Submission Requirements & critique Evaluation

Requirements 

1. Manuscript Scope & Focus

Writing critiques must provide a critical evaluation of an existing scholarly work in applied linguistics, TESOL, or communication studies.

• The critique should address strengths, weaknesses, theoretical alignment, and practical implications.

• The work under critique must be recent (published within the last five years) and relevant to TESOL or applied linguistics research.

2. Manuscript Format

• Word Count: 2,500 – 5,000 words.

• Abstract: 150-200 words summarizing the critique’s purpose and main arguments.

• Document Format: Microsoft Word (.docx) or LaTeX.

• Font & Spacing: Times New Roman, 12 pt, double-spaced.

• Referencing Style: APA 7th edition.

3. Structure of the Critique

A well-structured critique should include:

A. Introduction

• Briefly introduce the work under critique (title, author, year, journal, purpose).

• Clearly state the focus of the critique (e.g., theoretical soundness, research methodology, impact on the field).

• Define the evaluation criteria being used.

B. Summary of the Work Under Review

• Provide a concise summary of the key points, methodology, and findings of the work.

• Ensure objectivity before moving into critical analysis.

C. Critical Evaluation

• Address the strengths of the work (e.g., theoretical contributions, methodological rigor, practical relevance).

• Discuss the limitations (e.g., gaps in research, unclear methodology, insufficient theoretical grounding).

• Evaluate how well the work aligns with TESOL/applied linguistics priorities.

• If applicable, compare the work to other similar studies.

D. Implications for TESOL and Applied Linguistics

• Discuss how the criticized work contributes to or challenges existing knowledge.

• Suggest how future research can expand upon or improve the work’s contributions.

E. Conclusion

• Summarize the critique’s main points.

• Provide a balanced assessment (e.g., whether the work is a valuable contribution, what improvements could be made).

Critique Evaluation 

Each critique will be assessed based on the following categories, scored 1–5 per criterion:

1. Depth of Analysis and Critical Thinking

• Does the critique go beyond surface-level observations?

• Does it provide a thoughtful, well-supported evaluation?

2. Theoretical and Methodological Awareness

• Does the critique demonstrate a clear understanding of the theoretical frameworks underpinning the work?

• Does it assess the methodological soundness of the study being critiqued?

3. Relevance to TESOL/Applied Linguistics

• Does the critique discuss how the work contributes to the field?

• Is the discussion contextualized within current TESOL/applied linguistics research priorities?

4. Balance Between Objectivity and Argumentation

• Does the critique present both strengths and weaknesses?

• Does the author maintain a neutral and well-supported stance rather than personal bias?

5. Clarity and Coherence of Writing

• Is the critique logically structured and easy to follow?

• Does the argument flow clearly from one section to another?

6. Engagement with Existing Research

• Does the critique compare the work to related studies?

• Does it position the work within a broader research landscape?

7. Contribution to Scholarly Discussion

• Does the critique offer new perspectives or insights?

• Does it raise meaningful questions or future research directions?

8. Formatting and Referencing Compliance

• Does the submission follow APA 7th edition guidelines?

• Are citations accurate and complete?

Decision Outcomes for Writing Critiques

1. Accepted with Minor Revisions – Minor improvements needed in clarity, argumentation, or formatting.

2. Accepted with Major Revisions – Requires significant restructuring or strengthening of arguments.

3. Revise & Resubmit – Conceptually promising but needs deeper analysis and engagement with research.

4. Rejected – Does not meet JALC’s quality standards for scholarly critiques.