1. Read
the article several times. Begin by looking quickly at the opening statements, headings and
opening sentences of each paragraph and the conclusion. Then go back to the
beginning and read the article in its entirety. Reading the article a third
time with a highlighter or pen in hand allows for making notes or highlighting
important sections.
2. Create
a summary outline.
This is an outline of the main points made in the article and the supporting
research or arguments. It is strictly a restatement of the main points of the
article and does not include your opinions.
- Review the summary outline to eliminate unnecessary items. Erase or cross out the less important arguments or supplemental information.
3. Write
an outline of your opinions. Review each item in the summary outline to determine whether the
author was accurate and clear. Write down in outline form all instances of
effective writing, new contributions to the field, as well as areas of the
article that need improvement.
- Create a list of strengths and weaknesses. The strength of the article may be that it presents a clear summation of a particular issue. Its weakness may be that it does not offer any new information or solutions.
- Use specific examples and references. For example, the article might have incorrectly reported the facts of a popular study. Jot down this observation in your outline and look up the facts of the study to confirm your observation.
4. Start
your review by referring to the title of the article in the first paragraph. Include the name of the author.
5. Summarize
the article.
Express the main points and arguments of the article in your own words,
referring to your summary outline for assistance. This may be done in several
paragraphs, although the length will depend on requirements established by your
instructor or publisher.
- Review the summary you have written. Read over your summary several times to ensure that your words are an accurate description of the author's article.
6. Write
the opinion portion of your article review. Use your outline of opinions to write
several paragraphs explaining how well the author addressed the topic. Express
your opinion about whether the article was a clear, thorough and useful
explanation of the subject.
- Use a topic sentence and supportive arguments for each opinion. For example, you might address a particular article strength in the first sentence of the opinion section, followed by several sentences elaborating on the significance of the point.
7. Conclude
the article review.
In a paragraph, summarize the main points of the article, as well as your
opinions about its significance, accuracy and clarity. If relevant, also
comment on implications for further research or discussion in the field.