How to Write an Article Review and Critically Analyze a Source

An article review is a focused evaluation of a research article that summarizes its key findings and examines the article’s main argument.

The result is an effective review that highlights the article’s strengths and limitations. This process is beneficial for students, researchers, and professionals who wish to deepen their knowledge and enhance their literature review writing skills.

TL;DR

How to write a review article — 7 steps:

1. Identify the first step: read the article closely.
2. Determine the study design and purpose.
3. Note the research findings and key findings.
4. Analyze the article’s strengths and weaknesses.
5. Evaluate the article review effectively with clear criteria.
6. Examine how the evidence supports the article’s main argument.
7. Draft your analysis with clarity and structure.

Mini-Structure (suggested %):

• Introduction (10%)
• Summary (35%)
• Critique (45%)
• Conclusion (10%)

What Is an Article Review?

Article review can be defined as a work that combines elements of summary and critical analysis. If you are writing an article review, you should take a close look at another author’s work. Many experts regularly practice evaluating the work of others. The purpose of this is to improve writing skills.

This kind of work falls under professional pieces of writing because the process of crafting this paper requires reviewing, summarizing, and thoroughly understanding the topic. Only experts can compose truly insightful reviews that contain a logical evaluation of a paper, as well as a critique.

Your task is not to provide new information. Your task is to process your content in a specific publication.

Need help with writing an article review? Get your paper written by a professional writer! If you don’t have the time to do all of this work, you can always purchase a literature review from PapersOwl.

3 Different Types of Article Review

In academic writing, the landscape of article reviews is diverse and nuanced, encompassing a variety of formats that cater to different research purposes and methodologies.

Among these, three main types of article reviews stand out due to their distinct approaches and applications:

• Narrative. The basic focus here is the author’s personal experience. Judgments are presented through the prism of experiences and subsequent realizations. Besides, the use of emotional recollections is acceptable.
• Evidence. There is a significant difference from the narrative review. An in-depth study of the subject is assumed, and conclusions are drawn from well-supported arguments. The author may consider theories or concrete facts to support that.
• Systematic. The structure of the piece explains the approach to writing — the answer to what a systematic review lies on the surface. The writer should pay special attention to the chronology and logic of the narrative.

Getting to the Core of a Critical Review

The critical review definition states that the author must be objective and present arguments to support each thought. Sometimes, amateur authors believe that they should “criticize” something. However, it is essential to understand the distinction, as objectivity and the absence of emotional judgments are prioritized.

The structure of this type of review article is as follows:

• Introduction;
• Summary;
• Analysis;
• Conclusion.

Within this structure, the “stuffing” of the text is based on elements such as methodology, argumentation, evidence, and theoretical base. The subject of study is stated at the beginning of the material. Then follows the transition to the main part (facts). The final word summarizes all the information voiced earlier.

It is a mistake to believe that critical reviews are devoid of evaluation. While it’s true that these reviews should be objective, the author’s skill is to present an assessment that balances factual evidence with logical reasoning. This smooth transition from one argument to another and lays out the conclusions for the reader to help them follow the thought process. 

That is why such texts are used in scientific and medical contexts! In these fields, a critical review is not just a list of facts; it’s a comprehensive exploration that supports further research. 

To present your research findings in the most readable way possible, learn how to write a summary of article.

• Though the critical reviews meaning may seem straightforward at first glance, they require careful research and a thoughtful approach. The point is not just to list facts but to search for information that takes center stage. After all, it is such reports that will, in the future, provide the basis for researching issues more narrowly. 

In essence, you yourself create a new source of information ─ students who worry that somebody may critique the author’s article love this type of material. However, there are no questions for the author; they just set the stage for discussions in different fields.

Example 1 (STEM): Critical Review — Biomedical Research

Source excerpt: “The study reports that the new peptide significantly reduced tumor proliferation in vitro. The authors attribute this effect to its ability to inhibit the mTOR signaling pathway.”

DE SUMMARY

The authors present laboratory evidence suggesting that the peptide suppresses tumor cell growth by disrupting the activity of the mTOR pathway. Their conclusion is based on controlled in vitro assays.

DE CRITIQUE

While the mechanistic link is plausible, the study lacks dose-response validation and cross-cell line replication, which limits the generalizability of the findings. No in-vivo testing or toxicity assessment is provided, which weakens the strength of the causal claims.

Example 2 (Humanities): Critical Review — Literature / Cultural Analysis

Source excerpt: “The article argues that Victorian travel writing constructed the ‘exotic other’ by emphasizing distance, danger, and moral contrast. The author illustrates this through close readings of three serialized travelogues published between 1860 and 1880.”

DE SUMMARY

The piece examines how Victorian travel writers framed non-Western cultures, using textual analysis of several travelogues to illustrate patterns of exoticism and moralization.

DE CRITIQUE

Although the textual analysis is insightful, the argument relies heavily on three canonical authors, raising questions about representativeness. Engagement with postcolonial theory is selective, and alternative interpretations — such as the economic motivations behind publishing practices — are only briefly mentioned.

Evaluating Different Article Types

When learning how to review an article, it helps to understand that not all scholarly texts follow the same research logic. A strong reviewer adjusts their criteria depending on whether the piece is a journal article, a research article, or a scientific study.

Below is a practical guide, along with a sample checklist, to help you identify strengths, weaknesses, and common red flags. These considerations are often highlighted in any well-written journal article review example.

1. Journal Articles (General Scholarly Articles).

Journal articles often include conceptual discussions, theoretical contributions, or literature-based arguments rather than original data collection. Because methods vary widely, the reviewer’s task is to evaluate coherence, logic, and use of credible sources.

What to Examine:

Methodology

• Is the method clearly stated (theoretical, conceptual, literature-based, qualitative, etc.)?
• Does the approach match the article’s goals?
• Are sources integrated logically and critically?

Selection of Evidence

• Does the author rely on relevant, recent peer-reviewed studies?
• Are there missing perspectives or outdated citations?

Analysis

• Are the arguments organized logically?
• Does the article critically synthesize sources or simply summarize them?

Ethics

• Are sources cited correctly?
• Does the author acknowledge limitations or potential bias?

2. Research Articles (Empirical Studies).

Research articles present original data, so your review should focus on methodological transparency and validity. This is where many students struggle when learning how to review an article properly.

What to Examine:

Methodology

• Is the research design clear (qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods)?
• Does the article explain instruments, procedures, and theoretical frameworks?

Sampling

• Is the sample size adequate and appropriate?
• Does the sampling method introduce bias (convenience, self-selection, small n)?
• Are inclusion/exclusion criteria clearly defined?

Statistical or Qualitative Analysis

• Are statistical tests appropriate for the research questions?
• Are effect sizes, confidence intervals, or significance levels reported?
• For qualitative studies: Are coding procedures or thematic methods described clearly?

Ethics

• Did the study undergo ethical review (IRB, ethics board)?
• Are confidentiality, consent, and data protection addressed?
• Does the author disclose conflicts of interest?

3. Scientific Articles (Experimental or Laboratory Studies).

Scientific studies require a high level of scrutiny because they rely heavily on reproducibility, controls, and data integrity.

What to Examine:

Methodology

• Is the experimental design replicable?
• Are variables clearly defined (independent, dependent, controlled variables)?
• Are instruments, materials, and protocols described with enough detail?

Sampling

• Were participants, specimens, or datasets selected systematically?
• Are randomization and blinding used where appropriate?

Statistics

• Are statistical analyses appropriate for the experimental design?
• Are assumptions tested (normality, variance, sample independence)?
• Are graphs and tables labeled clearly?
• Is there evidence of p-hacking or selective reporting?

Ethics

• Does the study follow field-specific guidelines (e.g., human subjects, animal research standards)?
• Are ethical approvals reported?
• Are the risks of data manipulation or fabrication addressed?

Sample Checklist of Questions for Any Article Type

Use this checklist when writing or evaluating any journal article review example:

Methodology

• What research method is used, and is it appropriate for the goals?
• Is the design clearly explained so that another researcher could replicate it?
• Are limitations or weaknesses acknowledged?

Sampling / Data Selection

• Who or what is being studied?
• Is the sample valid, representative, or biased?
• Are the inclusion/exclusion criteria clear?

Statistics / Data Analysis

• Are the analytical techniques appropriate for the data?
• Are results reported transparently (tables, figures, tests)?
• Do the conclusions actually follow from the data?

Ethics

• Does the article meet academic integrity and citation standards?
• Were ethical approvals obtained?
• Is participant privacy protected?
• Are conflicts of interest disclosed?

How to Analyze and Synthesize Multiple Sources Effectively?

Literature is the foundation of this type of work ─ books, essays, and journal articles serve as sources of information. Thus, the author should carefully reconsider and synthesize the information before drawing a conclusion.

The methodology of a literature review aims to identify interconnections, repetitions, and even “gaps” in the literature. For this purpose, proper referencing is essential, whether through footnotes or a reference list, depending on your course requirements.

• Literature reviews often explore myths or conflicting information. When contrary theories exist, the author gathers all relevant perspectives to consider. The focus is not always on confirming facts; instead, it emphasizes understanding broader trends, recurring themes, and patterns. 
• In literary or cultural reviews, objects of study include characters, traditions, or historical contexts. Inconsistencies in the data can reveal important details about a period or culture, while recurring patterns highlight well-established knowledge. Planning and outlining your work before writing is key to effective synthesis and critical evaluation. This will help you with essay writing.

It is important to distinguish between an article review and a literature review:

Feature	Article Review	Literature Review	When to Ask
Scope	Single study or article	Multiple sources on a topic	When analyzing one article vs. surveying a field
Purpose	Provide a critical evaluation of the author’s claims and the article’s conclusions	Summarize, synthesize, and identify trends or gaps	Before writing your thesis statement or designing research
Focus	Major conclusions and supporting evidence	Connections, contradictions, and patterns across studies	When deciding whether to reference a single study or multiple sources
Structure	Introduction → Summary → Critique → Conclusion	Organized by theme, methodology, or chronology	When outlining your topic sentences and explaining relationships
Outcome	Evaluate reliability and significance	Provide a comprehensive understanding of the main topic	For how to write a journal article review vs how to review an article for a literature survey

Tips:

• When preparing a literature review, focus on major conclusions across multiple studies rather than only on one article’s outcomes.
• For a single article review, you provide a detailed critical evaluation of the author’s claims and the article’s conclusions.
• Use clear topic sentences to organize each paragraph and always explain how each study contributes to your understanding of the field.
• University guides can be invaluable: University of Toronto Guide | Cornell University Guide.

By understanding this distinction, students can better answer the question of when to ask what, ensuring that their work — whether a journal article review or a literature review — demonstrates strong analysis, synthesis, and clarity.

APA, MLA, Chicago, and More to Format Your Article Review

Different types of formatting styles are used for article review writing. It mainly depends on the guidelines provided by the instructor; sometimes, professors even provide an article review template that must be followed.

Here are some common types of formatting styles that you should be aware of when you start writing an article review:

• APA (American Psychological Association): An APA format article review is commonly used for the social sciences. It has guidelines for formatting the title, abstract, body paragraphs, and references. For example, the title of an article in APA format is in sentence case, whereas the publication title is in title case.
• MLA (Modern Language Association): This is a formatting style commonly used in the humanities, including language studies and literature. There are specific guidelines for the formatting of the title page, header, footer, and citation style.
• Chicago Manual of Style: This is one of the most commonly used formatting styles. It is often used for subjects in the humanities and social sciences, but it is also frequently found in newspaper titles. This includes guidelines for formatting the title page, endnotes, footnotes, publication title, article citation, and bibliography.
• Harvard Style: Harvard style is commonly used in the social sciences and provides specific guidelines for formatting various sections of a page, including the publication title, summary page, website publisher, and more.

To ensure that your article review paper is formatted correctly and meets the requirements, it is essential to follow the specific guidelines for the formatting style you are using. This helps you write a good article review.

APA & MLA: Mini‑Guides

Because formatting is one of the most common reasons students search for help with article reviews, it’s helpful to look more closely at the two styles that instructors assign most often: APA and MLA. The following mini-guides provide quick, scannable examples of what your title page, in-text citations, and reference entries should look like. These also align with search intents such as how to write an article review in APA format.

APA Format (7th Edition)

APA is the standard in the social sciences, psychology, education, business, and many STEM-related fields. APA emphasizes clarity, structured sections, and precise source attribution.

APA Title Page (Student Paper):

• Title of Your Article Review
• Your Name
• Institutional Affiliation
• Course Number and Name
• Instructor’s Name
• Due Date

APA In-Text Citation Example:

• Narrative: Smith (2023) argues that AI-driven triage improves review accuracy.
• Parenthetical: (Smith, 2023)

APA Reference Entry Example:

• Smith, J. A. (2023). Evaluating peer-review automation in academic workflows.
• Journal of Research Methods, 14(2), 45–59.

Tip for Writing an Article Review in APA Format: Use clear section headers such as Summary, Critical Analysis, and Conclusion to align with APA expectations for structured academic writing.

MLA Format (9th Edition)

MLA is preferred in literature, humanities, media studies, and many writing-focused disciplines. It uses a streamlined page setup and focuses on author-page in-text citations.

MLA First-Page Header Example:

(MLA does not use a separate title page unless required.)

• Your Name
• Instructor’s Name
• Course Title
• Date

Centered: Title of Your Article Review

MLA In-Text Citation Example:

• Narrative: According to Smith, AI models can strengthen analytical reading skills (24).
• Parenthetical: (Smith 24)

MLA Works Cited Entry Example:

• Smith, John A. “Evaluating Peer-Review Automation in Academic Workflows.”
• Journal of Research Methods, vol. 14, no. 2, 2023, pp. 45–59.

Tip for MLA Article Reviews: Unlike APA, MLA emphasizes textual engagement. Quote selectively and integrate commentary to highlight your evaluative position.

How to Write An Article Review?

Follow these steps to write a structured and effective review article based on a research article or original article. Each step helps you focus on the main points and key points, resulting in a clear review in your own words.

Step 1. Pre-read & Annotate

• How to start an article review: skim the first paragraph, headings, abstract, and figures.
• Use annotation strategies like SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review) to enhance your understanding.
• Answer 5 key reading questions: purpose, audience, methodology, main claims, and relevance.

Step 2. Capture the Thesis & Claims

• Identify the thesis and main points of the original article.
• Note supporting key evidence in 1–2 sentences.
• Include background information if needed for context.

Step 3. Draft a Neutral Summary

• Write 10–12 sentences summarizing the research article.
• Present the main points objectively in your own words.
• This step is ungraded but ensures comprehension before critique.

Step 4. Critique Method & Logic

• Evaluate research design, sampling, bias, and generalizability.
• Assess whether the evidence supports the thesis and claims.
• Use a checklist to review the study’s validity and relevance systematically.

Step 5. Context & Contribution

• Explain how the article fits into the field, theory, or ongoing research.
• Identify key points that contribute to knowledge and potential implications for future research.

Step 6. Write the Review

• Organize your review in clear paragraphs, including an introduction (first paragraph), summary, critique, and conclusion.
• Stay concise and maintain a word budget as per assignment instructions.
• Include your evaluation in your own words, citing the article appropriately.

Step 7. Revise & Format

• Use a reverse outline to check flow and completeness.
• Read aloud to catch errors or awkward phrasing.
• Proofread and format according to citation style.
• Support from Writing Centers: Revising Drafts, UNC

Article Review Outline

Use this template as a guide for how to do an article review. Each section includes prompts to help you organize your thoughts clearly and effectively.

1. Introduction.

• Introduce the article: author name, publication date, article’s title.
• Explain the article’s purpose and your reason for reviewing it.
• State the thesis statement or main argument of the article.

Prompt: What is the article about, and why is it important?

2. Summary.

• Summarize the key points and major conclusions.
• Highlight the research methods and evidence used by the author.
• Mention the article’s strengths and any particularly notable findings.

Prompt: What are the main ideas and key findings of the article?

3. Critical Review / Analysis.

• Evaluate the author’s claims and whether they are supported by evidence.
• Identify gaps or limitations in the article.
• Suggest alternative interpretations or areas for future research.

Prompt: How well does the article support its arguments? What is missing?

4. Conclusion.

• Restate the article’s main argument and your overall assessment.
• Summarize the critical evaluation and discuss the article’s benefit for readers or the field.
• Offer any final recommendations or thoughts.

Prompt: What is your overall impression and takeaway from the article?

5. References.

• List all sources cited in your review using proper citation format.

Prompt: Did you include all references for the studies or articles you discussed?

10 Tips for Writing an Article Review

Have you ever written such an assignment? If not, study the helpful tips for composing a paper. If you follow the recommendations provided here, the process of writing a summary won’t be so time-consuming, and you will be able to write an article most effectively.

The guidelines below will make the process of preparing a paper much more productive. Let’s get started!

1. Check what kind of information your work should contain. After answering the key question “what is an article review?” you should learn how to structure it the right way. To succeed, you need to know what your work should be based on. An analysis with insightful observations is a must for your piece of writing.
2. Identify the central idea. In your initial reading, focus on forming an overall impression. Gather ideas about what the writer wants to tell, and consider whether he or she managed to achieve it.
3. Look up unfamiliar terms. Don’t know what certain words and expressions mean? Highlight them, and don’t forget to verify their meaning with a reliable source of information.
4. Highlight the most essential ideas. If you are reading it a second time, use a highlighter to highlight the points that are most important to understanding the passage.
5. Write an outline. A well-written outline will make your life a lot easier. All your thoughts will be grouped. Detailed planning helps ensure that nothing important is overlooked. Think about the questions you should answer when writing.
6. Brainstorm headline ideas. When choosing a project, remember: it should reflect the main idea. Make it bold and concise.
7. Check an article review format example. You should check that you know how to cite an article correctly. Note that citation rules are different in APA and MLA formats. Ask your teacher which one to prioritize.
8. Write a good introduction. Use only one short paragraph to state the central idea of ​​the work. Emphasize the author’s key concepts and arguments to highlight their significance and importance. Add the thesis at the end of the Introduction.
9. Write in a formal style. Use the third person, remembering that this assignment should be written in a formal academic writing style.
10. Wrap up, offer your critique, and close. Give your opinion on whether the author achieved his goals. Mention any shortcomings of the job and highlight its strengths.

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Checklist & Timeline

First Read → Analyze → Draft → Revise

☐ First Read (1–2 hours)

• Read the article carefully to gain a thorough understanding of the topic.
• Note main ideas, research methods, and any unfamiliar terms.
• Ask the following questions: What is the article’s purpose? What are the key research findings?
• Benefit: Improves comprehension for any college student or reader.

☐ Analyze (2–3 hours)

• Examine alternative interpretations of results.
• Identify strengths, weaknesses, and the critical parts of arguments.
• Consider how the article contributes to existing knowledge.
• Plan evaluation criteria for your review.

☐ Draft (2–4 hours)

• Begin how to write a review paper by summarizing the article in detail.
• Include citations and reference course requirements.
• Highlight the article’s main argument and strengths.

☐ Revise (1–2 hours)

• Check flow, clarity, and coherence.
• Ensure all details support your critique.
• Ensure that your review effectively addresses the reader.
• Finalize formatting and polish for critical analysis and knowledge transfer.

Total Estimated Time: 6–11 hours, depending on article length and complexity.

Article Review Example

If you have a task to prepare an analysis of a particular piece of literature, have a look at the article review sample. There is an article review example for you to have a clear picture of what it must look like.

Journal Article on Ayn Rand’s Works Review Example

“The purpose of the article is to consider the features of the poetics of Ayn Rand’s novels, ‘Atlas Shrugged,’ ‘We the Living,’ and ‘The Fountainhead’. In analyzing the novels, both structural-semantic and comparative analysis methods were employed.

With the help of these methods, genre features of the novels were revealed, and a single conflict and a cyclic hero were identified.

In-depth reading enables us to reveal the author’s worldview more fully, as reflected in the novels. It becomes easier to understand the essence of the author’s ideas about the connection between being and consciousness, as embodied in cyclic ideas and images, as well as plot twists and heroes. The author did a good job highlighting the strong points of the works and mentioning the reasons for the apparent success of Ayn Rand.“

You can also search for other relevant article review examples before you start.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, article reviews aren’t just a requirement — they are an essential skill for anyone looking to engage deeply with scholarly work.

Writing a review requires critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of the article’s content, style, and structure. It is crucial to identify the type of article review and follow the specific guidelines for formatting style provided by the instructor or professor.

So, take your time, follow the guidelines, and remember: your review is not just an assignment, but an intellectual exercise that strengthens your critical thinking and writing skills!

FAQ

How Long Does It Take to Review an Article?

Reviewing an article usually takes a few hours, depending on its length and complexity. You’ll read closely, identify the main ideas, and provide a clear critical evaluation.

How Do I Start Reviewing an Article?

Begin by reading the title and abstract, then outline the main argument. Identify what the author wants to prove and note any strengths or weaknesses.

How Do I Review a Scientific Article?

Focus on methodology, data quality, and whether the conclusions follow logically. Assess how the study contributes to existing knowledge.