You may want to consider utilizing a checklist to guide your comments to others in your critique group. Below is one we developed. I am sharing the first five this time and will post the rest next week.
1) HOOKS:
* Does the opening line or paragraph immediately hook the reader?
* Did you want to keep reading?
2) STYLE:
* Is the writer’s voice distinct and unique?
* Does the author utilize showing and telling skillfully?
* Indicate passages needing more “show”.
3) PROFESSIONAL IMPACT:
* Does the author have a grasp of the elements of grammar, spelling, and punctuation?
* Is the writing fresh and original, avoiding cliches?
* Is the writer overusing/overdoing actions? Themes? Words? Character traits?
* Is the manuscript appropriate for the general market?
4) SETTING:
* Was the place, time of day, season, time period set?
* Does the setting support the story?
* Do sensory details (sight, sound, touch, smell) enhance each scene?
5) CHARACTERS:
* Is the main character identifiable? Unique?
* Do you get a sense of the character’s journey and what the story is about?
* Do secondary characters contribute to the story? Are they defined and likable?
* Do characters’ emotions seem believable and/or provide understandable motives?
brenda poulos 
Hi Brenda: This is such a helpful Post. While I’m not fortunate to be at the stage to participate in a Critique Group, I will use these guidelines to assess my own writing. I’m looking forward to reading the others you will share!
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There are online critique groups you can be a part of. ACFW has one, I know. Look for part 2 of the checklist this coming Sunday–and, absolutely use this to assess your own writing.
I appreciate your comments.
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