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

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

Ph.D.

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

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

Format

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:

Example 1:

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).