversial discussion surrounding [text or issue] often centers on [popular interpretation], yet a closer look reveals subtleties that challenge this conventional view, offering a more nuanced perspective on [key theme or argument].
Through a careful analysis of [event, text, or subject], one can observe how [specific aspect] acts as a microcosm for larger societal or cultural dynamics, providing deeper insight into [related theme or issue].
An exploration of [subject] in this essay seeks to explain a significant impact it has on [broader topic or field], not only offering critical insights but also questioning prevailing narratives that dominate discussions on [related issue].

5 Main Types

Because a commentary in an essay expresses a person’s perspective about an issue, idea, or topic, it is evident in a body section of such a paper, where people describe their perspectives every time they provide evidence. For example, there are different writing types of commentary people may use for organizing their papers (Rogers, 2024). A first type is an opinion essay where authors analyze evidence, such as a quote, text, or image, and state their stands with their critics. A second type of commentary essay is an interpretation, where students explain a complex concept to enhance a reader’s understanding. A third type is character or subject’s feelings, where learners depict an emotional state of a person they have described in a commentary sentence. A fourth type of commentary essay is a personal reaction, where people communicate their stances on an issue, while A fifth type is an evaluation, where students evaluate a section and give a critical judgment.

Alternative Forms and Examples

Besides the common types presented above, students may write alternative commentaries when their essay is part of a bigger writing project, such as a systematic exposition of an idea, theme, or topic. For example, students must know unique features of each type, including when to use it, what to focus on, and how to organize a commentary essay’s content in writing (Hackett, 2021). As such, alternative forms and examples are:

1️⃣ Close, Direct Analysis of Passages

An example of an alternative commentary in an essay is a close, direct analysis of robust passages from a specific source, such as an article, film, poem, literary work, book, or novel. Basically, they are standard in bigger writing projects, like expositions or being part of a critic’s work (Rogers, 2024). In principle, students adopt this type of commentary when they have to read a passage in a text or pick a speech in a movie and write a film analysis essay that expresses a person’s perspective on central issues, ideas, or concepts. As a result, a following writing example of a commentary essay demonstrates a close, direct examination of a first stanza of a famous poem “Night Wind” by Christopher Dewdney:

Tonight the wind blows through all the worlds I have known and through all the lives I have led. The wind blows in the trees, deeper into each. The wind blows forever, strains like something endlessly departing. Restless, impatient, it races without burden.

Example of a Commentary on Celebration of Nature in the First Stanza of Christopher Dewdney’s Poem “Night Wind”

Christopher Dewdney’s 1984 poem “Night Wind” celebrates nature by depicting the night wind as a permanent, free expression of nature. The poet describes the wind on a particular night in the first stanza. By using a first-person perspective in the first three lines, Dewdney depicts himself as an observer. This writing style expresses a personal dialogue in which the poet directly relates his senses, experiences, and impressions. Dewdney opens the poem with the words: “Tonight the wind blows through / all the worlds I have known and / through all the lives I have led.” In this passage, the author expresses to the reader how the unity of the wind in whatever time or place leaves a lasting impression on him. Ideally, he views the wind as an omnipresent force but also regards it as very transient and fleeting. The words “endlessly departing” indicate to the reader the sense that the wind encompasses the entire continuum of the poet’s existence. Nonetheless, it is always in a rush to be at another location. The reader gets the impression that wind is a celebration of nature when Dewdney mentions its interactions with nature: “The wind blows in the trees, deeper into each.” This statement induces an imagination of trees fighting against a pervasive wind. The poet ends the stanza by personifying the wind, and he assigns it human qualities of restlessness, impatience, and playfulness. In this respect, the first stanza uses the wind as a reason to celebrate nature.

2️⃣ Commentary Annotations

Annotations are another writing type of alternative commentary in an essay where students use a short claim on a source, like a text, film, or image. For example, this kind of commentary essay also looks like an annotated bibliography (Hackett, 2021). Typically, people adopt annotations when they need to explain complex words, phrases, or concepts to readers; give a historical or cultural context of a topic; support or challenge author’s arguments in an essay; expose literary devices, like contrast, irony, or sarcasm, or rhetorical devices, like ethos, pathos, and logos; provide a personal interpretation of a text under analysis. Therefore, annotations aim to enhance a reader’s understanding of a short passage from a source (Berterö, 2016). Below are three writing examples of annotations of complex content in writing a commentary essay for Christopher Dewdney’s Poem “Night Wind.”

3 Examples of a Commentary With Annotations

➖ “The night wind is an empire / in exodus, a deliverance / beside the dark shape of trees.”

This statement is in lines 13-15 of Dewdney’s poem, where the poet alludes to a biblical concept, exodus, to express the wind’s freedom. By stating that the wind is “… in exodus, a deliverance…,” Dewdney makes the reader compare the wind to the incident in the book of Exodus in the Bible where Moses leads the children of Israel, God’s chosen people, to Canaan, the promised land, after freeing a life of bondage in Egypt. In this respect, lines 13-15 confirm that the wind is free and expresses nature’s freedom.

➖ “The wind takes / me in its giddy rush and / gathers me into a storm of longing, / rising on wings of darkness.”

In this statement in lines 18-21, the phrase “wings of darkness” emphasizes the wind’s freedom and mystery. The poet contextualizes the wind as an unpredictable force that can take a person anywhere .

➖ “Along oceans and rivers, / the gale’s mysterious, unspoken imperative / is a joyous delirium with / nothing at its end.”

This passage in lines 36-39 expresses Dewdney’s excitement in not knowing where the wind may take him. It suggests that it does not matter where the wind takes him because he is truly free. In essence, the statement makes the reader imagine the wind as a mystery because it can take one anywhere, emphasizing the theme of freedom.

3️⃣ Data Commentary

Data commentary is another writing type of alternative commentary in an essay where students summarize a study by analyzing critical information that helps readers to have a sneak peek of a project. Basically, main features students should incorporate in a commentary essay include visual illustrations, like charts, diagrams, graphs, and tables, to capture statistical data, allowing readers to compare them easily (Lewis et al., 2021). In writing, data commentary reflects the results section of a research paper because that is where scholars use visual illustrations to report statistical data. For example, to write a commentary in a synthesis essay, people explain how the evidence from different academic sources supports their thesis, analyze some connections between these articles, and provide their interpretation or insights on their combined significance (Lauritzen, 2021). Further on, another feature is a conclusion summarizing a commentary essay by reiterating key points and expressing a person’s final remark, meaning a main perspective on a given topic. Lastly, people must provide a reference page listing credible sources they consulted to write data commentaries, such as reports and research articles. Below is a writing example of data commentary.

Example of Data Commentary

Table 3 shows respondents’ responses to statements about the barriers to exercise prescription for people with mental illness. Those who agreed that patients’ mental health denies them the opportunity to exercise was 58%, while those who agreed that obtaining an injury during exercise is a concern was 45%. There was an overwhelming response by 87% of the respondents who agreed that exercise is beneficial and were interested in prescribing it for patients with mental health problems. However, only 13% agreed that prescribing exercise falls outside their job description. Nonetheless, 16% stated that they did not know how to prescribe exercise for the population. Overall, 71% approved that exercise professionals are best suited to prescribe exercise for people in the population.

Possible Uses of Block Quotations

When writing a commentary essay, students can use block quotations to organize comments. However, this feature is suitable mainly for extensive passages. For example, in a simple definition, a block quote is a text that captures direct quotations longer than 40 words, which a person offsets from a main text and does not include quotation marks (Pears & Shields, 2022). In writing, such a text appears on a new line with a 0.5 inches indentation or 5 to 7 spaces. Moreover, using single space for a block quote is standard, even in an essay requiring double spacing. Hence, students must know how to format block quotes in APA, MLA, Harvard, and Chicago/Turabian referencing styles when writing a commentary essay.

📕 APA Format

There are two ways in which students can use block quotes in APA style when writing their commentary essays.

I. A first block captures an author’s name before a quote:

In their tabulation of results, Vancampfort et al. (2019) showed:

Almost 75% of the respondents indicated that they would “definitely” attend further training for exercise prescriptions for people with mental illness, in particular, related to how to assess patients and how to motivate them towards an active lifestyle. More than seventy percent of the participants also reported that exercise to people with mental illness is actually best delivered by an exercise professional, although only one respondent referred patients to such an exercise professional (p. 2178).

“[Your comments on a block quote starts here]”

II. Alternatively, a block quote can have an author’s surname at the end:

According to the findings:

📕 MLA Format

Similarly, MLA style has two ways of formatting a block quote when writing commentary essays.

I. Having a surname of an author preceding a block quote in an essay:

The results by Vancampfort et al. indicate:

II. Having an author’s surname at the end of a quote:

📕 Harvard Format

Harvard style also has two ways of formatting a block quote when writing commentary essays.

I. Indicating an author’s surname before a block quote in an essay:

In their findings, Vancampfort et al. (2019) established that:

II. Citing an author’s surname at the end of a block quote:

📕 Chicago/Turabian Format

Chicago/Turabian style also has two ways of formatting a block quote when writing commentary essays.

I. Mentioning an author’s surname before a block quote in an essay:

According to Vancampfort et al.:

II. Showing an author’s surname in a footnote:

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Key Features of Formatting Block Quotes

Looking at the examples of writing a commentary in an essay above, there are some similarities and differences in formatting block quotes. APA and Harvard are similar because they show a research article’s publication year and a page number of the information people cite in their commentary essays (Pears & Shields, 2022). Basically, the main difference is a specific arrangement of these details, including a place for putting comas. On the other hand, MLA and Chicago/Turabian styles are similar in that they do not show a research article’s publication year (Pears & Shields, 2022). In writing, the main difference is that the Chicago/Turabian style uses footnotes to show the author(s) and all the bibliography details at a commentary essay’s end. Moroever, MLA style shows only an author’s surname and a page number in a text. In turn, people begin writing their commentaries in the following line after a block quote as a standard paragraph in all the formats.

Examples of Commentary Essay Topics

Students should choose easy essay topics when writing a commentary essay to avoid complicating their tasks. For example, a specific topic should indicate a particular source document one is commenting on, such as a text, film, or image (Rogers, 2024). Basically, a standard practice is that instructors define commentary essay topics students should write about. However, people can choose other themes they are comfortable with if such instructions do not exist for writing a commentary essay. In writing, the best approach to choosing an easy topic is to engage with course content and read widely to generate and incubate ideas (Lauritzen, 2021). When the time comes to write an entire essay, one finds it easy to construct arguments that fit an entire task. As such, the following are possible commentary essay topics because they suggest analyzing and examining a source from a person’s perspective.

In Memory of Amelia Earhart: Sky’s Fearless Lady
Digital Privacy: A Fundamental Right or a Trade-Off for Security
Analyzing Bias in Mainstream News Media
Cultural Factors Influencing Eating Disorders
Central Themes in Harper Lee’s Novel “To Kill a Mockingbird”
“The Great Gatsby” Through Contemporary Lens
A Rhetorical Stance in Jessica Grose’s “Cleaning: The Final Feminist Frontier”
A Key Message in Robert Frost’s Poem “The Road Not Taken”
Maya Angelou’s Magic in “And Still I Rise”
Demystifying Mental Disorders Through the Film “Black Swan (2010)”
An Actual Essence of Margaret Atwood’s “Negotiating With the Dead: A Writer on Writing”

Outline and Template

Title : Unique Topic

Title of a commentary essay must be precise to an assigned topic.
Title must be short, clear, and easily understandable.
Title must be interesting, catchy, and with relevant keywords.

I. Introduction

Essay introduction must have a hook that interests readers enough to grab their attention and stir a curiosity to continue reading.
Introduction must refer to a specific source (text, film, or image) and its author(s).
Introduction must summarize an assigned source that includes the main characters (if any), themes, or concepts.
Introduction must have a clear thesis statement that states a person’s claim.

Body paragraphs (at least three):

Each body paragraph of a commentary essay must have a topic sentence that emphasizes a single idea central to a main claim in a thesis statement that a person will defend in a paragraph.
Each body paragraph must include evidence from a source under analysis, such as a quote, indicating a character responsible and a context.
Each body paragraph must give a commentary about the evidence through relevant analysis, linking the information to a single idea at the beginning of a paragraph and a central claim in a thesis.
Each body paragraph must end with a closing statement and a bridge sentence to facilitate a logical flow to a next paragraph or section of an essay.

III. Conclusion

Sum up a commentary essay by:

Restating a thesis.
Emphasizing main ideas of a commentary essay.
Giving a final remark that confirms an actual importance of a discussed topic.

List of References

Cite a central source under analysis in an essay, including other academic articles, credible websites, or books, and follow specific citation rules, such as APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago/Turabian referencing formats.

Commentary Essay Example

Title: A Rhetorical Stance in Jessica Grose’s “Cleaning: The Final Feminist Frontier”

Introduction

A woman never rests, not with society constantly demanding her value at every turn. This idea is a central message in Jessica Grose’s famous article, “Cleaning: The Final Feminist Frontier.” The author argues that cleaning remains a feature of women’s value in society, despite men’s growing involvement in childcare and cooking. The article also opens with personal accounts and convincing facts, suggesting its credibility as a source of information about the dynamics confronting American women. In her article, Grose communicates her message effectively by adopting a rhetorical stance characterized by emotional appeals.

Body Paragraphs

A. Commentary on a Main Idea of an Article

Grose opens the article with a personal story of her and her husband cleaning their house after Hurricane Sandy forced them indoors. For example, Grose (2013) uses an uneven distribution of a cleaning task in her marriage to point out a larger feminist issue of who between a husband and wife should do a job. The article gives three reasons why men shy away from the cleaning task, including the fact that it is women who receive praise for a clean house, the media focuses on men’s growing involvement in childcare and cooking, and it is not fun. Even the distribution of a cleaning task can happen by creating a task chart that shows who does what on a basis of skill and ability and adopting cleaning gadgets to make cleaning more fun.

Throughout the article, Grose uses sources to appeal to a reader’s ethos and build her argument. For example, Grose (2013) uses some of the sources to achieve these goals, and they include a study by sociologists Judith Treas and Tsui-o Tai and an article by Matthew Krehbiel, North America Fabric Care Brand Manager for P&G. Citing these sources helps the author to build her credibility in the eyes of readers.

Regarding appeals to logos, Grose mentions statistics and interesting facts that help to enhance the logical progression of ideas central to her argument. For example, temphasize the uneven distribution of the cleaning task, Grose (2013) says, “My husband and I both work…I do the dishes nine times out of ten, and he barely knows how the washer and dryer work.” Such facts confirm and support the idea that women do more household chores than men. Grose (2013) also cites statistics, showing “55 percent of mothers working full-time in America do some housework daily compared to 18 percent of fathers.” In this respect, the article is factual about an uneven distribution of household chores that disadvantages women. As a result, personal details and statistics from credible sources help the author to impress upon a reader how society uses a modern domestic environment to subjugate women.

The article appeals to a reader’s pathos in the beginning and middle sections, where Grose uses emotionally charged words and phrases to induce the audience’s sympathy. For example, Grose (2013) laments that, while she “was eight months pregnant,” her husband experienced the complexity of fighting “a massively pregnant person.” These words evoke an image in a reader’s mind that portrays women as vulnerable in a current domestic space because of natural factors, like high emotions and pregnancy. Indeed, readers may feel sympathetic to Grose and the women who generally live in this social context. Moreover, using words and phrases, like ‘argued,’ ‘sucks,’ ‘be shunned,’ ‘be judged,’ and ‘headachey,’ evokes readers’ negative feelings about cleaning. As such, they are more drawn to sympathize with men and view men as selfish.

Grose takes a rhetorical stand throughout the article to persuade her audience of an unfair distribution of cleaning labor in a modern domestic space. By referencing credible sources, citing statistics and interesting facts, and portraying women as adversely disadvantaged, Grose effectively appeals to a reader’s ethos, logos, and pathos. This rhetorical stand is critical in communicating how society remains unfair to women in ta current domestic space despite men’s growing involvement in some household chores, like childcare and cooking.

Grose, J. (2013, March 19). Cleaning: The final feminist frontier . The New Republic. https://newrepublic.com/article/112693/112693

How to Write a Commentary Essay

Writing a commentary essay is a technical process that requires students to grasp essential details. For example, to write a commentary essay, people analyze a subject matter critically, present their interpretation or argument, support a main claim with evidence, and connect their insights to broader themes or implications while maintaining a clear structure and focus throughout (Rogers, 2024). In principle, these details reflect 4 writing steps: preparation, stage setup, writing a first draft, and wrap-up. Typically, each step’s details of writing a commentary essay reflect a unqiue wisdom students should exhibit when creating any scholarly text.

Step 1: Preparation

Preparation is a first step in writing a commentary essay. For example, it is when students take time to create a favorable environment to write their papers (Lauritzen, 2021). In principle, a first task is identifying a single subject, where people should select good sources they can analyze easily, including poems, novels, or films. Moreover, a second task is to create a topic, where students must write short topics that communicate a precise message of a commentary essay.

Step 2: Stage Setup

Setting a stage is a second step of writing a commentary essay. For example, a first task is to read, watch, or examine an assigned source to identify key themes and ideas (Hackett, 2021). Then, a second activity is to research reliable sources that help to generate ideas that align with these themes and concepts to write about. Further on, a next task is to create a clear essay outline emphasizing an introduction, body, and conclusion with all the essential writing details (Lauritzen, 2021). As a result, to start a commentary in an essay, people introduce a subject or text, provide a relevant context, and present a clear thesis or central argument to guide their analysis.

Step 3: Writing a First Draft of a Commentary Essay

Writing a first draft is a third step in creating a commentary essay, and a central focus is generating a paper that can be used for further editing and improvement. For example, a standard format of writing a commentary involves presenting a clear thesis, supporting analysis with evidence, providing interpretation or personal insights, and concluding with a summary of an argument or reflection on its broader significance (Rogers, 2024). As such, students should organize their ideas into text, emphasizing a central claim in a thesis statement, ideas in topic sentences, evidence (quotes), and transitions in body paragraphs. In writing, they should also ensure their conclusions restate a thesis, summarize main ideas of a commentary essay, and give a final remark about their commentaries, focusing on an assigned source and topic.

Step 4: Wrap-Up

A final wrap-up is a last step in writing a commentary essay. For example, a main focus is transforming a first draft into a final text by eliminating all mistakes and flaws (Lauritzen, 2021). Typically, students should revise all sections that do not make sense to a central claim or those that affect a paper’s logical progression and its writing. Moreover, they should edit a commentary essay by adding or deleting words and phrases and eliminating grammatical mistakes, missing punctuation, formatting or writing errors, and incorrect citations.

Looking at the information in the preceding sections, writing a great commentary essay is a complex task that requires students to demonstrate knowledge of what it takes to create a quality paper. Some of the tips for writing a commentary essay include identifying a single source, which can be a text, film, or image; noting a source’s basic information, like an author, title, and publication date; identifying central themes in a given subject; writing an introduction that emphasizes a source’s basic information; creating a thesis that communicates a claim about an assigned source; adopting a unique structure as above; beginning paragraphs with a topic sentence; incorporating quotes from a source into body paragraphs; commenting on some quotes and their significance; and concluding a commentary essay with a summary that makes a final remark about a single source and topic.

10 things to do include:

identifying a source for writing a commentary essay;
reading, watching, or analyzing an assigned source carefully and closely;
outlining critical details, like themes, ideas, and literary devices;
writing an introduction with a hook and an argumentative thesis statement;
providing body paragraphs with topic sentences, concluding sentences, quotes, commentary, and transitions;
maintaining a formal tone in a commentary essay;
using the applicable format (APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago/Turabian) correctly;
presenting an introduction that summarizes a commentary essay;
avoiding grammatical and writing mistakes;
proofreading a final version of a commentary essay.

10 things not to do include:

failing to document source’s essential details, like an author’s name and surname;
concentrating on an introduction more than a body;
not incorporating quotes in body paragraphs;
focusing on too many ideas in writing a commentary essay;
not defending a central claim in a thesis;
ignoring a unique outline of a commentary essay;
writing with too many grammatical mistakes;
using different formatting styles (APA, MLA, Harvard, and Chicago/Turabian);
not implementing transitions in body paragraphs;
creating a commentary essay without a logical flow of ideas and thoughts in writing.

What to Include

Element	Description
Subject Matter	A main topic or text that is being commented on, which could be a book, article, film, poem, event, issue, etc.
Main Argument	A central viewpoint or thesis regarding a subject being analyzed.
Key Themes	Major ideas or topics within a chosen subject that are important for understanding its meaning or impact.
Evidence	Supportive data, examples, or quotes from credible sources to back up an entire analysis and claim.
Interpretation	A person’s explanation of a deeper meaning or implications of a presented subject.
Critical Analysis	A detailed examination of specific aspects to evaluate their significance or relevance.
Personal Insight	An author’s individual perspective and reflection on a given subject.
Comparative Analysis	Comparing a subject with other works, issues, or perspectives to enhance understanding.
Broader Impact	Exploration of how a discussed subject relates to wider societal, cultural, or historical contexts.
Final Insights	Final thoughts on some implications or importance of an analysis conducted.

Common Mistakes

Summarizing Instead of Analyzing: Providing a mere summary of a text, event, or issue without offering personal interpretation or critical insight.
Lack of a Clear Thesis: Failing to present a focused thesis that guides a commentary essay’s purpose and main argument.
Not Supporting Claims With Evidence: Making assertions without backing them up with quotes, examples, or data, weakening an overall analysis.
Overloading With a Personal Opinion: Giving too much subjective opinion without balancing writing with analysis and evidence from a source material.
Ignoring Opposing Viewpoints: Neglecting to consider alternative interpretations or counterarguments, making a whole analysis one-dimensional.
Focusing on Irrelevant Details: Including unnecessary information that does not contribute to a main argument or writing.
Poor Organization: Failing to structure a commentary essay logically, leading to a confusing or disjointed flow of ideas and writing.
Overuse of Quotes: Relying too heavily on direct quotations instead of interpreting and explaining their significance in an entire analysis.
Weak Conclusion: Ending a commentary essay abruptly without effectively summarizing main points or reinforcing a thesis in writing.
Inconsistent Tone or Style: Switching between formal and informal language or inconsistent use of academic tone throughout a paper.

A commentary essay is a piece of writing where an author analyzes and interprets a specific topic, often a text or event, providing personal insights. Basically, such a paper follows a structured writing format, typically with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. An example of commentary is a written analysis of a novel where a person discusses key themes, an author’s intent, and how an entire story relates to current societal issues, providing personal insight and interpretation. Further on, the main parts of a commentary essay include an introduction with a thesis, body paragraphs that analyze a specific subject with evidence and personal insights, and a conclusion that summarizes key points and restates an actual significance of an entire analysis. In writing, an introduction presents a specific topic and thesis, while a body explores key themes with evidence. Finally, a conclusion restates a main argument. Moreover, different types of commentary essays include opinion, interpretation, and evaluation. As a result, people should balance personal viewpoints with evidence to engage critically with a chosen subject. In turn, key takeaways to remember are:

Choose a single source that is simple to analyze.
Create a clear thesis that emphasizes a central focus of a commentary essay, such as a claim.
Identify passages or themes in an assigned source that help to build an argumentative claim.
Use an introduction paragraph for its purpose: to introduce a specific topic. As such, writing should be short and precise.
Use a body section for its purpose: to analyze a particular source and defend a central claim comprehensively. Therefore, it should be long and have quotes as evidence.
Use a conclusion part to summarize a commentary essay, and writing should be concise. More importantly, a final sentence should leave readers with a lasting impression of a defined source and topic.

Berterö, C. (2016). Guidelines for writing a commentary. International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being , 11 (1), 1–2. https://doi.org/10.3402/qhw.v11.31390

Hackett, U. (2021). Brilliant essays . Red Globe Press.

Iskander, J. K., Wolicki, S. B., Leeb, R. T., & Siegel, P. Z. (2018). Successful scientific writing and publishing: A step-by-step approach. Preventing Chronic Disease , 15 , 1–6. https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd15.180085

Lauritzen, J. (2021). Read, write, and cite . Kendall Hunt Publishing Company.

Lewis, K. B., Graham, I. D., Boland, L., & Stacey, D. (2021). Writing a compelling integrated discussion: A guide for integrated discussions in article-based theses and dissertations. International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship , 18 (1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1515/ijnes-2020-0057

Pears, R., & Shields, G. J. (2022). Cite them right: The essential referencing guide (12th ed.). A&C Black.

Rogers, D. (2024). Writing better essays: A rhetorical guide to writing and revision . Equinox Publishing Ltd.

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Writing a literary commentary: guidelines, what is a commentary.

First and foremost, a literary commentary is NOT an essay. The passage in front of you is not, therefore, an invitation to write a general essay about the work from which it has been taken.
A commentary is an analysis of the given passage, its function and its characteristics. It should examine the key themes and stylistic devices of the passage, showing how the language works to convey (or at times undermine) its content.
A commentary should relate the passage to the rest of the work (novel, collection of poems, etc.), but remain focused in the main on the details of the passage itself.
Make sure that your commentary covers the whole passage. For instance, if you are given a poem with five stanzas, you should try to say something about each stanza.
Use line numbers (in both poetry and prose) in your commentary, rather than wasting time by quoting at length.
When you do quote, make sure that your comments don't simply repeat what the quotation already says: 'In the line "Il pleut dehors", the poet tells us that it is raining outside ...'
Avoid verbosity or inaccurate terminology. Clarity and precision are top priorities, and polysyllabic words do not improve a commentary.
Don't use words like 'effective', 'atmospheric', or 'beautiful' unless you are also explaining what the effect, atmosphere or beauty of the passage are, and how they are achieved.

How should I write my commentary?

There are no fixed rules for writing a commentary, but a general structure will be suggested. You should always PLAN your commentary before you start writing it, following these guidelines where appropriate.

1 Introduction

Put the passage into context , and summarise its arguments briefly (in a few sentences): do not spend too much time discussing matters outside of the passage.
You should assume that your reader has read the work from which the passage has been taken.
You may want to point out the passage's most important thematic and structural aspects in your introduction.
Introduce the main themes and structural aspects of the passage.
What kind of passage is it (description/dialogue/free indirect speech), and what is its function (in the rest of the work)?
What is its overall structure (repetitious/circuIar/leitmotifs/develops to a climax)?
What is the narrative point of view (first-person/third-person/omniscient or not)?
What are the register (high/low) and tone (comic/surreal) of the passage?

3 Detailed Analysis

This is the most substantial part of the commentary. It should not be simple description or paraphrase, but an analysis of how the language of the passage functions. The following are aspects of the text that you should look for:

Sentence structure
Tense usage
Word order (balance or lack thereof, harmony, repetition, parallels)
Figurative language (imagery, metaphors, similes, symbolism, allegory, personification, myth, antithesis, irony, paradox)
Characterisation (or lack thereof)
Narrative technique/point of view (first/third person, limited point of view, stream of consciousness)
Punctuation
Alliteration, assonance, rhyme (poetry and prose)

Remember that no text is likely to have instances of all of these elements, and that it is best to concentrate on those that are most relevant to the passage in question. Also, you should avoid simply commenting on the appearance of a particular technique: make sure you say why this is worth noticing. Ideally, your comments should cohere to explain how the various linguistic devices combine to produce the overall effect intended by the author.

4 Conclusion

Summarise your findings, drawing together the different aspects of the text that you have discussed in your commentary.
Assess briefly the achievements and significance of the passage, both in itself and in relation to the work from which it is taken.

Some useful aids to commentary-writing

Nurse, P. (ed.), The Art of Criticism: Essays in French Literary Analysis (Edinburgh, 1969) (sample commentaries of French literary texts)
Biard, J. D., Lexique pour I 'explication de texte (Exeter, 1980)
Benac, H., Vocabulaire de la dissertation (Paris, 1949)

(Binac and Biard provide lists of technical terms used in close analysis of a literary text in French, and give explanations and examples of usage)

IMAGES

FREE 7+ Commentary Writing Samples and Templates in PDF
Examples Of Commentary
Five Ways to Target Commentary for Essay Writing
FREE 25+ Essay Writing Samples & Templates in PDF, Word
Commentary
Examples Of Commentary

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COMMENTS

Commentary Essay ⇒ Writing Guide with Analysis Examples
A commentary essay is a written piece that provides an opinion on a particular subject. This type of essay is usually written in response to another piece, such as a blog post, article, or book passage. In a commentary essay, the writer will typically offer their own take on the situation, using evidence and examples to support their claims.
From Summary to Insight: A Guide to Writing Commentary Essays ...
What Is Commentary In An Essay? Over the course of your writing, you may have heard of the term ‘commentary’ in relation to essay writing. But what does it mean? Simply put, commentary is analysis. It’s when you take a text and try to identify the deeper implications at play.
3 Ways to Write a Commentary - wikiHow
To write a commentary, write about your observations and analysis of the text you read. You should craft a clear and specific thesis statement about the novel, poem, or play you are evaluating. Your thesis statement should explain your stance or argument about the text.
How to Write a Commentary Essay: Tips and Examples - Samwell
A commentary essay is a type of writing where you, the author, provide your personal interpretation and analytical comments on a given text. This could be a book, an article, a film, or any other form of media.
What Is a Commentary in an Essay | Writing Guide & Examples ...
A commentary essay is a piece of writing where an author analyzes and interprets a specific topic, often a text or event, providing personal insights. Basically, such a paper follows a structured writing format, typically with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Writing a Literary Commentary: Guidelines - The University of ...
What is a commentary? First and foremost, a literary commentary is NOT an essay. The passage in front of you is not, therefore, an invitation to write a general essay about the work from which it has been taken. A commentary is an analysis of the given passage, its function and its characteristics.