How to Write an Effective Article Critique: A Step-by-Step Guide

What is an article critique?

An article critique requires you to critically read a piece of research and identify and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the article.

theconversation.com

How is a critique different from a summary?

A summary of a research article requires you to share the key points of the article so your reader can get a clear picture of what the article is about. A critique may include a brief summary, but the main focus should be on your evaluation and analysis of the research itself.

What steps need to be taken to write an article critique?

Before you start writing, you will need to take some steps to get ready for your critique:

Choose an article that meets the criteria outlined by your instructor.

Read the article to get an understanding of the main idea.

Read the article again with a critical eye.

As you read, take note of the following:

• What are the credentials of the author/s? Is the author qualified to write about the topic?
• Are the chosen research methods appropriate to answer the research question(s)?
• Are there issues related to the generalizability of the results?
• Is there evidence of bias or a conflict of interest?
• Is the article timely and relevant or is it outdated?
• Did the author/s ground their research in theory and previous literature?

What is included in an article critique?

An article critique has four main parts:

1. Introduction

• Include an introductory paragraph that includes the following:
• The author’s name(s) and the title of the article
• The author’s main point
• A thesis statement that previews your analysis

2. Summary

• After your introduction, discuss the following in your own words:
• The main points of the article
• The arguments presented in the article
• The findings of the article

3. Critique

• After summarizing the article, critique the article by doing the following:
• Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the article that you noted while critically reading the article.
• State your informed opinions about the clarity, relevancy, and accuracy of the article, using specific examples from the article to support your statements.

4. Conclusion

• Finally, end your article critique with a conclusion that does the following:
• Summarize the key points in the article, as well the key points from your own analysis.
• Close with a comment about the significance of the research or a statement of future research needed in the field.