Basic article review writing rules

Article reviews are evaluation of other writers' works. These are part of homework assignments in schools as introduction to the works of famous literary figures. One professional also writes article reviews about another's work. It is essential to have a clear understanding of the arguments and ideas contained in the article you are about to review. You cannot analyze and summarize something you do not understand well enough.

Elements of an article review:

  • Logical evaluation of the main theme
  • Supporting arguments
  • Implications
  • Suggestions for future research etc.

Here are a few basic rules and guidelines for writing article reviews:

  • Read the article repeatedly. Again: Reading is as much an art as is writing. Your first reading should be a quick sweeping job, noticing major themes and salient points. Read the article from start to finish in the second round. Highlight and mark as appropriate in the third reading. There are no set rules as to how many times be "enough." You can read it as many times as you like or find necessary.
  • Summary Outline: Write a summary outline consisting of the main points of the article and supporting points and research. Restate the ideas of the author clearly in your own words but do not include your own opinion. The author's ideas should be expressed accurately.
  • Opinion outline: Write an outline of your opinions. Be systematic. Write the main points and supporting points from the summary outline and give your opinion about the author's expression: was it clear and accurate? Note down the strengths and weaknesses and give examples to support your impressions.
  • Name of Author and Title of the Article: Your review must start with reference to the article. Include the name of the author.
  • Summary: Write the main theme, salient features, and points, arguments made by the author and the supporting evidence in your summary. These should be written in your own words. Refer to the summary outline to ascertain that you are not missing anything of importance. The length of your summary depends on the requirements set out by your instructor or publisher.
  • Opinion: This is where you expand on the opinion outline you created earlier. Express your opinion about the article's quality, clarity, and accuracy in several paragraphs. Write a sentence stating an impression e.g. strength and elaborate in the following lines.
  • Conclusion: In a single paragraph summarize the salient points made by the author, and your opinions regarding the article's importance, accuracy etc.