Step 1: Learn the definition of Critique. A Critique is an article or essay criticizing a literary or historical work. To criticize means to make a judgment as to the merits and faults of something. A critique is not a summary or a book report it is both.

Step 2: Understand that your assignment in U.S. History to 1877 is to read For the Common Defense: A Military History of the United States from 1607 to 2012.

Step 3: Read and enjoy the book, then go back and jot down some note and examples from the book: Including:

a) Location of book-place, country, state.

b) Time of book-year, century, and era.

c) Author's name and any information about his credentials.

d) What did the author want to accomplish or prove?

e) Sources used by the author to write this book: personal interviews, extensive, research, reports, charts, and maps, government documents.

f) Did the author exhibit a specific partiality or prejudice?

g) Examine the organization of the book. Was the flow of the information smooth and logical?

h) Was the author's writing style easy to understand?

i) In your opinion, did the author accomplish his/her stated purpose? Did he develop his thesis or position? Give examples to support your position.

j) Give your overall impression of the book. Would you recommend this book to a friend, a professor, no one? Explain why.