How to Write a Critical Review of a Research Paper or a Journal

How to Write a Critical Review of a  Research Paper or a Journal

What is a Critical Review?

A critical review is a process of evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of a journal or Research Paper’s ideas and content. It also provides the description, interpretation and analysis that allow readers to measure the article's value.

Some points to consider before You Read the research paper

1.   What does the title lead you to expect about the article?

2.   Study any sub-headings to understand how the author organized the content.

3.   Read the abstract for a summary of the author's arguments.

4.   Study the list of references to decide what research contributed to the author's arguments and also care about, Are the references recent? Do they represent important work in the field?

5.   If possible, read about the author to learn what authority he or she has to write about the subject.

Now Reading the Article: Points to Consider

Remember, Read the article carefully and record your impressions and note sections which are suitable for your quoting.

Following point help you better write the strength and flaws about your article.

1.     Who is the intended audience?

2.     Is the article organized logically and easy to follow?

3.     Does the writer's style suit the intended audience? Is the style stilted or unnecessarily complicated?

4.     To present an argument that builds on past research? To refute another writer's argument?

5.     What is the author's purpose?

6.     To survey and summarize research on a topic?

7.     Does the author define important terms?

8.     If the article reports on an experiment or study, does the author clearly outline methodology and the expected result? 

9.     Is the information in the article fact or opinion? Because facts can be verified while opinions arise from interpretations of facts so be careful to note the article fact or opinion.

10.  Is the article lacking information or argumentation that you expected to find?

11.   Does the information seem well-researched or is it unsupported?

12.  What are the author's central arguments or conclusions? Are they clearly stated? Are they supported by evidence and analysis?

13.  Is the author's language objective or charged with emotion and favoritism?

14.  If illustrations or charts are used, are they effective in presenting information?