An article review is both a summary and evaluation of an article written by someone else. Teachers often assign article reviews to introduce students to expert work in a certain field. Experts are also often asked to review the work of other professionals. Understanding the main points and arguments of the article is essential for an accurate summary. The logical evaluation of the main theme of the article, the supporting arguments and the implications for further research are important elements of a review. Here are some guidelines for writing an article review.
Steps
Method 1 of 1: Write Your Review
Step 1. Read the article several times
Start by giving a quick reading of the introduction, headings and opening sentences of each paragraph plus the conclusion. Then start over and read the entire article. Reading it one third at a time with a highlighter or pen in hand allows you to make notes and underline important sections.
Step 2. Create a draft summary
This is the draft of the main points touched upon by the article and the arguments or the supporting research. In practice, it is the reformulation of the central points of the article and does not include your opinion.
Review the draft summary to remove unnecessary items. Delete or drag a line on less important topics or additional information
Step 3. Write a draft of your opinions
Review each element of the summary to determine if the author was accurate and clear. Write in draft form all examples of effective writing, new contributions to the field of interest and also the parts of the article that need to be improved.
- Make a list of strengths and weaknesses. The strong point of the article could be that it presents a clear vision of a particular issue. Its weakness may be that it offers no new information or solutions.
- Use specific examples and references. For example, the article may have incorrectly reported facts from a famous study. Mark this observation in your draft and look for facts related to the study in question that confirm your observation.
Step 4. Start your review by naming the title of the article in the first paragraph
Include the author's name.
Step 5. Summarize the article
Express the arguments and main points of the article in your own words, referring to the draft to help you. You can develop it in several paragraphs, although the length of the work depends on the requirements dictated by its teacher or editor.
Reread the summary you wrote. Reread it several times to be sure your words accurately describe the article in question
Step 6. Write the part of the article relating to your opinions
Use the draft of the opinions to write several paragraphs explaining how the author approached the topic. Express your opinion about the article: was it clear, exhaustive and did it give a useful explanation of the subject?
Use a key phrase and supporting argument for each opinion. For example, you could refer to a particular strength of the article in the first sentence of the opinion section, followed by other sentences that elaborate on the concept
Step 7. Conclude the review
In one paragraph, summarize the main points of the article and your opinions on its meaning, accuracy and clarity. If relevant, also comment on the implications for future research or discussion of the field of interest.
