Article Review Writing Tips: Learn to Outline and Draft With Examples

Every student knows the feeling of staring at an article, unsure how to turn thoughts into a clear review. You might understand the author's point, but still struggle to explain what makes it convincing. That's where a focused approach to writing makes the difference. EssayHub is here to teach you exactly that.

In this guide, you'll see examples and educational tips that simplify each step of the review article writing process. And if you're still trying to make sense of your assignment, our article review writing service can connect you with a professional who can take over.

What Is an Article Review?

An article review is a written critical evaluation of a scholarly text. When you write one, you try to understand the author's viewpoint and the structure they use to prove their arguments. At the same time, you analyze how credible the sources appear. College professors usually ask for this assignment to teach you to read research like a professional and, through that, sharpen your analytical thinking.

If you're just starting to make sense of how to review the article, here's what this paper usually contains:

• A short recap of the author's main claim and results.
• A clear judgment of the argument's logic and depth.
• Your take on what the article adds to its field.

You can also check out EssayHub's book review writing service if you're trying to make sense of more complicated literature.

Types of Review

It helps to know what kind of review article your professor expects because different types focus on different things. Some may ask you to dig into the research methods, while others urge you to look at theory or interpretation. There are also mixed reviews that combine both approaches, asking you to use both analysis and critique.

Journal Article Review

A journal article review involves critically evaluating and analyzing scholarly pieces published in an academic journal. It requires a thorough understanding of the author's research, methodology, results, and conclusions. The reviewer assesses the journal's contributions to the field, its theoretical framework, and the validity of the research methods employed. The goal is to provide a comprehensive summary and critique that highlights both the strengths and limitations of the piece.

Research Article Review

A research article review focuses on the evaluation of a scientific or academic research paper. This type of examination involves examining the research question, experimental design, data collection methods, statistical analysis, and the interpretation of findings. For example, it can be research on teen vaping statistics, which includes all of above. The reviewer assesses the reliability and validity of the research, considers the implications of the study, and offers insights into its potential impact on the broader academic community.

Science Article Review

A science article review encompasses a critical analysis of a piece in the field of science, covering disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, or any other scientific domain. This review type involves assessing the clarity of scientific concepts presented, the validity of experimental procedures, and the significance of the study's findings. According to our literature review writing service, reviewers may also consider the article's potential contributions to advancing scientific knowledge and its relevance to current scientific debates or issues.

Article Review Format

Any good article review must be properly formatted to look professional. A well-structured format almost guarantees the reader follows your reasoning. Most assignments come with their own instructions that tell you what's expected of you, including the formatting style and the word count, which usually ranges from 600 to 1,200 words.

Now, let's get into two of the most popular citation styles and how to format your review article according to each.

APA Article Review Format

An article review in APA format follows a clear structure used across psychology, education, and social sciences. The goal is consistency, both visually and logically. Each part has a reason for being there.

• Title Page: Write the paper title, your name, school, course, instructor, and date. Center all text and double-space it.
• Abstract: Summarize your review in 150–250 words. Mention the article's topic, purpose, and main findings.
• Page Numbers: Place page numbers in the top-right corner, starting from the first page.
• Citation Format: Use the author-date system for citations, for example: (Harris, 2023).
• Font and Spacing: Use 12-point Times New Roman and double-space the entire paper.

If you're still unsure how to meet these standards, EssayHub's APA paper writing service can help you refine your writing.

MLA Article Review Format

The MLA format suits reviews written for literature, arts, or humanities classes. Its structure is straightforward, yet it still expects precision and consistency.

• Title Page: Place your name, instructor, course, and date in the upper-left corner of the first page. Then center your title just below.
• Abstract: Usually not required in MLA, though some professors may ask for a short summary before the main text.
• Page Numbers: Include your last name and the page number in the top-right corner of each page.
• Citation Format: Follow the author-page method for in-text citations, for example: (Lopez 27). Add a "Works Cited" page with full references at the end.‍
• Font and Spacing: Use a legible 12-point font, double-space the entire paper, and keep margins consistent on all sides.

What to Do Before You Start Writing

The work begins long before you write the first sentence. It's in how you read and think. Later, in how you organize your thoughts. A few careful steps early on save you from headaches later. So, take your time with this pre-writing process:

• Plan your structure first. Decide what shape your review article will take. Think about where the summary, critique, and conclusion will fit. Having a clear frame helps your notes fall into place naturally.
• Scan the article. Glance over the essential details first. Notice how the author builds their tone and how they lead the reader where they should be.
• Read slowly and mark what matters. On the second or third read, underline strong claims, note weak spots, and circle evidence that stands out. Add short comments beside paragraphs that spark a thought.
• Restate the ideas in your own words. Summarize the article without looking at it. This test shows how well you've understood the main points.
• Make a plan for your analysis. Write down the questions you'll use later. Is the argument supported by facts? Does bias show through the evidence? Who gains from these findings, and who might disagree?‍
• Outline your review. Draft a short plan that shows how you'll move from summary to critique. Keep it flexible for now. You'll see how to turn it into a full outline in the next section.

Article Review Outline

As we keep saying, investing as much time as you can in what you do before writing saves you countless rewrites later. A review article outline is yet another step for this. Here's a quick article review template for the outline:

Take a look at the downloadable PDF sample below so you can see what a ready template looks like:

Article Review Template

Article Review Template

Writing an Article Review in 9 Steps

Use our essay writing service or move on to understanding how to write a review paper covering everything from creating the title to summarizing key points. This step-by-step guide breaks it down into seven simple steps, making the entire process more manageable.

Step 1: Create the Title

The very first question you might have is how to start an article review. It's crucial to develop a title that not only captures the essence of the publication but also reflects your perspective. For instance, consider the title: 'Decoding Data: A Critical Exploration of Privacy Concerns in Online Health Platforms.' This title not only introduces the main theme but also hints at the critical evaluation that will unfold in the writing. It sets the tone for your analysis and sparks interest from the outset.

Step 2: Reference the Article

In the second step, it's essential to ensure accurate citation by providing specific details. Take a look at this example:

• Author: Rodriguez, M., & Chen, L.
• Title: 'Privacy Matters: Analyzing the Impact of Health Apps on User Data'
• Publication Date: 2023
• Source: Journal of Digital Ethics, 8(2), 87-105.

By including these details, you not only acknowledge the authors and the publication but also provide your readers with the necessary information to locate and verify the article. This step lays the foundation for a credible and well-referenced examination.

Step 3: Article Identification

Identify key elements of the publication, such as the writer's main argument, methodology, and key findings. Pinpoint any theoretical frameworks or models used in the title.

For example: The writing by Garcia and Kim examines the correlation between social media usage and mental health outcomes among adolescents. The authors employ a longitudinal study approach, utilizing surveys and interviews to gather data.

Step 4: Make an Introduction

In your introduction, provide a brief overview of the title's subject and purpose. Capture the reader's attention and clearly state your thesis or main point related to the title. For instance, you might start your article review template like this.

In the digital age, the impact of social media on mental health has become a topic of increasing concern. Garcia and Kim's recent study delves into this issue, aiming to uncover the nuanced relationship between social media engagement and the psychological well-being of adolescents. This writing piece critically analyzes the methodology, findings, and implications of their research.

Step 5: Summarize the Article

Summarize the main points of your assessment, highlighting key arguments, evidence, and results. Offer a concise overview without adding personal opinions.

Example: Garcia and Kim's study reveals a significant positive association between increased social media use and heightened levels of anxiety and depression among the adolescent population. The longitudinal study tracked participants over a two-year period, employing both quantitative and qualitative measures to assess mental health outcomes.

Step 6: Provide Critique

Critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of the writing. Well, how to critique an article, you might wonder. Discuss aspects such as methodology, data interpretation, and potential biases.

Example: While the study offers valuable insights, the reliance on self-reported data may introduce response bias. Additionally, the research predominantly focuses on mainstream social media platforms, potentially overlooking the impact of emerging platforms. Despite these limitations, the study's comprehensive approach contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding the intersection of social media and mental health.

Step 7: Conclude

In the conclusion, summarize your overall assessment of the article and restate your main points. Offer insights into the broader implications of the research and suggest areas for future exploration. 

For example: To conclude, Garcia and Kim's study sheds light on the complex relationship between social media use and adolescent mental health. Despite certain methodological limitations, the research underscores the need for continued investigation in this field. As we navigate the digital landscape, understanding these dynamics becomes crucial for devising effective interventions and support systems for the well-being of our youth.

Step 8: Cite Sources Properly

Every strong review article ends with clean, consistent citations. Go through your sources one by one and make sure each detail lines up. Pay attention to:

• Author names spelled and formatted the same in both text and references.
• Publication years matching across all citations.
• Page numbers correctly listed for direct quotes or references.
• Titles written in the right style (italicized or in quotation marks).
• Punctuation and capitalization consistent with your chosen format.
• Reference order following alphabetical or chronological rules as required.
• In-text citations aligned with entries in the reference list.
• No missing or duplicate sources in the final list.

Step 9: Edit and Proofread

Step away after you finish writing so you can see the text with fresh eyes. When you return, read your review article slowly. Notice where the rhythm stumbles or where a line feels flat. Some sentences might need trimming, others a single word to breathe better. Fix grammar, yes, but also pay attention to tone and flow. It also helps to read the paper aloud because the smallest issues reveal themselves that way.

Read Also: Movie Review Essay Guide

Examples of an Article Review

Each article review sample below follows a precise framework. We hope that after reading them, you'll have a clear idea about how one of yours should look (regardless of whether you're writing a newspaper or a journal article review).

Artificial Intelligence Applications

Artificial Intelligence Applications

The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction

The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction

Trauma Narratives and the Remaking of the Self

Trauma Narratives and the Remaking of the Self

Article Review Checklist

Complete this checklist before you decide to submit your writing:

Article Review Topics to Write About

Strong topics for article review are focused enough to analyze but still broad enough to invite reflection. Here are ten ideas that work well for practice or academic use:

1. How algorithmic bias shapes hiring decisions in modern workplaces.
2. The influence of long-form podcasts on public understanding of science.
3. Shifts in mental health stigma across digital communities after the pandemic.
4. The reliability of nutrition studies and why their results often change.
5. How documentaries affect public opinion on criminal justice reform.
6. The rise of microlearning in higher education and its long-term effects.
7. The portrayal of climate anxiety in youth-focused media.
8. Ethical concerns around using AI to detect student cheating.
9. The impact of remote work on collaboration and professional identity.
10. How financial journalism affects consumer trust in economic policy.

The Bottom Line

An effective article review comes from clarity, not speed. The steps that we described above turn scattered thoughts into well-structured writing. This way, you can critically evaluate any research article. Remember that your goal is to understand the author's points through evidence and then add your own insights.

If writing still feels like too much to handle, EssayHub can take some of the weight off. Our professionals can help you from outlining all the way to the proofreading process.