How to Write an Article Review: Tips and Examples

Optional Suggested Reading Page

Tables and Figure Legends (if instructed by the professor.)

Often, scientific publications include more information on the background that you can use to analyze the publication more comprehensively.

Steps for Writing an Article Review

Here is a guide with critique paper format from our research paper writing service on how to write a review paper:

Step 1: Write the Title.

First of all, you need to write a title that reflects the main focus of your work. Respectively, the title can be either interrogative, descriptive, or declarative.

Step 2: Cite the Article.

Next, create a proper citation for the reviewed article and input it following the title. At this step, the most important thing to keep in mind is the style of citation specified by your instructor in the requirements for the paper. For example, an article citation in the MLA style should look as follows:
Author’s last and first name. “The title of the article.” Journal’s title and issue(publication date): page(s). Print
Example:
Abraham John. “The World of Dreams.” Virginia Quarterly 60.2(1991): 125-67. Print.

Step 3: Article Identification.

After your citation, you need to include the identification of your reviewed article:

• 
  Title of the article
  
• 
  Author
  
• 
  Title of the journal
  
• 
  Year of publication
  

All of this information should be included in the first paragraph of your paper.
Example:
The report, “Poverty increases school drop-outs,” was written by Brian Faith – a Health officer – in 2000.

Step 4: Introduction.

Your organization in an assignment like this is of the utmost importance. Before embarking on your writing process, you should outline your assignment or use an article review template to organize your thoughts coherently.

• 
  If you are wondering how to start an article review, begin with an introduction that mentions the article and your thesis for the review.
  
• 
  Follow up with a summary of the main points of the article.
  
• 
  Highlight the positive aspects and facts presented in the publication.
  
• 
  Critique the publication through identifying gaps, contradictions, disparities in the text, and unanswered questions.
  

Step 5: Summarize the Article.

Make a summary of the article by revisiting what the author has written about. Note any relevant facts and findings from the article. Include the author's conclusions in this section.

Step 6: Critique It.

Present the strengths and weaknesses you have found in the publication. Highlight the knowledge that the author has contributed to the field. Also, write about any gaps and/or contradictions you have found in the article. Take a standpoint of either supporting or not supporting the author's assertions, but back up your arguments with facts and relevant theories that are pertinent to that area of knowledge. Rubrics and templates can also be used to evaluate and grade the person who wrote the article.

Step 7: Craft a Conclusion.

In this section, revisit the critical points of your piece, your findings in the article, and your critique. Also, write about the accuracy, validity, and relevance of the results of the article review. Present a way forward for future research in the field of study. Before submitting your article, keep these pointers in mind:

• 
  As you read the article, highlight the key points. This will help you pinpoint the article's main argument and the evidence that they used to support that argument.
  
• 
  While you write your review, use evidence from your sources to make a point. This is best done using direct quotations.
  
• 
  Select quotes and supporting evidence adequately and use direct quotations sparingly. Take time to analyze the article adequately.
  
• 
  Every time you reference a publication or use a direct quotation, use a parenthetical citation to avoid accidentally plagiarizing your article.
  
• 
  Re-read your piece a day after you finish writing it. This will help you to spot grammar mistakes and to notice any flaws in your organization.
  
• 
  Use a spell-checker and get a second opinion on your paper.